STUDENT GUIDE

Trimble® RealWorks® Software

Version 11.x of the Trimble® RealWorks® Software

Revision D
July 2018
Corporate Office Release Notice
Trimble Incorporated This is the April 2018 release (Revision D) of the
10368 Westmoor Drive Trimble RealWorks Software Student Guide. It
Westminster, CO 80021 applies to version 11.x of the Trimble RealWorks
USA software.
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use of the information contained herein.

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Table of Contents
GETTING STARTED WITH THE TRIMBLE REALWORKS SOFTWARE ........................................................... 7
Learning objectives............................................................................................................................. 7
Recommended project data ............................................................................................................... 7
Access and save Trimble RealWorks software projects and data ......................................................... 8
Setting up preferences ..................................................................................................................... 14
Point loading .................................................................................................................................... 17
USER INTERFACE, VISUALIZATION TOOLBARS, AND NAVIGATION ........................................................ 19
Learning objectives........................................................................................................................... 19
Recommended project data ............................................................................................................. 19
Ribbon or Classic? ............................................................................................................................ 20
Interface components ...................................................................................................................... 21
Ribbon layout ................................................................................................................................... 24
Commonly used tools ....................................................................................................................... 26
Using the mouse in the 3D view........................................................................................................ 34
Using a 3D mouse in the 3D view ...................................................................................................... 35
DATA REGISTRATION ............................................................................................................................ 36
Learning objectives........................................................................................................................... 36
Recommended project data ............................................................................................................. 36
Automatic registration using planes (target-less) .............................................................................. 37
Refining registration using TZF scans ................................................................................................ 40
Automatic registration using targets ................................................................................................. 44
Target-based registration ................................................................................................................. 52
Registration to a known coordinate system ...................................................................................... 55
Cloud-based registration .................................................................................................................. 59
REALCOLOR FOR THE TRIMBLE REALWORKS SOFTWARE ...................................................................... 64
Learning objectives........................................................................................................................... 64
Recommended project data ............................................................................................................. 64
RealColor interface ........................................................................................................................... 65
Open RealColor for the Trimble RealWorks software and import panoramas .................................... 66
Auto pairing, matching and colorizing ............................................................................................... 69
Trimble RealColor for the Trimble RealWorks software project management ................................... 74
Other pairing methods ..................................................................................................................... 76
SCAN EXPLORER .................................................................................................................................... 80
Learning objectives........................................................................................................................... 80
Recommended project data ............................................................................................................. 80
Open and navigate Scan Explorer ..................................................................................................... 81
Creating and using a Key Plan in Scan Explorer ................................................................................. 85
Measurements in Scan Explorer ....................................................................................................... 91

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 Annotate a scene in Scan Explorer .................................................................................................... 93
Extracting points in Scan Explorer ..................................................................................................... 97
Extracting slices in Scan Explorer ...................................................................................................... 99
INTRODUCTION TO BASIC TOOLS ........................................................................................................ 102
Learning objectives......................................................................................................................... 102
Recommended project data ........................................................................................................... 102
Limit Box Extraction tool ................................................................................................................. 103
Classification Layers........................................................................................................................ 109
Segmentation tool .......................................................................................................................... 119
Sampling tool ................................................................................................................................. 128
Measurement tool.......................................................................................................................... 135
User Coordinate System (UCS) creation tool ................................................................................... 143
INTRODUCTION TO PRODUCTION TOOLS ........................................................................................... 148
Learning objectives......................................................................................................................... 148
Recommended project data ........................................................................................................... 148
Cutting Plane tool ........................................................................................................................... 149
Polyline Drawing tool ..................................................................................................................... 160
Mesh Creation tool ......................................................................................................................... 169
Mesh Editing tool ........................................................................................................................... 176
Volume Calculation tool ................................................................................................................. 182
Image Rectification tool .................................................................................................................. 194
Image Matching tool ...................................................................................................................... 200
Inspection tools .............................................................................................................................. 203
INTRODUCTION TO MODELING TOOLS ............................................................................................... 221
Learning objectives......................................................................................................................... 221
Recommended project data ........................................................................................................... 221
Cloud-based modeling .................................................................................................................... 222
Calculating geometry using constraints........................................................................................... 225
Intersect tool – Connecting geometry in sequence ......................................................................... 230
Geometry Modifier tool.................................................................................................................. 232
Geometry Creator tool ................................................................................................................... 234
EasyPipe tool .................................................................................................................................. 236
Plane Bounding tool ....................................................................................................................... 240
Intersect tool – Extend to and between geometries........................................................................ 244
Extrusions....................................................................................................................................... 246
SteelWorks Creator tool ................................................................................................................. 250
Duplicator tool - Duplicating along a line ........................................................................................ 254
Duplicator tool - Duplicate around an axis ...................................................................................... 257
TRIMBLE REALWORKS SOFTWARE MODELING TO TRIMBLE SKETCHUP SOFTWARE ........................... 261
Learning objectives......................................................................................................................... 261

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 Recommended project data ........................................................................................................... 261
Create and export geometries to the Trimble SketchUp software ................................................... 262
TRIMBLE SCAN EXPLORER SOFTWARE MODELING TO THE TRIMBLE SKETCHUP SOFTWARE .............. 265
Learning objectives......................................................................................................................... 265
Recommended project data ........................................................................................................... 265
Create entities in the SketchUp tool ............................................................................................... 266
Modeling constraints and options .................................................................................................. 268
Modeling functions ........................................................................................................................ 269
INTRODUCTION TO STORAGE TANK.................................................................................................... 277
Learning objectives......................................................................................................................... 277
Recommended project data ........................................................................................................... 277
Vertical tank setup ......................................................................................................................... 278
Horizontal tank setup ..................................................................................................................... 283
Vertical Tank Calibration................................................................................................................. 285
Horizontal Tank Calibration ............................................................................................................ 294
Tank Calibration Sheet.................................................................................................................... 296
Tank Secondary Containment ......................................................................................................... 303
Vertical Tank Inspection ................................................................................................................. 309

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6
Getting Started with the Trimble RealWorks Software

Learning objectives
In this lesson, you will learn to:
• Access and save Trimble® RealWorks® software projects and data
• Set up user preferences
• Understand the importance of Point Loading

Recommended project data

• Any Trimble RealWorks software project dataset

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Access and save Trimble RealWorks software projects and data
Launch the Trimble RealWorks
software
Select Trimble RealWorks 10.3 from your list
of available desktop apps.
Or…
Click the Trimble RealWorks software icon if
it appears on the desktop.

The RealWorks software will open and display the Start Page.

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Open a file or project
Select File > Open.
Or…

Click the File Open

icon.
Or…
Press [Ctrl] + [O].

The Trimble RealWorks software can open

many file types.
Do one of the following:
In the Open dialog, select the <File of type>.
Select <the file>.
Click Open.
Or, open an existing project.
Select the <Trimble RealWorks software
project file (*.rwp file)>.
Click Open.

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A project appears similar to the following:

Save a project
Ensure that all tools are closed.
Select File > Save.

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Or, if the project has not been previously
saved, select File > Save As.

If a project has not been saved, you are

prompted to Save As.
Enter <a File name>.
Select <a storage location>.
Click Save.
Note: To rename a project, select File > Save
As > enter <a new name>. You must follow
this process because the .rwp file is tied to the
.rwi folder.

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Note: If you have a project, including *.tzf
files (for example, from a TX5 or TX8 3D laser
scanner) you are also prompted to copy these
files or keep the link to the original files.

Close a project
Select <the project> in the WorkSpace.

Do one of the following:

To close the selected project, Right-Click on
it and select Close.

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To close one project, select File > Close.

Or, to close all open projects, select File >

Close All.

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Setting up preferences
You can customize the behavior and aspects of the Trimble RealWorks software in the Preferences
dialog. These preferences are grouped under multiple tabs. The preferences settings are persistent
and will be saved for the next session.
1. Open the Preferences dialog.
Click the Preferences button in the Quick Access toolbar.

Or Click the Preferences button in Support menu, Settings tab.

Or Click the Unit field displayed at the bottom right of the interface. This is a shortcut to
Preferences/Units.

Or, in Classic Menu bars interface, select Edit>Preferences.

The Preferences screen has seven tabs.
Complete the changes required in each tab as shown in the following examples.
Note: Preferences may vary by class exercise and user – follow the direction and advice detailed by the
certified trainer.

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Viewer tab
Options section
Select <the recommended default options>.
Colors section
Select <suitable colors>.
Tools section
Enable or disable the Keep displayed objects
visible when starting segmentation option,
to display or hide objects, respectively,
while starting the segmentation tool.
CAUTION: This can result in an overlap of
similar cloud objects from the List window
and in the Segmentation tool. This can
disturb the display of segmentation results.

Navigation tab
Options section
CAD software users may want to select the
Reverse Mouse-Zoom to make it similar to
CAD.
Mouse Buttons section
Change actions allocated to mouse buttons.
Magnifier Mode section
Define the default size of the Magnifier
Mode box and the effect over the center of
the rotation in the 3D View.

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General tab
Modifications section
Edit the Stack Size for Undo/Redo.
Temporary Folder section
Define the temporary (Temp) folder location
and its capacity.
Note: Trimble recommends that you accept
the default settings. Having a large space
available is important for Save or Save as
actions.
Coordinate System section
Select preference.
Orientation Measurement System section
Select preference.
Language Settings section
Select <the desired language>.
Start Page section
Select preference.

Units tab
Display Properties section
Define <the Decimal Places> (depending on
the units that you select in the Unit System
section) to ensure that you will see small
differences in values.
For example, a registration report can display
differences as small as a few millimeters. If
the units are set to meters, you will need
three or four decimal places to see the
errors.
Unit System section
Select the unit system options.
Note: The length and diameter units can vary,
even though both are distances. Some
engineering applications may require the
Length in millimeters and Diameter in inches.
Alignment Stationing section
Define the format to display information
about stationing in Inspection tools.

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2. Review and complete the required preferences.
If satisfied…
Click Apply.
Click OK.
Close and restart the Trimble RealWorks software to apply changes.

Point loading
The Trimble RealWorks software uses a point loading/caching option to maximize user efficiency. This
option is available with many of the tools.
The maximum amount of data loaded in the tool is managed directly within the main user interface
(UI). It is presented, when applicable, as a user entry field in the lower right-hand corner of the main
window as seen in this example:

The load amount is dynamic and may be changed at any time, except during an active process. This
value applies to the entire project and to only those stations or point clouds that are selected when
entering the tool.
CAUTION: The Trimble RealWorks software allows users to enter values above their installed amount
of system RAM. Inputting a number above the recommended values may result in the Trimble
RealWorks software freezing for an extended period or even a complete system crash. If the system
freezes, users may have to select End Task from within the Applications tab or select End Process from
the Processes tab of the Windows® Task Manager. Press [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [Del] or right-click the Windows
taskbar. This will result in a loss of any unsaved work.

Most of the current tools in the Trimble RealWorks software have not been optimized for large
amounts of data. Therefore, managing the point loading limit becomes extremely important. As the
Trimble RealWorks software uses the full amount of data loaded in its processes, it is highly
recommended to use manageable values for tool processing.

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18
User Interface, Visualization Toolbars, and Navigation

Learning objectives
In this lesson, you will learn to identify:
• Ribbon layout vs. Classic menus and toolbars
• Items in the user interface
• The 3D View and explain its purpose.
• The WorkSpace window and explain its purpose
• The List window and explain its purpose
• Ribbon groups and tools and explain their purpose
• Mouse configurations

Recommended project data

• Any Trimble RealWorks software project dataset

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Ribbon or Classic?
RealWorks software, version 10 introduced the Ribbon layout in its interface. The Ribbon layout
provides efficient, workflow driven groups of tools that support specific project needs.
When you start the RealWorks software for the first time, it opens with the default, Ribbon layout.
Ribbon layout

From the Ribbon layout, switch to the

Classic toolbars and menus by selecting
Ribbon/Toolbar from the Support Tab’s
Settings menu or by using the following
combination of keys Ctrl + Alt + F9.

Classic menus and toolbars

From Classic menus and toolbars, switch to

the Ribbon layout by selecting
Ribbon/Toolbar from the Window menu or
by using the following combination of keys
Ctrl + Alt + F9.

