FAQ
In our FAQ section you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
If you don’t find the right answer here, our support staff will be glad to help you.
Contact us via phone:
FAQ Sections
General queries
Which files can be imported into PointCab?
One can import all established point cloud file formats.
Currently there is: DotProduct .dp, E57 .e57, EsriGrid .asc, Faro .fws, .lsproj, .fls, Las/Laz .las, .laz, PointCab .lsdx, .lse, Mesh .dae, .3ds, .ifc, .stl, Mantis .mpc, Stanford .ply, Leica .ptg, .ptx, Riegl .rps, KitWare .pvtp, .vtp, XYZ .xyz, Z+F .zfs, .zfprj
Is ist possible to import and edit camera images for example from a drone flight?
PointCab is a point cloud processing software. To generate a point cloud out of camera images please use photogrammetry software solutions, for example Agisoft Photoscan, Pix4D or Sure. The resulting point cloud can be imported into PointCab.
Which CAD file formats can be exported out of PointCab?
It is possible to create .dwg, .dxf, .dae, .x or .3ds files with PointCab.
Is it possible to import the with PointCab generated files into my CAD system?
Please check if there is a tutorial regarding the used application on our website.
If your CAD system is not listed please inform us and we will provide a tutorial or you can test it yourself with our PointCab trial version.
Is it possible to manipulate the point cloud in PointCab, for example delete certain points?
We are currently working on an efficient solution.
It is possible to change the area visible of different terrestrial scans so the more distant points with more noise are not considered.
In unordered point clouds it is possible to chose certain areas, export them and create a new project with them.
What is the time frame for using the trial version?
The trial license is valid for 24 hours and is limited to 3 projects.
This means that while PointCab is open, these 24 hours are gradually running out.
While PointCab is closed, the timer stops.
Furthermore, only 3 projects can be imported and processed.
How much does the software or the software modules cost?
Bitte besuchen Sie unseren Webshop.
Please visit our webshop. There is a list of all products we are currently offering.
Is there a discount?
In order to respect our other customers, partners and resellers we can’t give any discounts.
Is there a manual?
In our extensive tutorials we provide detailed and up-to-date information to acquaint you with our software and the different tools.
In addition there are videos which are more helpful than a manual.
Layouts and sections are not visualized correctly in AutoCAD 2016
Please install service pack 1 (SP1) for AutoCAD 2016, after that everything should work correctly.
Instructions for Exporting Stationed Data Based on Position in Trimble RealWorks
In the Project window, select either the entire project or the folder, or a single Scan which is to be exported.
Then select the Export tab and here the option “Convert to e57…”.
Hardware
For which operation system is PointCab currently available?
Currently PointCab is available for Windows 64-Bit.
Is it possible to use PointCab on a 32-Bit operating system?
Due to the fact that point cloud data normally need a lot of RAM we decided to only support 64-Bit operating systems.
What are the minimum computer specs to be able to use PointCab?
2 GB RAM, 1.0 GHz Intel compatible CPU, Microsoft Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 – 64bit and 10 GB free memory on the hard drive are sufficient.
However calculation time reduces significantly with better hardware. Especially a higher amount of kernels and RAM will have positive effects.
The graphics card is only used for visualization not for calculations and therefore the one of a normal computer is sufficient.
Questions about tools and functions
How does the registration work?
Our registration is feature-based. In your scan project you need reference spheres or checkerboard patterns to register the individual scans. Alternatively, you can also use natural 3D points as correspondence.
Is it possible to get dxf files with vector images instead of raster images, which are normally written when using the layout and section tool?
Yes, you need the Vectorizer tools and you can create vector graphics as DXF.
How can I create sections, layouts and orthophotos and how does this function?
Please use the layout and section tool.
Sections can be created in the standard floor plan, and layouts can be created in the standard front view and standard view.
Is it possible to create sections, layouts and orthophotos with transparency?
Yes, please select transparent white or transparent black for the background in the Job Editor under CAD for the background during job creation. In order for the transparency to be available in AutoCAD, transparency must also be enabled in the graphic settings.
How do the tools and modules work?
Please have a look at our tutorials.
New features and changes can also be seen in our YouTube channel:
Why can’t I see a point cloud in the 3D Viewer?
Please open the 3D Viewer. Click on the house symbol on the left side of the window. In the Job Editor the Section “Scan Positions” will list all the scans in your project, organized by clusters. Check the box or boxes for the corresponding point clouds that you want to display. The LOD will be automatically calculated and the point cloud will be displayed. You can add or remove scans in the 3D Viewer as you desire.
The 3D viewer also shows scanner positions, vector lines and meshes.
Error messages
Dongle license is not recognized.
Please ensure the following points:
- Is the dongle visible as a normal USB stick under Computer?
- Is there a valid license file on the dongle?
- Did you test if the dongle works on other computers?
- Is ensured that antivirus software isn’t blocking the access? (Try turning off the antivirus software).
If you can answer all these questions with Yes, please call us for further support.
Online license is not recognized.
Please ensure the following points:
- Does your computer has a permanent and stable internet connection?
- Is a valid license installed? (If you have a valid support contract the newest license will be send to you when a PointCab update is available.)
If none of the above solves the issue please contact PointCab support.
Error code 203 while importing E57 files
Error cause:
- The files are not saved locally. Please copy the files to the local hard drive.
- There are special characters in the file path. Please change the file path name.
Error code 205 while importing rsp, mpc or dp files
The file path is not ASCII conform or is too long.
Unfortunately we can’t resolve this since the manufacturers did not consider this in their interfaces.
Error code 211 while importing scan data
One of the scans in the project seems to be defective. Please check the scan panorama views in the corresponding manufacturer’s application.
Error code 214 while importing Faro project data
The Faro Scene version you used to create the project is higher than the currently installed Faro SDK. Please download the newest Faro SDK from their website or write our support to receive an up to date installation file.
The html file from the WebExport is not created
Possible error cause:
- The file is opened in another application
- The template is missing under Propertys. Please try File->Restore Default Settings. If this does not resolve the issue please contact PointCab support.
The panoramas are not visible / only black in the browser.
Possible error cause:
- If you have chosen “Bubble” for the panoramas, you need the Flash plugin in your browser. Please update or reinstall your Flash-Plugin and set the permissions if necessary.
- Alternatively, please export the panoramas with the “Planar” setting.
- The browser blocks access to the Adobe Flash plug-in. Please change your browser settings and give access to locally saved HTML files.
If you still have an error message, please contact our support.
MAC license is not recognized
The MAC address of the computer has been changed.
Please open “License Information” under “Help” in PointCab and send us the correct MAC address.
When importing data, the message that *. lsproj or *. fws is empty appears.
Reasons for error:
- Data is not stored locally on the computer. Please save the data to the local disk space.
- FARO SCENE is still open when PointCab is running. Please close FARO SCENE.
- The lsproj or fws files may be damaged. Open the FARO project in FARO SCENE and check the scans in area view to see if the scans can be displayed completely.
- lsproj or fws files were not saved correctly. Please open the FARO project in FARO SCENE and save the FARO project again.