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Interface components
When you start a RealWorks software session, you can see the main window with its working sub-
window components and the Start Page (not illustrated). After you open a project, these components
will activate so you can start working with them. You can customize the settings of the different
components inside the main window.

Ribbon interface – shown in Production configuration

1. 3D View
2. Workspace
3. List
4. Ribbon layout
5. Vertical Navigation and Display toolbar
6. Quick Access toolbar (Customize-able)

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Classic Menus and Toolbars interface – shown in OfficeSurvey module (configuration)
1. 3D View
2. Workspace
3. List
4. Classic menus and toolbars
5. Vertical navigation and Display toolbar

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Trimble RealWorks software interface components:
Number Description

1 3D View
The 3D View shows a 3D representation of a selection made in the WorkSpace or List
window. The 3D View opens automatically: you can move or reduce it, or restore it to its
original position, but you cannot close it.
In the Preference display options, you can customize the default background color as
required.

2 WorkSpace window
The WorkSpace window opens automatically when the user interface appears. Use it to
organize data hierarchically in a Project tree. Depending on the current active module,
the main tree is subdivided into sub-trees called:
• Models and Images in the Production configuration.
• Scans, Targets, and Images in the Registration configuration.
These trees display as selectable tabs. Use them to organize the respective data types
from a loaded project.

3 List window
The List window is always open when you start the software and is located by default
below the WorkSpace window. It displays the content of a selected group of the Project
tree that currently appears in the WorkSpace window. Each object node shown in this
window is identified by an icon, name, and other properties.
You can move the List window to any location in the user interface, or close, reduce, and
restore it.
The List Mode icon can be accessed from the database toolbar, and is located below
the title bar of the List window. It enables you to view items in the List window as
Details, Icons, or Thumbnails.

4 Ribbon layout/Classic menus and toolbars

The new Ribbon layout and optional Classic menus and toolbars in the Trimble
RealWorks software are used to access all available functions in the current
configuration (Ribbon) or module (Classic): tools, preferences, and display options.
The tools available depend on the object that is currently selected. If a tool does not
apply to an object, you cannot select it from the toolbar or from the Tools menu.
Vertical Navigation and Display toolbar
5
This toolbar groups all the main functionalities to Navigate through the 3D view and change
display parameters. It allows an easy and quick access to options that could be in different groups
of the Ribbon or Classic interface.

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 Number Description
Quick Access toolbar
6
This customize-able toolbar is available only in the Ribbon interface. It groups main actions like
“open”, “save”, etc., for an easy and quick access. Customize it by opening the dropdown list on
the right of the toolbar as shown.

Ribbon layout
The following ribbons are available in the
software:
• File
• Home
• Edit
• View
• Registration
• Drawing
• Surfaces
• Imaging
• Model
• Plant
• Inspection
• Storage Tank
• Media
• Support
To activate a ribbon:
Select <the required tab>.

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Common tools and groups may be found across many of the tabs and include:
• Limit Box Mode
• Segmentation
• Measure

Other tools and groups include:

• Import/Export • Surface
• Scan Explorer • Volume
• SketchUp • Ortho-Projection
• AutoCAD© • Matched Image
• RealColor • Media
• Search • Creation
• 3D Selection • Edition
• Print • SteelWorks
• Sharing • Piping
• General • Access
• Project • Stationing
• TZF Scan • Inspection Map
• Scan • 3D Inspection
• Cloud • Polyline Inspection
• Image • Tank Object
• Geometry • Tank Inspection
• Navigation • Tank Calibration
• Zoom • Learning
• View • License
• Display • Settings
• Station Markers
• Rendering
• Windows
• Line Work
• Slice Tools
• Features
Note: Tools are workflow dependent and may vary within groups.

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Commonly used tools
Zoom
Click… To…
Return to the extents, or home view.

Zoom Extents (Home)

Frame an area to zoom in by clicking and dragging a zoom window to the
opposite corner.

Zoom in
Frame an area to zoom out by clicking and dragging a zoom window to the
opposite corner.
Zoom out
Zoom and center on objects in the 3D View that are currently selected.

Zoom on selection
Move the selected points in the 3D View at the center of the 3D View, the
rotation center.
Center on a point Use X keyboard shortcut to access center on Point.
Magnifier Mode Press and Hold the N key to activate the Magnifier mode. It will zoom an
area around the cursor of the mouse, hiding objects around to focus on that
location.
The size of the viewing area can be defined in
/Preferences/Navigation/Magnifier Mode but can be dynamically changed
using “+” and “-“ or reset to default with”*”.

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Navigation
Click… To…
Use the current cursor position in the 3D view to define the center of
rotation.
Center of Rotation
Select the required projection mode:
• In the Isometric projection mode, the distance from the viewing camera
Projection Mode origin to displayed objects has no impact on how large an object appears.
• In the Perspective projection mode, the most unmistakable characteristic
is foreshortening—the further an object is from the viewing camera, the
smaller it appears in the final screen image.
Select a navigation mode:
• The Examiner mode is the default navigation mode when the Trimble
Displacement Mode RealWorks base software is launched. In this mode, you turn the camera
around an object. These operations are actually obtained by moving the
scene with a mouse. Navigation is free inside the 3D View window; this is
called Standard Navigation.
• In the Walkthrough mode, you use the mouse movement to simulate a
walking through of the displayed scene. You cannot apply constraints in
this navigation mode.
• In the Station-Based mode, a scene is viewed from the viewpoint of one
of the stations, that is the instrument location for this station, and you
can jump from one station to another (if there is more than one).
Toggles head up lock

View
Click… To…
Quickly jump to a certain view such as Top, Left, or Front. This is based on
the active frame.

View
Quickly jump to a certain view such as Top, Left, or Front. This is based on
the object selected.

Object view

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Display
Click … To …
Display the selected cloud object or objects in the 3D View. If a group folder
is selected, every cloud object contained in the group is displayed.
Show Cloud
Hide the selected cloud object or objects so that they are not displayed in
the 3D View. If a group folder is selected, every cloud object contained in
Hide Cloud the group is hidden.
Display the selected geometry object or objects in the 3D View. If a group
folder is selected, every geometry object contained in the group is
Show Geometry displayed.
Hide the selected geometry object or objects in the 3D View. If a group
folder is selected, every geometry object contained in the group is hidden.
Hide Geometry
Hide all objects currently displayed in the 3D View.

Hide All
Hide all but selected objects.

Hide Other

Limit Box
Click… To…
Enable the Limit Box Mode for viewing. Allowing the use of Limit Box
options to manage the display in the 3D View.
Limit Box Mode Note: Limit Box was formerly referred to as Clipping Box.

Rendering
Click … To …
Change the rendering of a cloud object. Rendering includes options
such as: White, Cloud Color, Station Color, Scan Color, Grey Scale, True
Color, Color Coded Intensity, Color Coded Elevation, or color coded
rendering by Classification.

(Cloud) Rendering

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Click … To …
Opens a dialog with three rendering options:
• Contrast
Cloud Rendering Settings • Brightness
• Blending (between Intensity and True color)
• Rendering by Elevation parameters

Change the rendering of a geometry object. Geometry Rendering

options are Wireframe, Hidden Lines, Solid, Solid – Classification and
Textured.

Geometry Rendering
Renders Mesh objects using a smooth shading.

Smooth Meshes
Overlay the scan intensity on top of the rendering.

Intensity-Based Blending
Select a pixel size for displaying cloud points in the 3D View.

Point Size

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Click … To …
Add a dynamic filter over the 3D view to enhance display with, Hide
Background, See Inside or Outline

Note: These filtering options are dynamic over the 3D View and are
affecting only the Display. It is not possible to combine these filters
with active tools. For example in Segmentation mode, the visibility
filter will change the display but not the result of a cloud object
Visibility Filtering creation.
Shade each displayed point by using its normal information or an
ambient light option.

Shading
Open the lighting direction tool. This tool enables you to produce
lighting effects on complex objects. You can change the spotlight's
Lighting Direction direction or use one of the five pre-defined light effects. Lighting
effects are applied to the current (active) 3D View.

3D Selection
Click … To …
Define the selection mode when using Ctrl+Left-click in the 3D View. Two
modes are available: Rectangular or Polygonal.
Selection Mode (Hold
Ctrl Key)

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31
Station Markers
Click… To…
If you double-click the station icon it will navigate to the station-based view
of that station.
Display Stations If the stations are displayed click the icon to turn off the display.
If the stations are displayed, you can display the station label by clicking this
icon.
Display Stations Labels If station labels are displayed, you can turn them off by clicking this icon.
Opens a dialog to filter which station
marker to display in the 3D View.
Station Marker List
Station marker:

Cloud and Geometry Color

Change the color of a cloud object. To view a cloud object using this
coloring, make sure that Cloud Rendering is set to Cloud Color.
Cloud Color
Change the color of a geometry. To view a geometry using this coloring,
make sure that the Geometry Rendering is set to Surface or Textured.
Geometry Color

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Measure
Click… To…
Opens the Measurement tool.

Measurement

To perform a distance measurement, choose the appropriate type of measurement by

clicking on the associated icon within the tool. In each case, you should pick two points
except for the Vertical Clearance Measurement (Upward) or the Vertical Clearance
Measurement (Downward) where just one point is required.
There are ten icons dedicated to distance measurements:
• Distance Measurement
• View-based 2D distance measurement (Parallel-Projection)
• Distance Measurement In Horizontal Plane
• Distance Measurement Along Vertical Axis
• Vertical Clearance Measurement (Upward)
• Vertical Clearance Measurement (Downward)
• Point to Fitted Plane Distance Measurement
• Fitted Cylinder Diameter Measurement
• Point to Geometry Distance Measurement
• Multi-point distance measurement

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Using the mouse in the 3D view

To … Do the following ….
Select an item Press and release the left button ❶
Select a region (In 3D View) Press and Hold Ctrl key + Press and hold left button ❶
Access the context menu Press and release the right button ❸
Rotate an object, centered Press and hold the left button ❶
around a point
Pan Press and hold the middle button (the mouse wheel) ❷
Zoom In /Out Use the mouse wheel ❷
Note: If required, you can select the Reverse Mouse-Zoom option in the Viewer
tab of the Preferences dialog.
Control step and speed of Press and hold the middle button ❷ and the left button ❶.
the Zoom In/Out function

Note: This table shows the default options of the mouse. To change the mouse options select Edit >
Preferences > Navigation.

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Using a 3D mouse in the 3D view

To … Do the following ….
Select an item Press and release the left button ❶
Select a region Press and Hold Ctrl key + Press and hold left button ❶
Access the context menu Press and release the right button ❸
Rotate an object, centered
around a point • Tilt the controller cap ❷ forwards / backwards to tumble the
displayed objects around the horizontal axis.
• Rotate the controller cap ❷ clockwise to spin the object around
the vertical axis of the screen (clockwise).
• Rotate the controller cap ❷ counterclockwise to spin the object
around the vertical axis of the screen (counterclockwise).

• Tilt the controller cap ❷ Left/Right to roll the displayed objects

around the axis perpendicular to the screen.
Pan
• Pull the controller cap ❷ to the Up to move the object upwards.

• Push the controller cap ❷ to the Down to move the object

downwards.
• Push the controller cap ❷ to the Right to move the object to the
right.
• Push the controller cap ❷ to the Left to move the object to the
left.
Zoom In /Out (Distance)
• Push the controller cap ❷ to Zoom In.
• Pull the controller cap ❷ to Zoom Out.
Zoom In /Out (Angle)
• Press the Ctrl key and push the controller cap ❷ to Zoom In. The
mouse cursor takes the following shape .
• Keep the Ctrl key pressed and pull the controller cap ❷ to Zoom
Out. The mouse cursor takes the following shape .

35
Data Registration

Learning objectives
In this lesson, you will learn to:
• Register data using automatic extraction by planes (target-less)
• Refine the registration using the TZF scans
• Register data using Automatic Extraction by targets
• Register data using Target-Based registration
• Register data to a known coordinate system
• Cloud-Based registration

Recommended project data

• Any Trimble RealWorks software project datasets – with and without targets

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Automatic registration using planes (target-less)
The Trimble RealWorks software includes a target-less registration method that is reliant on scanning
vertical planes within the scene. Although this method was primarily introduced for interior scanning
projects, it often works well in outdoor scenes. Keep the following in mind to maximize success with
plane-based registration:
• Only vertical planes are used to initialize the registration process. Items such as floors, ceilings,
and tables are used at the end of the process to refine the registration and manage different
floors. (Planes are calculated behind the scenes. No planes are modeled/created in the Trimble
RealWorks software.)
• Planes smaller than 30cm x 30cm are ignored in the registration process.
• At least three common planes are recommended between stations.
• Very symmetrical sites may require additional plane-type objects in the scene to maximize
success.
• Planes should be comprised of surfaces/textures that typically give good point cloud results. For
example, a typical neutral colored office building should provide good planes; glass structures
would not.
• Try to take scans with a high angle of incidence to the planes rather than the alternative. For
example, scans directly alongside walls may generate poor planes. Scans taken away from the
walls are generally better. An example of this might be a hallway. In small corridors or tight
hallways, it is generally better to take your scans along one side rather than the middle – this
equates to good data on at least one of the planes rather than poor data on multiple planes.
• If multiple floors are being scanned, it is best to have more than one way (for example, a single
stairwell) to connect them. You may also get better results if you group each floor together first.
Groups are considered “rigid” objects in the Trimble RealWorks software, meaning that the
stations within each group will not move if multiple groups are selected. Run the plane-based
registration on each floor. Then run the plane-based registration on the entire project.
• When scanning an environment with several rooms, plane-based registration usually works well if
you acquire a scan located at the doorway to connect the scan acquired inside the room with the
ones outside. Obviously, the doors should remain open in all the scans (including inside and
outside scans), and at the same position.
The following explains how to automatically register scan files using planes (target-less):
1. Select Registration from the
Configuration options.

37
2. Do one of the following:
Select File > Open.
Or, click the File Open icon.
In the File of type field, select *.tzf, *.tzs,
or *.fls files or any Trimble RealWorks
software project that includes *.tzf files.
Select <the files that you want to
register from the file location>.
Click Open.

3. Automatically extract the planes and

register the scans/stations.
Select <the stations/scans to be
registered>.
Alternatively, select the <project to
apply the registration to all existing
stations>.

4. From the Registration ribbon, select

Auto-register using Planes from the
Scan-Based Registration group.

38
 A pop-up dialog will display.
5. Select the <station you require as the
Reference Station>.
Modify the <selection of stations that
will be finally used during the process>.
This can help, especially with registration
between groups, to keep only useful stations
and reduce the processing time.
The software can generate a preview scan
when registration is complete.
Enable the Generate a Preview Scan
option.
Click Start.

An Information message will display if the project has not been saved to *.rwp format.

6. If you do not have an existing Trimble

RealWorks software project, create one.
Save the project to <the required
location>.
Note: Files are converted to *.tzf format (if
not already in that format).

39
Note: The registration progress is indicated
by a bar at the bottom left hand corner of the
screen.
Once the plane extraction and matching is
complete, the Registration Report screen
appears. The report details information
regarding Cloud-to-cloud error for each
station, Coincident Points (%), and Overall
cloud-to-cloud error.
7. Save the report in RTF format for later
reference.
Click Save to RTF.

Note: It is possible to recompute the report

results without starting the process from
scratch. Select the Registration Report (Scan-
Based) tool from the Registration ribbon’s
Scan-Based Registration group. The tool will
still have to recompute errors, but it is faster
than re doing the target-less registration.

8. If you are satisfied with the result, click Close.

The registered point cloud sample is
displayed in visual window.
In this example, the station color and station
display are turned on.
The data is now registered.

Refining registration using TZF scans

The Trimble RealWorks software includes a refinement technique that can be applied after target-
based, or cloud-based registration methods. The plane-based registration method includes a

40
refinement automatically.
Note: The refinement does not take into account any targets that may have already been
used/matched.
If you are not satisfied with the refinement results, run the target-based registration tool to rematch
any existing targets – it nullifies the refinement. You can run the refine command with no points
loaded into the Trimble RealWorks software. You can also run it multiple times to achieve the desired
results.
The Refinement command works best when stations are aligned in rotation within a maximum of 3°
of each other and when each station has a minimum of 30% overlap.

Refine Example

Building

3°
30 %

Station 3
Station 1

Station 2

The Refinement command works best when the amount of overlapping data within 3° (which
qualifies for use in the refining algorithm) and is equal to or more than the amount of data that would
not qualify and has a strong angle of incidence. Simply put, ensure that you scan just as much detail in
the scene as you do on the flat surfaces around the scanner.

41
An easier way to picture this is with the
following diagram:

Essentially, ensure that you have equal or more points along Distance 1 as you do on Distance 2.
Some examples of where this would factor include the following: a building surrounded by a large,
empty parking lot or a bridge surrounded by flat, open fields. In these cases, the bulk of the data
would reside on the flat surfaces (Distance 2) with only minimal data on the other items/structures in
the scene (Distance 1). In these types of projects, using targets and target-based registration is highly
recommended. Using plane based registration and TZF scan refinement on an entire scanning project
may require more scans. However, experiment and identify what works best and provides the desired
results.
CAUTION: Neither the plane-based registration nor the TZF scan refinement can be “undone”.
However, if you do not obtain satisfactory results, you can still move the stations from any auto-
created groups back to the original project and delete the empty groups to return the project to its
pre-registered state. If you have targets in the scene, running the auto-extract targets and register
command or the target-based registration tool will also negate any work done by the plane-based
registration or any subsequent refines.
The following process can be used to refine registration using the TZF scans:
1. Select Registration from the
Configuration options.

2. Do one of the following:

Select <the Project> in the WorkSpace
window.
Or, Select <specific stations> from the
List window.

42
3. From the Registration ribbon, select
Refine Registration using Scans… from
the Scan-Based Registration group.

4. Select <the Reference Station>.

Click Start.
Note: Select a station that is central to the
other stations as the reference station.

Note: Registration progress is indicated by a

bar in the bottom left-hand corner of the
screen.

43
The Registration Report screen will display
once the refinement is complete. This shows
information regarding Cloud-to-cloud error
for each station, Coincident Points (%), and
Overall cloud-to-cloud error.
5. Save the report in RTF format for later
reference.
Click Save as RTF.
If you are satisfied with the result, click
Close.

Automatic registration using targets

Selecting Targets and Stations
The following process is used for automatic registration of scan files using targets:
1. Select Registration from the
Configuration options.

44
2. Do one of the following:
Select File > Open.

Or, Click the File Open icon .

In the File of type field, select *tzf,*. tzs,
*.fls files, or any Trimble RealWorks
software project that includes *.tzf files.
For example, data from a Trimble TX8
laser scanner.
Select <the files that you want to
register from the file location>.
Click Open.

An Information message will display if the project has not been saved to *.rwp format.

3. If you do not have an existing Trimble

RealWorks software project, create one.
Save the project to <the required
location>.
Note: Files will be converted to *.tzf format.

45
4. Automatically extract the targets and
register the scans/stations.
Select <the stations/scans to be
registered>.
Or, select <the project to apply the
registration to all existing stations>.

5. From the Registration menu, select

Auto-extract Targets (and Register) from
the Target-Based Registration Group.

A pop-up dialog will display.

6. Select <the Target type> and <size> of
targets you need the software to
extract.
If you want the software to generate a
preview scan when registration is
complete, select the Generate a Preview
Scan option. This is a 12px point cloud.
Select <a Reference Station>.
Click Start.
Note: You can launch the tool one time for
each different sphere’s diameter you could
have in the project.
Note: Registration progress is indicated by a
bar in the bottom left-hand corner of the
screen.

46
Once the target extraction and matching is
complete, a Registration Report screen will
display.
7. From the drop-down list, select a Station
View or Target View of the registration.
The report screens show information
regarding residual errors between
stations and targets, scans per station,
Corresponding Station, Delta errors,
Fitting error, Distance to scanner and
Overall residual error.
If you are satisfied with the residual
errors, close the screen.

47
Edit Targets
1. From the WorkSpace screen, click
Analyze.

2. Edit existing targets and extract new targets as required.

48
3. Select <the Station that you want to
review>.

4. Select <the required Target> in the list

to zoom to that target and review it on
screen in 3D.

5. To refit the target, click Refit.

49
6. Select target points, fit target, and
create.

7. To extract a missed target, click Extract.

8. Select <the target type> from the first

drop-down list and <the diameter
information> if required from the
second drop-down list.

9. After you have made changes and

extracted new targets, you must update
the network adjustment.
Click Adjust.
A message will display prompting you to
Auto-Match the Station. This may be
required if new targets were created.
Click Yes or No.
Click Apply.

Station Adjustment
1. In Step 3 of the Target- Based
Registration tool, click Apply.

50
The registered point cloud sample will display:

Note: Your scans/stations are now registered together.

51
Target-based registration
Note: This process assumes that targets already exist in the selected stations to register. These targets
could have been created manually using the Target Analyzer tool or as part of the result of an Auto-
Extract and Register.
Select stations
1. Select Registration from the
Configuration options.

2. Highlight <the coordinate file> and

stations/scans that you want to register
in the List window.

3. From the Registration ribbon, select the

Target-Based Registration from the
Target-Based Registration group.

52
Once the target matching is complete, a
Registration Report will display:
4. From the drop-down list, select <a
Station View> or <Target View> of the
registration.
The report screens show information
regarding residual errors between
stations and targets, scans per station,
Corresponding Station, Delta errors,
Fitting error, Distance to scanner and
Overall residual error.
If you are satisfied with the residual
errors, close the screen.

Edit targets
1. From the WorkSpace screen, scroll to
Step 2.
Click Analyze.
2. Select <the Station> that you want to
review.

53
3. Select <the required Target> in the list
to zoom to that target and review it on
screen in 3D.

4. To refit the target, click Refit.

5. Select < target points>, fit target and

create.
Repeat this process for Not Fitted
targets and targets that can be created
directly from the scan.
Note the tabs for each of these.
Once you have completed this
procedure, the targets will appear in the
List screen.

After you have made changes and extracted

new targets, update the network adjustment.
6. Click Adjust.
A message appears prompting you to
Auto-Match the Station. This may be
required if new targets were created.
Click Yes or No.
Click Apply.

Station adjustment
1. In step 3 of the Target- Based
Registration tool, click Apply.

54
The registered point cloud sample will display:

2. Repeat for additional stations to add to new register group.

Note: Your scans/stations are now registered together.

Registration to a known coordinate system

Select the coordinate system
1. Select Registration from the
Configuration options.

55
Import the known coordinate system:
2. Select File > Open.
Select the Survey Network file type.
Select the Add to project option.
Select <the required file>.
Click Open.

3. In the Surveying Network Import dialog, make your required selections for Import type, Header,
File Format, Separator, and Units.
The coordinate file will appear in the Preview window in the selected format.
Click OK.

56
4. Select <the coordinate file and
stations/scans> you want to register in
the List window.

5. From the Registration ribbon, select

Target-Based Registration from the
Target-Based Registration group.

Once the target matching is complete, a Registration Report will display.

6. From the drop-down list, select <a Station View> or <Target View> of the registration.
If you are satisfied with the residual errors, close the screen.

Edit targets
1. In the WorkSpace screen, scroll to Step
2.
Click Analyze.

57
2. Select <the Station> that you want to
review.

3. Select <the required Target> in the list

to zoom to that target and review it on
screen in 3D.

4. To refit the target, click Refit.

5. Select <target points>, fit target and

create.
Repeat this process for Not Fitted
targets and targets that can be created
directly from the scan.
Note the tabs for each of these.
Once you have completed this
procedure, the targets will appear in the
List screen.

58
After you have made changes and extracted
new targets, you must update the network
adjustment.
6. Click Adjust
Click Apply.

Station adjustment
1. In step 3 of the Target-Based
Registration tool, click Apply.

The newly registered point cloud sample is

displayed in visual window.
It is now registered to the known coordinate
system

Cloud-based registration
Select stations
1. Select Registration from the
Configuration options.

2. Highlight the stations/scans that you

want to register in the List window or
select the Project in the Workspace.

59
3. From the Registration ribbon, select
Cloud-Based Registration from the Scan-
Based Registration group.

4. From the Reference Cloud drop-down

list, select <a Station> as reference of
the registration.
The Reference Cloud is displayed in the upper
left part of the 3D View.

5. From the Moving Cloud drop-down list,

select <a Station> as the first moving
station.
The Moving Cloud is displayed in the upper
right part of the 3D View.
Note: Overlap of the current reference Cloud and Moving Cloud is displayed at the bottom part of the
3D View.
Register
1. Pick one common point between the
Reference Cloud and the Moving Cloud,
respectively in the top left part of the 3D
View and the top right part of it.
The tool will compute a cloud registration
using that common point.
Note: If the Cloud-Based registration fails
with one point, pick a second common point.
The tool will compute a new registration
using these two common points.
If the Cloud-Based registration fails with two
points, pick a third common point. The tool
will compute a new registration using these
three common points.

60
2. Move to the bottom part of the 3D View
to check the result of the cloud
registration. If needed, click the Refine
button to improve the result.

61
Note: It is also possible to start the cloud-
based registration in an automatic mode by
selecting Register clouds automatically (G). A
significant overlap is necessary.

Note: Overlap of the current reference Cloud and Moving Cloud is displayed at the bottom part of the
3D View.
Check quality
1. Review the Refine Error to understand
the quality of the registration.
Click the Refine button in Step 2.

2. Click the Registration Visual Check Button and use the Cutting Plane tool and Limit Boxes to
visually check the quality of the final registration.
Note: Use of the Cutting Plane tool is described in this guide in Chapter 7 – Introduction to Production
Tools.

Apply the first registration and jump to the next cloud (station)

62
1. From the drop-down list, select the
Merging option you want to use for
applying.
Options include:
• Do not create group: The current Moving
Cloud becomes the new Reference Cloud
and then the next station, or group of
stations, is selected as the new Moving
Cloud.
• Add to the reference:
- If the Reference Cloud is a group, the
Moving Cloud (Either a single station or
a group of stations) is moved into that
group. This can create sub-groups into
the reference one.
- If the Reference Cloud is a single
station, a new Group is created and
then, the Moving Cloud (Either a single
station or a group of stations) is moved
into that group. This can create sub-
groups into the reference one.
- Then the next station, or group of
stations, is selected as the new Moving
Cloud.
• Merge with the reference: All stations,
whatever they were in different groups,
will be merged into one single group. This
cannot create sub-groups. Then the next
station, or group of stations, is selected
as the new Moving Cloud.
2. Click the Apply button.

3. Repeat steps as many times as needed to complete the registration of all stations.

63
RealColor for the Trimble RealWorks software

Learning objectives
In this lesson, you will learn to:
• Understand the Trimble RealColor interface
• Open RealColor for the Trimble RealWorks software
• Import new Panoramic JPEG images
• Link Panoramic images to TZF scans
• Colorize TZF scans
• Manage RealColor Projects

Recommended project data

• Westminster University Trimble RealWorks software project dataset

64
RealColor interface
This chapter, will focus upon the 3 different areas of the RealColor interface:

1. Scans and Panoramas window: To display the list of TZF scans, on the left, and the list of
panoramas, on the right.
2. Control window: To fully display a selected TZF or panorama and check the result of a
Colorizing or do Manual Matching.
3. Process window: To show the result of a Matching and Colorizing process, to redo a Colorizing
or undo a link between a TZF scan and a panorama.

A symbol on the top left of a TZF scan in

the Scans and Panoramas window indicates
the TZF is already colorized. The color can be
replaced in RealColor.
If needed, you can remove the existing color
of a TZF by selecting it and then right-clicking
and selecting Erase Color from Selected
Scans.

A symbol in the bottom right of a TZF

scan in the Scans and Panoramas window
indicates more than one scan exists in this
station of the Trimble RealWorks software
project - the number indicates how many
scans. The scan displayed is the Main Scan of
the station.

65
Open RealColor for the Trimble RealWorks software and import panoramas
1. Open <a project> in the Trimble RealWorks software, including TZF scans to colorize using
panoramas.
2. From the Home ribbon, select Open
RealColor from the RealColor group.

Existing TZF scans from the Trimble RealWorks software project are displayed in the Scans and
Panoramas list window.
3. Import new panoramic Images. Select
the Add TZF scans and JPEG panoramas
button from the top left.

66
4. In the Add scans and images window,
browse to <the location of the
panoramas you want to import>.

5. Select <all images you want to import>

and check that their names appear in
the File name field at the bottom.
Click Open.

67
Images open in the Scans and Panoramas
window, next to the TZF scans list.

6. Remove images from the RealColor

project.
Select <from the list of images>.
Click Remove selected scans and
panoramas.

68
Auto pairing, matching and colorizing
1. To automatically associate panoramas
to TZF scans, select Auto in the pairing
method list in Scans and Panoramas
window.

2. To start the process of Matching and

Colorizing, click the Match button.
Because of the Auto option, RealColor
will automatically do the pairing (Link
between TZF and panoramas) prior to
start the Matching and Colorizing.
If nothing is selected in the Scans and
Panoramas window, the pairing will be
applied onto all objects. Otherwise, it will
be applied over only selected pairs of
scans and panoramas.
Note: Use the [Ctrl] + [A] shortcut in both the
Scans list and the Panoramas list, to select
more than one object.

69
All successfully paired TZF and panoramas
are sent to the Process window for Matching
and Colorizing. All unpaired objects (scans
and panoramas) remain displayed in the
Scans and Panoramas window.
Note: The Score information represents the
pairing level of confidence. The Score does
not appear with any other pairing method
than automatic. If during the pairing process
a score less than 50% is calculated, then the
scans and panoramas will remain in the list
(not paired) and will not be processed. This
score does not affect the quality of the
colorizing, this will be defined during the
matching process.
3. To stop the Matching and Colorizing
process, click the Stop button at the top
right corner of the Process window.

4. To restart the Matching and Colorizing

process, click the Re-Start button at the
top right corner of the Process window.
Note: The Trimble RealWorks software will
not resume a colorizing process that has been
stopped. It will start from the beginning.

70
The result of Matching and Colorizing process
is indicated in the Process window as
Complete or Failed.

5. In case of a Failed match, manually

match a scan and a panorama which
were properly linked (paired).
Select from the Process window <the
pair you want to manually match>.

6. In the Control window, click the Un-link

button, top left of the Control window.

71
Note: Break the link between the TZF scan
and the panorama by right-clicking the pair in
the Process window and select the Unlink
Selected Scans and Images option.

7. Click the Manual button, on the top

right of the Control window, to enter
manual matching mode.

8. Click <3 common pixels> between the

TZF scan and the panorama.
Note: Use the Undo button, which appears
right to the TZF scan image or the panorama
image, to undo the last click and then click
the option again.
Click the Match button to re-start the
Matching and Colorizing process using
the manual initialization.

72
Note: Because it was not an Automatic
pairing, there is no Score to display.

9. After completing the manual matching,

check the quality of the colorization in
the Control window.

10. Move the slider to the left <to make

Intensity from the TZF scan more
visible>.

73
11. Move the slider to the right <to make
the color from the panorama more
visible>.

12. Use the mouse web wheel <to zoom in and out over specific areas you want to visually check>.
Note: Use the yellow cross to aim a specific pixel, on a corner for example, and then switch between
intensity and color successively to check the quality of the colorizing.

Trimble RealColor for the Trimble RealWorks software project management

1. Save the current RealColor project as a
*.rco file.
Click the Project menu and select Save
As.

2. In the Save As window, enter <a file

name>.
Click the Save button.

74
Also use the Project menu to :
• Create a new RealColor project
• Open an existing RealColor project
• Save modifications in a new/current
RealColor project
• Exit RealColor

To import any combination of TZF scans and

panoramas into a new or an existing project,
use the Add TZF scans and JPEG panoramas
button.

75
Other pairing methods
There are more pairing methods, which can be used to force the link between TZF scans and
panoramas, before you start the Matching and Colorizing.
Force the pairing onto rows.
Each TZF scan from the list on the left side of
the Scans and Panoramas window will be
linked to the panorama exactly next to it on
the right side of Scans and Panoramas
window.
In this case, only the Sorting Method of
panoramas will define the pairing.
It will work this way using any sorting
method of the panoramas except the Auto or
By Selection methods

Sort panoramas using the following methods:

• By name in the alphabetic order
• By date according to the creation date of
the file
• By date (Added) according to their date
of import into the RealColor project
• By Path according to their location on a
drive

76
Manually choose the pairs of TZF scans and
panoramas.
1. Select the By Selection sorting method.
Then do the following:
Select <a TZF scan and a panorama> in
the Scans and Panoramas list window to
define the first pair.

2. Press and hold the [Ctrl] key (For multi

selection) and select <a second TZF scan
and a second panorama> to define the
second pair.

77
3. Create as many pairs as you want by
selecting <a new TZF scan followed by a
new panorama> each time.

78
79
Scan Explorer

Learning objectives
In this lesson, you will learn to:
• Open and navigate Scan Explorer
• Successfully navigate and use the Key plan view
• Take measurements
• Annotate view to share information
• Extract data into a point cloud

Recommended project data

• Any Trimble RealWorks software project dataset

80
Open and navigate Scan Explorer
1. From the Home ribbon, select Open
Scan Explorer from the Scan Explorer
group.

2. Navigate the Scan Explorer window.

Hold down the left mouse button to
rotate in any direction.
Use the mouse wheel to zoom in/out or
use the zoom icons on the left of the
viewing screen.
The options are zoom in, zoom out, and
zoom extents.

3. Expand your view to a full viewing

screen.
Click the Auto Hide pin icon.

81
4. Click Project Explorer in the upper left to
regain access to the Project Explorer
window.

5. Create a new Station View.

Select the Station tab.
Double-click <the station you want to
view>.

6. The Display/Hide station markers icon

will toggle the display of the station
location(s) in the view window.
Display the station markers.
Note: Display station labels icon will activate
when station markers have been displayed.

82
7. Click a Station icon in the view to
navigate to and display the station.

8. Display the station labels.

Click the Display labels icon .

Station locations and labels now appear
in the View window.

9. If the scan was captured with color

information and the color information
exists in the *.tzf file, you can display the
station in color.
Select the True Color option.

The station data will display in color.

83
10. Display (or hide) the 2D Map.
Click the Display/Hide 2D Map icon

.
Note: The 2D Map shows your current
position and view orientation according to
stations. A background image can be
displayed if a Key Plan exists – as discussed in
the following section: Creating and using a
Key Plan in Scan Explorer.

84
Creating and using a Key Plan in Scan Explorer
What is a Key Plan?
From Trimble Scan Explorer's point of view, a Key Plan is purely a 2D view of the whole project or of a
station (or set of stations) with a set of triangles superimposed. Each triangle symbolizes a station's
position. From RealWorks's point of view, a Key Plan is a Preview and a set of split Ortho-images. All
are put under a folder named Key Plan under the Images Tree. A Key Plan is mainly computed within
RealWorks* and loaded in Trimble Scan Explorer. The computation can be done either from a unique
(or a set of) TZF scan(s) or from a point cloud displayed in the 3D View. For both methods, the user
interaction is restricted to selecting the input. No parameters are required as they are automatically
set.

Generate and navigate a Key Plan

1. From the Home ribbon, select Key Plan
from the Scan Explorer group.

2. Create a Key Plan for Scan Explorer.

Select a Generate Key Plan option:
• Generate Key Plan from TZF Scans:
the Trimble RealWorks software is
creating a Key Plan using the whole
data included in the TZF files.
• Generate Key Plan – from Current
View: the Trimble RealWorks
software is creating a Key Plan using
exactly what is displayed in the 3D
View, with the same zoom level.
Note: Images created for the Key Plans are
added in the Images tab of the Workspace
window.

85
3. Use a Key Plan.
Select the Key Plan tab.
Double-click <the Key Plan you would
like to view>.

4. Navigate the Scan Explorer window.

Hold down the left mouse button to
rotate in any direction.
Use the mouse wheel to zoom in/out or
use the zoom icons on the left of the
viewing screen.
The options are zoom in, zoom out, and
zoom extents.

5. Display the station location in the view

window.

Click the Station icon .

Station locations now appear in the view
window.
To navigate to and display the station,
click <a station icon>.

86
6. Display the station labels.

Click the Display labels icon .

Station locations and labels now appear
in the View window.

Take Measurements from a Key Plan

Use the Key Plan to take dimensional
measurements.

1. Click the Measurement icon to

open the Measure tab.
2. In the Key Plan window, select <two
points to take a measurement>.
The distance appears in the view
window.

87
The Measure tab displays the distance, delta
distance information, and coordinates for the
selected points.

Extract points from a Key Plan

1. Use the Key Plan to extract points.

Click the Extract Points icon .

In the Extract Points tab, select <the
Type of selection required>.
2. Click and drag the box to select the
required area.

88
3. Select the Remove Coincident Points
option to filter out common points
between overlapping stations.

4. Select the Sampling method in the

dropdown list.
Options include:
• All Points : No sampling
• Spatial Sampling: Filter points
according to a minimum distance
between them.
• Spatial Sampling (Keep Details):
Similar to above sampling but
keeping all points over areas like
edges.
5. Select <the required export format>.
Click Create.

89
This example shows points displayed in the Trimble RealWorks software:

Export a Key Plan to the Trimble SketchUp Pro software

It is possible to export a Key Plan from the
Trimble RealWorks software to the Trimble
SketchUp® software.
1. From the WorkSpace window, click the
Images tab.

2. Select <the required key plan> folder to

export.

90
3. Right-click the key plan folder.
Select Export to SketchUp option.

Note: You can also export a single Ortho-Image object from a Key Plan folder or any Ortho-Image
object that has been created using other Trimble RealWorks software tools (Ortho-Projection Tool,
Multi-Ortho-Projection tool)

Measurements in Scan Explorer

Dimensional measurements can be taken
using the Station View. The Measurement
Types include:
• Point to Point
• Vertical Axis
• Horizontal Axis
• Point
• Clear measurement

Take a measurement.

1. Click the Measurement icon .

The Measure tab opens.
Select <the required Measure type>.

91
2. In the Station View window, select <two
points to take a measurement>.
The distance appears in the view
window.

The Measure tab displays the distance, delta

distance information, and coordinates for the
selected points.

Create the measurement in the

Trimble RealWorks software.
1. Click Create.
Export the measurements from the Trimble
RealWorks software to a *.csv file.
2. Select File > Advanced Exports > Export
Measurements.

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Annotate a scene in Scan Explorer

Click the Annotate icon .

Views management
The annotations will be drawn in the selected
view, View_01 by default.
Only annotations from the selected view is
displayed in the 3D view of TSE.
Note: You cannot display more than one view
at a time.

Create a new view.

Click the New View icon.

Save all current views

Click Save All or use the [Ctrl+S] shortcut.

Export all saved views

Click Export All.
Note: A *.tse file will be generated.
Import saved views
Import saved views from a *.tse file
previously exported from any other *.tse-
based project.
Click Import.

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Edit the view name
Move the mouse cursor over the view and
click Rename, next to the view’s name.

Delete a single view

Move the mouse cursor over the view and
click Delete, next to the view’s name.

Delete more than one view

Select each view you want to delete, or
select the Select All Views option and click
Delete.

Annotate in a View
Annotate a scene using one of the following:
• Text Box
• Callout
• Arrow
• Rectangle
• Ellipse
Options descriptions follow.

Create a text box

1. Click the Text Box icon .
Click and drag to position a box.
Double-click inside the box and enter
<the required text>.

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2. Click and hold the text box to reposition,
rotate, or resize it as required.

Create a callout
1. Click the Callout icon .
Click and drag to position the callout
into position.
Double-click inside the callout and enter
the <required text>.

2. Click and hold the callout to reposition,

rotate, or resize it as required.

Create an arrow
1. Click the Arrow icon .
Click <a position on the map>, move the
cursor and double-click to end the
arrow.

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2. Combine the arrow with a text box or
callout to annotate information.

3. Click and hold the arrow to reposition it.

Create a rectangle
1. Click the Rectangle icon .
Click and drag to position and size a
rectangle.
2. If required, you can combine the
rectangle with a text box or callout to
annotate information.
3. Click and hold the arrow to resize,
rotate, and reposition it as required.

Create an ellipse
1. Click the Ellipse icon .
Click and drag to position and size an
ellipse.
2. If required, you can combine the ellipse
with a text box or callout to annotate
information.
3. Click and hold the arrow to resize,
rotate, and reposition it as required.

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Settings for annotation
1. Work with settings for Font, Font Color,
Font Size, Line Weight, and Line Color as
required prior to creation.

Extracting points in Scan Explorer

Extract points using the Station View

1. Click the Extract Points icon .

2. Select the <extraction Method>.
Extraction Methods include the following:
• Rectangular Area
• Polygonal Area
• Plane Extraction
• Cubic
• Whole Station
• Clear Selection

3. Select some or all of the following

selection options:
• Include all Stations
• Remove Coincident Points
• Sampling Method:
- All Points (No sampling)
- Spatial Sampling and then enter
the <required distance>
- Spatial Sampling (Keep Details) and
then enter the <required distance>
• Specify Half Depth (used in the
Rectangular method)
• Half Length (used in Cubic method)

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4. In the Station View select the <area to be extracted>.
Two methods are shown: Rectangular (left) and Polygonal (right).

5. Select the <export format>.

Click Create.

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This example show the points exported in the Trimble RealWorks software:

Extracting slices in Scan Explorer

Extract Slices using the Station View.

1. Click the Extract Slices icon .

2. Select the <extraction Method>.
Extraction Methods include the following:
• Horizontal Cutting Plane (1 point): Click
one point in the 3D View to define a
horizontal plane going through that
point.
• Vertical Cutting Plane (2 points): Click
two points in the 3D view to define a line
and then a vertical plane going through
that line.
• Custom Cutting Plane (3 points): Click
three points in the 3D view and define a
plane going through these points.

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3. Select some or all of the following
selection options:
• Include all Stations
• Sampling Method:
- All Points (No sampling)
- Spatial Sampling and then enter
the <required distance>
- Spatial Sampling (Keep Details) and
then enter the <required distance>

4. After defining a Cutting Plane, perform a

Single Slicing or a Multiple Slicing.
To perform a multiple slicing, check the
Multiple Slice check box.
In the Thickness field, enter the
<required value> to define thickness of
each slice.
In the Interval field, enter the <required
value> to define distance between
slices.
5. Select the <export format>.
Click Create.

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This example shows the result of a Vertical Multiple Slices extraction:

101
Introduction to Basic Tools

Learning objectives
In this lesson, you will learn to:
• Extract points from TZF scans using the Limit Box extraction tool
• Manage Classification Layers
• Apply Outdoor and Indoor class-based extraction to cloud objects
• Perform segmentation of cloud objects
• Apply random sampling to cloud objects
• Apply spatial sampling to cloud objects
• Apply scan-based sampling to cloud objects
• Apply Ground extraction to cloud objects
• Take point measurements
• Take distance measurements
• Take angle measurements
• Take orientation measurements
• Export measurements
• Create new coordinate systems

Recommended project data

• Jackflat Trimble RealWorks software project dataset
• Any Trimble RealWorks software project dataset

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Limit Box Extraction tool
The Limit Box Extraction Tool is used to select an area, in the 3D View, from existing cloud objects or
from the Project Cloud. From this area, it will extract points directly from the TZF scans and create
new cloud objects.
1. Display <cloud objects> from the List window.
These objects will be used as your reference to define the area to select.

2. From the Production configuration’s Edit

ribbon, select Limit Box Extraction from
the Scan group.

The Limit Box extraction tool floating toolbar will display.

3. Start the selection process.

Select the Select limit box center point button.

Click one point from an object in the 3D View. This point will be the center position of the limit
box. A default box is displayed.

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4. Select the Modify Shape button.
Change the size of the limit box in the
3D View.
Click and hold the mouse left button
over one of the red corner spheres

, to change the global size of the

box.
Click and hold the mouse left button
over one of the arrow manipulators

, to move each single face of the

box.

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5. Using the Pan button, you can
move the entire limit box along one of
the three main axis of the current
coordinate system.
Click and hold the mouse left button
over one of the axis displayed. Once it
turns to yellow, pan the limit box along
using the mouse.

6. Using the Rotate button, you can

move the entire limit box around one of
the three main axis of the current
coordinate system.
Click and hold the mouse left button
over one of the circles displayed. Once it
turns to yellow, you can rotate the limit
box around using the mouse.

7. Display points out from the limit box by

clicking the Show/Hide clouds and

geometries outside the limit box

button.

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8. Show or hide the limit box itself by

clicking the Show limit box

9. Show different perspectives of the limit

box using the perspective button

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10. Change the position of the current
center of the limit box by clicking the

Select limit box center point

button and clicking a new position in the
3D View.

11. Save the current limit box using the

store button

12. View, Edit and Load previously stored

limit boxes using

13. Prior to the extraction, select a sampling

method.
Option include:
• Sampling by Step will keep, from the TZF
scans, one pixel over the <entered
value>, horizontally and vertically
• Spatial Sampling will filter out points to
keep the <entered distance> between
remaining points.
• Spatial Sampling (keep details) will do the
same as Spatial Sampling over large flat
areas but will manage to keep all cloud
information over detailed areas.

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14. Click the Extract points from TZF Scans

button to proceed to the

extraction. It is creating a new cloud
object in the List window. All points are
extracted directly from the TZF scans of
the project, and are added to the
current existing points of the database.
This example shows the result of a spatial sampling of 100 mm keeping details:

Note: You can switch to one type of manipulator to another by clicking related icons in the toolbar:

, or .
Alternatively, you can switch to one type of manipulator to another just by clicking (Click and Release)
the current active one in the 3D View. This will automatically switch to the next one.

Click the Close Tool button to close the Limit Box Extraction Tool.

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Classification Layers
Classification Layers organizes objects in Trimble RealWorks. Any cloud object or geometry can be
assign to a specific layer. All objects from the same layer can be managed together. You can display,
hide or change color of objects, based on their layer. The user can use the default classification layers
or define their own.
Note: Classification layers are actually represented by an ID. IDs from 0 to 63 are default layers based
on the standard LAS Point Classes. New, user defined layers will start with ID 64.

Classification Value Meaning

0 Created, never classified
1 Unclassified
2 Ground
3 Low Vegetation
4 Medium Vegetation
5 High Vegetation
6 Building
7 Low Point (noise)
8 LAS Reserved
9 Water
10 Rail
11 Road Surface
12 LAS Reserved (2)
13 Wire – Guard (Shield)
14 Wire – Conductor (Phase)
15 Transmission tower
16 Wire – Structure Connector (e.g. Insulator)
17 Bridge Deck
18 High Noise
19-63 LAS Reserved (3-47)
64+ User define

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Primary actions
1. Open the Westminster University project
2. From the View ribbon, select
Classification Layers from the Windows
group.
The Classification Layers window will display.

The window opens with the 2 default active layers: Created, never classified and Unclassified.
3. Click Basic View /Advanced View to toggle
(on) the advanced view of all existing
layers.

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Use the check box to the left of the layer
name(s) to toggle their Active state.
4. Activate the Building and Ground layers as
shown.

5. Select a cloud object in the List window.

Open the Properties window.
The Classification Layer drop down list is now
displaying all active layers. It allows users to
change the classification layer of a cloud object
manually.

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6. From the View ribbon, select the Color
Coded Classification option from the
Cloud Rendering options in the Rendering
group.

Auto-Classify Outdoor
1. Select the Project Cloud object in the List
window.
Right click and select the Get All Points
option.
This will ensure that all points from the
database are loaded in the project cloud.

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2. With the Project Cloud selected, go to Edit
tab and click Auto-Classify Outdoor in the
Cloud group.
The Auto Classify Outdoor window will display.

3. Click the Extract button.

The process creates and automatically classifies different cloud objects. New layers have been
automatically activated to fit with the new classified objects.

In this example, Poles and Signs have been created by the tool automatically, as the first user defined
Classification Layer (ID 64).

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114
The 3D View will display objects colors according to their classification layers.

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Auto Classify Indoor
1. Open the Jackflat project.
Select the OBJECT1 object from the List
window.
Auto Classify tools can be launched using any
cloud object selection (including the Project
Cloud object).

2. With the OBJECT1 selected, go to Edit tab

and click Auto-Classify Indoor in the Cloud
group.
The Auto Classify Indoor window will display.

3. Click the Extract button.

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The process creates and automatically classifies different cloud objects. New layers have been
automatically activated to fit with the new classified objects. The 3D View will display objects colors
according to their classification layers.

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Additional actions
The Classification Layers window permits the following actions:

Click the Add new Classification Layer

icon to create a user defined layer. Choose
the name, color and “active” parameters.

Click the Remove Classification Layer icon to delete the selected layer.

Click the Edit Classification Layer icon to change the name, color or “active” parameters of
the selected layer.

Click the Basic View/Advanced View icon to toggle the current view of the Classification
Layers window.

Click the Select All objects in Classification Layer icon to select all cloud and geometries
belonging to the selected layer.
Note: Objects do not need to be displayed in order to be selected.
Click one of the Display / Hide All Clouds in Classification Layer icons to hide or display
cloud objects only from the selected layer.

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Click one of the Display / Hide All Geometries in Classification Layer icons to hide or display
geometries only from the selected layer.

Click the Hide Other Classification Layers icon to hide all objects not belonging to the selected
layer.

Segmentation tool
The Segmentation tool is used to cut through the project’s point cloud to separate areas of interest
and from these selections create new cloud objects. These objects can further be used in other tools
to extract results.
The purpose of the Segmentation Tool is to combine the In and Out options to keep on display exactly
what is wanted as a new object. Once this is done, you can use Create to create a new cloud object of
that selection. If there is no selection, click Create to create, by default, a new object with everything
displayed.
1. Select a <cloud object> from the List
window.
All the points on this cloud will be
available for segmentation.

Note: Once the Segmentation Tool is open, displaying another cloud object from the list window will
not make it available for segmentation. It will simply be displayed in the 3D View, overlapping the
points currently displayed through the Segmentation Tool. If you need to use points in the tool other
than the ones first selected, you must close the tool, change the selection and open it again.
2. From the Home ribbon, select the
Segmentation (tool) from the
Segmentation group.
Note: As with other tools, the Segmentation
tool can be opened from several ribbons
including: Home, Drawing, Surfaces, etc.

The Segmentation tool is also available from

the Quick Access toolbar.

Once the Segmentation Tool is open, the Project Cloud no longer appears in the List window—the
points in the 3D View are displayed through the segmentation tool itself.
Note: If the Project Cloud is displayed again, it will overlap the current display from the Segmentation
Tool but the segmentation will be applied only onto the set of points that were selected originally. The
visual result in such a situation will be as if nothing has happened.

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3. Select the best selection option for the
data.
• Polygonal
• Rectangular
• Circular
• Freehand (polygonal+[Ctrl] key)
Note: Before you click the first point, you can still use all moving options in the 3D View (Rotation, Pan,
Zoom). As soon as you click the first point of the selection polygon, you can no longer use the Rotation
option.
4. Select the <first point>.
Continue selecting <as many points as needed to create a polygon around the required area>.
Double left click to close the selection polygon.
Or, Right-click > Select End Fence from the pop-up menu.

5. When you have completed the selection,

use one of the following icons to manage
the display.

: In
Click this icon to keep what is in the selection on display.
Alternatively, press I on the keyboard.

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 : Out
Click this icon to keep what is out of the selection on display.
Alternatively, press O on the keyboard.

: Create
Click this icon to create a new cloud object based on the current selection.

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Alternatively, press P on the keyboard.
The new cloud object appears in the List window.

6. Right click on the new cloud object > Select Display Cloud
In this example, two new cloud objects were created (indicated by the two individual yellow bounding
boxes and the two highlighted items in the List window):
• The water tank
• All the points from the surrounding project area

To close the Segmentation Tool, click .

Effects of segmentation
This example demonstrates the effects of the segmentation process:

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1. Select Production from the
Configuration options.

2. Select a cloud object from the List

window. The first time that you do this,
you must select the Project Cloud.

3. Select the Segmentation (tool) from the

Segmentation group.

3. Select an area using one of the selection options (polygonal, rectangular, circular, freehand).

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4. When the area is fenced, decide whether the selected area is to be in or out .
5. Create a new Cloud Object. Before segmentation:
A new Cloud Object will be added in the
List window.
Points used to create the new Cloud
Object are removed from the object you
initially selected.

After segmentation:

6. Reload all existing points from the

database back into the Project Cloud.
Right-click Project Cloud in the List
window.
Select Get All Points.
The points are reloaded into the Project
Cloud.

7. Reload all points that do not exist in

another Cloud Object into the Project
Cloud.
Right-click Project Cloud in the List
window.
Select Get Remaining Points.

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The points are reloaded into the Project
Cloud in one of the following ways:
If a complete segmentation was performed, 0
points are reloaded into the Project Cloud
because all points are currently in other
objects.
If a partial segmentation was performed, all
points that are not segmented into other
objects are returned.

Changes to Cloud Objects from the List window

This example expands on the use of the Segmentation tool:

Managing 3D View using the Limit Box Mode (F4)

The Trimble RealWorks software, version 9.1, introduced the use of Limit Box options for viewing
purposes only.
Note: This is different than the Extraction using Limit Box.
1. Activate the Limit Box Mode.

2. Define the position, size and orientation

of the limit box.
This mode can be activated at any time
and in any module of the Trimble
RealWorks software.
Use the current selection of the limit box
to create a new cloud object or combine
both the limit box display and
segmentation selection to create new
cloud objects.
Note: The Limit Box Mode is just for viewing,
there is no Extract button in the floating bar
options.

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Changing the color of an individual cloud
object
1. Right-click <the required cloud object>
in the List window.
Select Properties.
In the Properties window, select Color of
Cloud, open the list of colors and then
change it to <the required color>.
To close the Properties window, click
.

Displaying the cloud using the user-defined color (from the Properties screen)
1. Display the cloud using the user-defined color. Select the Cloud Rendering tool in the Rendering
group.
2. Change the cloud rendering option to Cloud Color.

Deleting a Cloud Object

1. To delete a Cloud Object, right-click <the
object> in the List window.
Select Delete, or press [Delete] on the
keyboard.
This will not affect the original number of
points in the database.

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Renaming a Cloud Object
1. Select <the object> in the List window.
Left-click to display a flashing cursor
Edit the name by overtyping it.

Duplicating a Cloud Object

1. In the List window, right-click <the
object>.
Select Copy > Paste.
You can also use the keyboard shortcuts,
[Ctrl] + [C] (copy), or [Ctrl] + [V] (paste).
This does not duplicate the number of
points in the database.

Create new groups

1. Right-click in an open area of the List
window.
Select New Group.
This creates a new folder.

Moving a Cloud Object into another

existing group
1. Select <the object>.
Drag-and-drop it into the new group
folder.

Merging Cloud Objects

1. Select <the Cloud Objects> to merge.
Note: To select more than one Cloud Object,
press [Ctrl] or [Shift].

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2. From the Edit ribbon, select Merge
Clouds from the Cloud group, or press
[Ctrl] + [M].

This creates a new cloud object named

Merge.

Sampling tool
The Sampling tool enables you to create a sub-point cloud from a selected point cloud. There are at
all six methods: Spatial Sampling, Random Sampling, Scan-Based Sampling, Intensity-Based Sampling,
Discontinuity-Based Sampling and Ground Extraction. The initial point cloud remains unchanged after
sampling. You can combine these six different methods to sample the selected point cloud, that is;
you can use the result from one method as the input to another method and continue until you are
satisfied with the result. Or you can create several sub-point clouds within an opened session.
Note: In case of a single point cloud (as input), the point cloud, that will be created from each method,
will have the same layer than the selected one, except when using the Ground Extraction method with
the Keep Ground option. In case of several point clouds, the created point cloud will have
"Unclassified" as layer.
1. Select <a cloud object> from the List window.
All the points on this cloud are available for sampling.
2. From the Edit ribbon, select the
Sampling tool from the Cloud group.

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 The Sampling Tool will display

Random sampling
The purpose of the Random Sampling option is to reduce the number of points without any specific
criteria. A window displays the original number of points and the number of points after filtering.
1. Select or segment <the area you want to
sample>.
From the drop-down list, select Random
Sampling.

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2. To reduce the number of points, do one
of the following:
Move the slider.
Select <a percentage> from the drop-
down list.
Enter <a percentage>.
Enter <a value directly> into the
Remaining field.

Spatial Sampling
Spatial sampling also reduces the number of points, but does this by using a distance value. This
distance is used as the minimum distance between each point of the initial Cloud Object and creates a
more homogenous cloud object.
When you have entered the value, click Preview to allow the software to compute the result.
1. Select or segment <the area you want to
sample>.
From the drop-down list, select Spatial
Sampling.

2. To reduce the number of points, enter

<a value> directly into the Distance
Between Points field.
Click Preview.
Note: No points are moved. Some are just
removed so that the remaining points are
spaced on average according to the value
entered for the distance between points.

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3. Click Create > Close.

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Scan-Based Sampling
Scan-Based Sampling filters the point cloud using existing objects from the scanning project structure,
such as stations, target objects, or scanned objects.
1. Select or segment <the area you want to
sample>.
From the drop-down list, select Scan-
Based Sampling.

Scan-Based Sampling displays the exact

structure of the scan by stations and the
station’s objects.

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2. To switch any object on or off, click the
light bulb icon and create <a new Cloud
Object> in the List window to include
only points from the selection.

This example displays data from more than

one station. Station_0 (2), and Station_0 (3)
are displayed.
You can also:
• Select all objects in the list by clicking the
button.
• Clear the selection of objects by clicking
the button.
• Reverse the current selection by clicking
the button.
• Expand or Collapse the whole hierarchy
of objects by clicking the
buttons.

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Ground Extraction
1. Select or segment <the area you want to
sample>.
From the drop-down list, select Ground
Extraction Sampling.
2. Click the Extract button.
The tool automatically extracts points
that belong to ground areas.

3. Optionally, click Pick Points to add one

or more specific regions to the currently
extracted ground points.

4. Select if you want to keep or remove the

extracted ground points before to create
the result of the sampling.

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5. Click Create. Close the tool, or switch to another sampling option.

Measurement tool
Opening the Measurement tool
1. From the Home ribbon, select the
Measure tool from the Measure group.

The Measurement Tool appears as a floating

menu.

Measurement options include:

• Distance
• On Horizontal Plane
• Along Vertical Axis
• Vertical Clearance
• Point to Plane
• Cylinder Diameter
• Point to Geometry
• Multi-point distance
• Angle
• Horizontal Angle
• Slope Angle
• Geometry Slope Angle
• Angle Between Geometries
• Point
• Orientation
• Orientation using 3 points

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Point measurement
1. Click the Point measurement button on the floating bar to pick a point from the point cloud in
the 3D View.
This selects the exact coordinates in the current system.
This measurement appears as a preview:

To create the measurement in the database, click the Create button in the Measurement Tool floating
bar:

When the point is created, it appears in the

List window as a new 3D Point object.

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Distance measurement
1. Click the Distance measurement icon on the floating bar to pick two points from the point cloud
in the 3D View and measure the distance between them.
The values of the projected distance for each axis of the current coordinate system are also displayed,
as delta X, delta Y, and delta Z.
This measurement appears as a preview:

2. To create the measurement in the

database, click the Create icon in the
Measurement Tool floating bar.
When the distance is created, it appears in
the List window as a new Point To Point
Distance object.

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Angle measurement
1. Click the Angular measurement icon on the floating bar to pick three points from the point
cloud in the 3D View.
The first point picked is the vertex of the angle.
This measurement appears as a preview:

2. To create the measurement in the

database, click the Create icon in the
Measurement Tool floating bar.
When the angle is created, it appears in the
List window as a new Angle Measurement
object.

Orientation measurement
1. Click the Orientation measurement icon on the floating bar to pick one point from the point
cloud in the 3D View.
When you have picked this point, move the mouse to define a sphere – all points in the sphere
are used to calculate the orientation.

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Orientation measurement using three points
This method lets you know the orientation of a given point on a sloping surface. An orientation is
expressed in the form of two angles. The measurement is as follows. A plane (of circular shape) is
extracted from the point. Two angles are calculated. The first angle called Elevation is formed by the
extracted plane and the YX plane of the active coordinate frame. The second angle called North is
formed by the extracted plane and the ZX plane of the active coordinate frame.
1. Click three points from the point cloud in the 3D View. Make sure they are over the same plane
area.
These three points are used to define a plane and the orientation.
This measurement appears as a preview:

The result, for both orientation measurement methods, is given by two angles:
• One according to north (Y)
• The other between the perpendicular line of the orientation and the vertical direction (Z)

139
The measurement appears as a preview:

2. To create the measurement in the

database, click the Create icon in the
Measurement Tool floating bar.
When the orientation is created, it appears in
the List window as a new Orientation
Measurement object.

Exporting measurements
1. Ensure the Measurement tool is closed.
To do this, click the Close tool icon.

2. Select <the object to export>. In this

example, Object6 (a 3D Point object) is
selected.

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3. From the Home ribbon, select Export
Measurements from the Export options
found within the Import/Export group.

4. In the Export Measurements dialog,

enter <the name of the new file that you
want to create>.
The default name is the name of the first
object that you selected before you opened
the Export Measurements dialog. You can
rename it in this dialog or rename it before
export in the List window. This creates a CSV
(spreadsheet database format) file.
5. Click Save.

The dialog that is displayed has an Options

section. This shows that only one option was
selected.

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If more than one option was selected, then
select the measurement options for export.
Each type of measurement is exported in a
separate file.
6. Make <the selection>.
Click Export.

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Examples of exported CSV files
Export type Example

3D point

Point to Point
Distance

Angle

Orientation

User Coordinate System (UCS) creation tool

The User Coordinate System (UCS) tool allows you to create new coordinate systems. By default, all
these systems refer to the home system and are known as “local” systems.
Such coordinate systems are helpful when using other tools when orientation is very important as it
helps to place the 3D view more accurately.
From the Edit ribbon, select the UCS
Creation tool from the Project group.
You can enter the UCS Creation Tool without
having an object selected.
The resulting coordinate system is always
direct and ortho-normal.

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The UCS Creation Tool now appears in the
WorkSpace screen, on the Tools tab of the
WorkSpace window.
Like most of the tools in the Trimble
RealWorks software, the UCS Creation Tool is
divided into Steps.
You do not need to follow these steps
exactly—they are provided as a guide to
make learning and using the tools easier.

Step 1 - Select Reference Frame

The drop-down list contains all existing
frames. If no frames have been created, only
the Home frame is displayed.
Select <a frame to use as reference>.

Step 2 - Build Frame

In this step, change the frame’s parameters.
These include:
• Position of the Origin.
• Orientation of the X, Y, and Z-axis.
• You can change the Origin in two ways:
• Click the Pick Origin option
• Select <a point in the 3D View>.
• Manually enter <the coordinates> into
the Origin field.
The point you click in the 3D View must be on
a displayed object (cloud or geometry).

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1. Lock each axis, if required.
In this example Z Axis has been locked.

You can define each axis in three ways:

Use the axis of an existing geometry .

Select <the geometry> for the intended axis.
Click <two 3D points in the 3D View> on a

displayed, existing object . The axis will

go through each of these two points and the
other axes are calculated accordingly.

Use the Fit Axis option . This option

starts a Plane Fitting tool where the final axis
is defined perpendicularly to the fitted plane.
This can be useful if you define an axis strictly
perpendicularly to a wall or façade.
You can also define an entirely new frame
globally. In this case, you will not modify one
axis only, but the global frame. There are
three options:
• Pick an existing geometry to build a new
frame using its intrinsic shape, and the

point picked on it . When created,

this frame will be put in a new Group
together with the geometry used.
• Pick an existing geometry to use the local
system of this geometry as a new frame

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Note: The local frame of an existing geometry helps to define one axis correctly, but most of the time,
the two other axes are not good. For example, if you use an existing plane, you know that the Z-axis is
perpendicular to it. However, the X-axis and Y-axis depend on how the plane was created, as they will
be aligned with sides of the plane (height and width).
Note: If you select the Set as Active UCS check box before creating a new frame, the new frame is
automatically selected as the active one for your current project.
• Pick <three 3D points>, origin, X and Y; or

Origin, Y and Z; or Origin, X and Z .

Apply a given angle’s rotation around any

of the three axes .

2. Click Create to create the new frame
and add a new Frame object in the List
window.

3. Open the list of frames to select the one

that you want to work in.
Once a specific frame is active, all coordinate
information is displayed according to this
reference.

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147
Introduction to Production Tools

Learning objectives
In this lesson, you will learn to:
• Create cross sections using the Cutting Plane Tool
• Create 2D drawings from a combination of point cloud and image data
• Create and Edit Mesh/DTM from point cloud data and texture it with images
• Calculate volumes from various forms of data
• Create and export rectified images
• Match external images to the point cloud data
• Use inspection tools to compare various forms of 3D data

Recommended project data

• Sand Pile Trimble RealWorks software project dataset
• Façade House Trimble RealWorks software project dataset
• Earthquake Trimble RealWorks software project dataset
• Westminster University Trimble RealWorks software project dataset

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Cutting Plane tool
The Cutting Plane tool enables to cut a selected entity (point cloud or mesh) with a plane whose
position and orientation need to be defined by the user. The result of this cut is a sectioned point
cloud or a polyline. This tool can be used alone as a main tool or inside a main tool as a sub-tool. In
the latter case, it is mainly used as a visual quality checking tool and no results can be created.
We will use a sand pile as an example in this section.
1. Open the file Sand Pile.rwp (or equivalent project type).
2. In the List window, select Project Cloud.

3. From the Surfaces ribbon, select the

Cutting Plane tool from the Slice Tools
group.

Step 1 – Define Cutting Plane

1. Select the Z-axis option to define the
reference plane perpendicular to
elevation (according to the Home
system).

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2. Enter 4.0 m as the Z coordinate of the
point the plane is going through.
On the keyboard, press Enter to validate
the change.

Step 2 – Define Slice

1. Select the Multiple Slice option.

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2. Enter:
45 mm (0.15 sft) as thickness
1000 mm (3.28 sft) as the interval
between slices.

3. Click Preview.

Step 3 – Control
1. Use the Control buttons to select slice 4.

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2. Click 2D-EasyLine.
The 2D-EasyLine tool appears, with the
current slice selected.

Step 1 – Build Polyline

1. Enter 30 mm (0.10 sft) in the Threshold
field.
Select the Display Polyline option.
Click Preview.

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2. Clear the Display Cloud check box to
remove the point cloud from display.

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3. Select the Display Cloud check box to
display the point cloud.

Step 2 – Edit Polyline

1. Ensure Selection mode is active.

2. Zoom to <the area where a segment is

missing>.

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3. Left-click the mouse and draw a polygon
to select <the extremities of both
segments around the missing part>.

4. Double click to select <both segments>.

They now appear in red.

5. From the drop-down list, select Fill Line

Breaks.

6. Click Fill.

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Nothing happens, as the gap size is too small.

7. For this example, enter 600 mm (1.97

sft) in the Gap field.
Click Fill.

The gap has been eliminated.

8. To close the 2D-EasyLine tool, click

Apply.

Step 3 – Control
1. In the Cutting Plane tool, click Create.
This creates a new Cross-Cut-Interval folder.

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2. Double-click the Cross-Cut-Interval-
1000. 00 mm-Th 45.00 mm folder.

The folder contains a set of cloud objects (the

slices) and one Polyline-Fitted object created
using the 2D-EasyLine tool.
3. To select all slices, press [Ctrl] + [A] in
the top part of the 3D View.

4. Click 2D-EasyLine.
This opens the 2-D EasyLine tool with all
slices selected.

Step 1 – Build Polyline

1. Click Preview.

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2. Double-click the Cross-Cut-Interval-
1000. 00 mm-Th 45.00 mm (2) folder.

3. In the Cutting Plane tool, click Create.

This creates a new Cross-Cut-Interval folder.

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4. Double-click the Cross-Cut-Interval-
1000. 00 mm-Th 45.00 mm (2) folder.

The folder contains a set of Polyline–Fitted

objects.

5. Select File > Export Selection.

6. From the Export Selection field, select
AutoCAD Files (*.dxf).
Note: Do not select SOLIDS AutoCAD Files.

7. Click Save.
The Export as DXF File dialog will display.

8. In the Export of field, select Selected

geometries.

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9. Click Export.
A DXF file is created that includes all polyline
objects selected for export.
The final export result appears in Windows
Explorer.

Polyline Drawing tool

The basic tool to draw a polyline is the action of picking which can be free or constrained. The Polyline
Drawing tool, split into three modes (Polyline, Rectangle and Circle), behaves differently according to
the input data that you select for using it. In the Chain mode, if the input data is an object like pure 3D
point cloud or geometry, you use this tool in the 3D View and you can only draw segments (that's why
Change Mode to Arc is dimmed). If the input data is an object like a slice of point cloud (see the
Cutting Plane tool) or a fitted Polyline (see the Contouring tool or Profile/Cross-Sections tool), you use
this tool locked in the planar view and you can draw only segments or a combination of segments and
circular arcs. In the Rectangle and Circle modes, the input data can only be of 2D type.
This section explains how to create a set of polylines, using the Polyline Drawing tool, and how to
draw lines using existing pictures from the project as a reference.
These polylines can be exported or further used in combination with other Trimble RealWorks
software Survey tools.
1. Open the file Façade House.rwp (or
equivalent project type).

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2. From the View ribbon, select Station
Based from the Displacement Mode
options within the Navigation group.

3. At the bottom of the 3D View, click the

main navigation button.
This shows the name of the current station.

4. From the list of stations, select station

9000.

5. From the Drawing ribbon, select the

Polyline Drawing Tool from the Line
Work.

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This opens the Drawing Tool.

6. Click the Start 3D Plane tool icon .

This opens the 3D Plane Tool toolbar.

7. On the 3D Plane Tool toolbar, click the Define vertical plane by clicking two screen points
(horizontal direction) and one 3D point icon .
8. In the 3D View, click <two points following a horizontal line from the images>.

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9. In the 3D View, click <any 3D point that
is on the surface of the scanned façade>.

10. To validate the use of that plane as the drawing plane, click the Validate icon on the 3D
Plane Tool toolbar.
The drawing is now locked in 2 dimensions.
All polylines will lie in the drawing plane.

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11. On the Drawing tool, select the Draw
rectangle by defining 2 points option.

12. Click <the top left corner of the bottom

left window> and drag <to draw a
rectangle around the window>.
Click again to finish the rectangle.

13. Click the Selection icon .

The rectangle is selected and appears in
yellow. The local coordinate system is also
displayed.

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14. Right-click <the rectangle>. Select Copy
Selection and Create (Ctrl+D).
Press [Ctrl] + [shift] + [D] on the
keyboard.

15. Move the mouse cursor over the yellow

or red arrow of the local coordinate
system.
Click and hold the left mouse button.
Drag <the new rectangle over another
window>.
Note: The move is constrained vertically.

16. Press and hold [Ctrl] on the keyboard.

Click <the original rectangle>.
Repeat Step 13 through Step 15.

Under some circumstances, it is possible to duplicate rectangles automatically. Click the Selection icon
.

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17. Press and hold [Ctrl] on the keyboard.
Click <the rectangles> to select them.

18. To duplicated the rectangles automatically, click the Auto-duplicate horizontally (image-based)
icon .
The tool generates new rectangles –
matching the source. In this example, similar
windows have been automatically matched
within the image.

You can repeat this procedure to duplicate the images automatically, using the Auto-duplicate
vertically (image-based) button .
Note: The move is constrained horizontally.
19. Select the Segment Drawing option from
the Drawing Tool to draw lines (l), arcs
(c) and circles.

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This is an example of combining lines and
arcs.

20. Adjust polylines by picking <a node> and

moving it <to the selected location>.
This will adjust the segment or arc.

Limitations can be set while drawing

polylines.
21. Select Use Polar. Enter <the drawing
angle>, for example 90°.
This restricts your next segment line to be
drawn 90° from the previous segment.

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22. Use a combination of the drawing tools to produce the line work on the facade.

23. Click the Create (Enter) icon .

24. Click the Close Tool (Escape) icon .

A new Polyline object is created and appears
in the List window.

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The polyline displayed with the point cloud.

Mesh Creation tool

The purpose of this tool is to create a triangulated mesh from the selected point cloud(s) which, in
this case, must have no geometry. Such a mesh can be used for further editing, texture mapping, and
ortho-projection image creation or as input for the Cutting Plane tool. You can also export it to other
software in DXF (or DGN) format.
The Mesh Creation tool uses a 2D triangulation method applying a projection of the 3D points onto a
2D surface. There are several ways to define this projection surface. Note that you can select several
point clouds to use this tool. In this case, the tool will create a mesh for each selected point cloud.

This section explains how to quickly create a Mesh from a point cloud.
1. Open the file Façade House.rwp (or equivalent project type).
2. From the View ribbon, select Parallel
from the Projection Mode options
within the Navigation group.

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3. In the List window, select <the Cloud
object>.

4. From the Surfaces ribbon, select the

Mesh Creation tool from the Surface
group.

Creating a Mesh using a projection

Step 1 – Select Points
1. Double-click <the selected cloud
object>.
Click the Segmentation from the Mesh
Creation Tool icon to clean up the point
cloud, if required.

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Step 2 – Select Projection Mode
1. From the drop down list, select Plane-
Based Projection.
To define a Projection Plane
perpendicular to the Y axis of the
working frame, click the Set from Frame
icon until it shows Y.

Step 3 – Create Meshes

1. Select Remove Discontinuities.
Click Preview Meshes.

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This example is the result from the Preview
Meshes command.

2. Click Create.
When you click Create, the Mesh Creation
tool is closed automatically.
The Cloud object you selected when you
opened the Mesh Creation tool is changed to
a Mesh object.
A new geometry is added to the initial Cloud
object.

Creating a Mesh using No Projection

1. Open the Jackflat project and apply the Auto Classify Indoor as described in dedicated chapter
of this guide.
2. Select the Walls object resulting from the Auto Classify Indoor.

Step 1 – Select Points

1. Click the Sampling from the Mesh
Creation Tool icon to reduce the number
of points down to 20% using the Random
Sampling option (As described in

172
 dedicated chapter of this guide).

Step 2 – Select Projection Mode

1. From the drop down list, select No
Projection.
The tool will automatically manage to
create a Mesh over complex geometries.

Step 3 – Create Meshes

1. Unselect Display Points.
Click Preview Meshes.

This example is the result from the Preview

Meshes command.

2. Click Create.
When you click Create, the Mesh Creation
tool is closed automatically.

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The Cloud object you selected when you
opened the Mesh Creation tool is changed to
a Mesh object.
A new geometry is added to the initial Cloud
object.

Export the Mesh surface

1. Select <the new mesh object>.
Click it to display a flashing cursor.
Type the name <Facade Mesh>.
Select [Enter].

2. Select File > Export Selection.

3. In the Export Selection dialog, browse to <the directory where you want to save the file>.
Rename if required.
4. In the File of Type field, select the AutoCAD Files ( *.dxf) option.

5. Click Save.
Note: Mesh objects cannot be exported as Solid objects.

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6. The Export as DXF file dialog appears.
From the Export of drop down list, select
Selected geometries.
Define <the Coordinate system and
Units> you want to export to.
Click Export.

The final export appears in Windows Explorer

as shown here.

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Mesh Editing tool
The previous section detailed how to compute a mesh from a point cloud using the Mesh Creation
tool. Here, we are going to describe a set of tools which can be used in complement of the previous
one in order to improve the quality of the mesh computation. The Mesh Editing tool allows you to
edit a mesh: you can delete its vertices, edges or triangles, smooth or refine it, remove noisy peaks,
extract a part from it in order to create a new mesh or to texture map or invert normal.
1. In the List window, select <the mesh
object>.
In this example it is the Façade Mesh created
in the previous section.

2. From the Surfaces ribbon, select the

Mesh Editing tool from the Surface
group.

Step 1 – Select Mesh Areas

1. Use these tools to edit the mesh.
Select and delete some triangles.

2. From the drop-down menu, select Select

triangles.

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3. In the 3D View select <the triangles to
want to delete> using the curser and
[Ctrl] on the keyboard.

4. Click the Keep unselected (0) icon to

delete the triangles.

Step 2 – Edit Meshes

Use polylines created previously to enhance
the mesh surface.
5. Select <the polylines>
This example shows that the mesh is now
more defined in the areas where the
polylines were used.
6. Click the Enhance Mesh with Breaklines
using Polyline(s) icon .

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This example shows that the mesh is now
more defined in the areas where the
polylines were used.

Step 3 – Map Texture

1. Click the Show Images in List View icon
.

This displays all images from the project in

the List window.

These can also be displayed as thumbnails.

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2. Select the images required.
Click Apply Texture.

3. Click OK to dismiss the warning

message.

4. Click Apply.
When you click Apply, the Mesh Editing tool
is closed automatically.
This example shows images applied to the
mesh surface.

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You will notice that the images are not even
when it comes to shading and color. This is
due the fact the lighting and exposure
changes as the images are capture.
Equalize the image color.
5. Select <the images>.
Select Edit > Advanced > Equalize Image
Color.
6. Click Yes to accept the question regarding adjusting brightness / blending regions afterwards.

The result is an improved textured surface

(mesh).

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Show texture on the Mesh object.
7. From the Surfaces ribbon, select
Textured from the Geometry Rendering
options within the Rendering group.
To hide texture, select <any other
option>.

Additional mesh editing can remove peaks

and smooth.
In this example of a quarry, some peaks and
rough surfaces are caused by erroneous
rocks, gravel and moving objects on the
surface – as it is an active job site.

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Step 2 – Edit Meshes
Remove any peaks.

1. Click the Remove Peaks icon .

Repeat until all peaks are removed.

Apply smoothing to the surface.

2. Click the Smooth icon .

Volume Calculation tool

The Volume Calculation tool enables to compute the volume between a point cloud and a plane,
between two point clouds, between a point cloud and a mesh or between two meshes. The volume
computation is based on a grid method and the result is represented in the 3D View by a graph of
vertical color lines with scale. You can choose in the Preferences dialog the units to represent the
computed volumes.
1. Select <an object>.
The object can be a point cloud or mesh.

2. From the Surfaces ribbon, select the

Volume Calculation tool from the
Volume group.

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Performing a volume calculation using one object
The volume calculation compares two objects. If only one object is selected, you must create a
reference (plane) directly in the tool. If you do this, the volume is computed between the plane and
the object (point cloud or mesh).

Step 1: Define Plane

This step includes all available options to
define the position and orientation of the
reference plane.
These parameters are crucial to the
calculation:
• The position, because calculation is done
between the two objects (the Cloud and
the Plane).
• The orientation, because calculation is
done following the direction given by the
normal of the plane (Perpendicular to the
Plane).
Use the following options to define the
position and orientation of the plane:
• Make the plane perpendicular to one of
the axis of the current coordinate
system.

• Use the local system of an existing

geometry.

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• Click <two points anywhere in the 3D
View> to create a plane going through
these two points and perpendicular to
the screen; that is, perpendicular to the
current view
• Click <three 3D points> to define a plane.
These points need to be selected on
existing objects in the 3D view.
• Use the <exact current position of the 3D
View> to define a plane parallel to it.

• Enter <parameters> to define the plane.

Include <coordinates of a point> to go
through and the <coordinate of a vector>
defining the orientation of the normal of
the plane.

Step 2 – Resolution
This step defines the accuracy of the result:
A poor resolution (large value) gives an
approximate result.
A good resolution (small value) gives a more
accurate result.

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The resolution defines a grid projected onto
the object in the direction defined by the
plane. Each cell of that grid compares the
reference and comparison surfaces, and each
cell extracts a piece of the total volume.
The resolution also depends on the Point
Cloud itself.
To perform the calculation, the tool needs
data. This means that each cell of the grid
needs to include at least one point to be able
to do the comparison with the reference
plane.
If there is no point, then there is no
calculation, and part of the result is missing.

Step 3 – Preview Volume

1. When you have defined the plane and
resolution, click Preview.
The tool will now perform the calculation and
show the result in the 3D View.

185
2. Check the result.
• If the result is correct, <create the final
object>.
• If the result is not correct, <return to any
previous step>, change <a parameter>
and then click Preview again.
The result is not created in the database until
you click Create.
3. When desired results are met, select the
Display Cloud check box to switch the
visualization of the Cloud Object in the
3D View On or Off, overlapping the
result of the volume calculation.
Select the Positive (Cut) and Negative
(Fill) check boxes to display or hide
volume information over or under the
reference.

186
Example:

We want a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction (Elevation) and going through the lowest point
of the object. To make sure that the volume will include all the data, the resolution can be less than
200 mm according to the “density” of the PointCloud.

187
Troubleshooting: What happens if the orientation or position is not correctly defined?
If the orientation is wrong, the volume
calculation is done in the wrong direction,
and the result will be an approximation or
even totally wrong (depending on the
project).

If the position is wrong, a volume may be

calculated which does not exist or that
defines part of the volume as “negative”, for
example where the comparison surface (the
Point Cloud) is under the reference surface
(the plane).

Performing a volume calculation using one cloud and one mesh object
A volume calculated using a plane will work, but can contain uncertainties. The bottom of a stockpile
is most likely not a perfectly flat surface, but the ground.
To get the best result, use the ground as a
reference. A calculation can be done
between two comparable objects. This
means the volume is calculated in between
the overlapping area of the two objects. In
this case, we have no data (as a cloud object)
under the pile to compare to.

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Because there is no cloud data, we will use a
Mesh. A Mesh created through the Mesh
Creation tool is a good estimation of the
ground under the sand pile and can be used
as a reference.

1. Select both <the Mesh object> and <the

Cloud object>
Select the Volume Calculation Tool.

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Step 1 – Define Plane
As in the previous example, define <a plane,
orientation, and direction>.
The orientation remains important, but the
position is not important as the volume is
calculated between the two objects, as
opposed to using the plane as the reference.
By default, the Mesh is the reference. The
plane is used only to define the orientation of
the calculation.
In this example, the plane is defined as
perpendicular to the Z-axis.

Step 2 and Step 3

Steps 2 and 3 are defined in exactly the
same way as was used in the first example.
After the preview, check the result at the
bottom of the sand pile.
Note: This time the volume result does not
follow a flat plane, but the “unevenness” of
the sand pile, which is actually the shape of
the reference Mesh.
Open and export a Report from the Volume
Calculation.
Note: If you want to create a Volume
Calculation Report you must do this before
closing the tool. Once the tool has been
closed, even if the volume has been created,
you will not be able to generate a report.

190
Performing a volume calculation using two mesh objects
In some instances, the resolution of the Point Cloud may be poor. In this case, you cannot use a high
level resolution in Step 2 of your volume calculation tool:

If this is the case, it may be best to create a Mesh object from the Point Cloud in order to enhance the
data you have.
Even though the resolution of a Mesh is also linked to resolution of the Point Cloud, the result will be
a complete surface over the sand pile to compare to a complete surface from the ground Mesh:

Select <both Mesh objects> and select Volume Calculation Tool.

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Step 1 – Define Plane
Define <a plane> as before to define the orientation (position is not important).

Step 2 – Resolution
The resolution that you use in this case can be better than the resolution you used during scanning
because you are using two Mesh objects.

Step 3 – Preview
Check and, if required, switch <the Mesh that
you want to use as the reference>.
Depending on which one is the reference, the
sign of the result may change (that is,
positive or negative).
If the reference Mesh is the lower according
to the Z-axis, the reference is under the
comparison and the result is positive.
If the reference is above the comparison, the
result is negative.

Comparing results
We used the same data and the same resolution in three different ways.
Cloud to Plane method is used when the
reference is supposed to be flat or when you
do not have data from reference. The
Resolution is limited by the cloud’s
resolution.

192
Cloud to Mesh method is used when you
have incomplete data from the reference.
The result is more accurate. The Resolution is
limited by the cloud’s resolution.

Mesh to Mesh method is used when you

have incomplete data from both the
reference and the comparison. The
Resolution is not limited.

Volume Calculation Report

Create a report of your current calculation.
1. Click Report.
A Volume Calculation Report window opens
showing useful volume information.
Create a text version of this report.
2. Click Save as RTF.
This document will be a *.rtf (Rich Text
Format) file.

3. In the File Name field, enter <a name for

your report>.
Click Save to create the final document.

193
The default text editor opens automatically to show you the result of the export.

4. Review the report. Close it to return to the Trimble RealWorks software Survey tools.

Image Rectification tool

Sometimes you need an image free of perspective distortions onto which you can take measurements
or create line work.
The Image Rectification tool allows the creation of images rectified from perspective distortion by
projecting station images onto a given 3D plane.
1. Open the Façade House.rwp file (or equivalent project type).
2. From the Imaging ribbon, select the
Image Rectification tool from the Ortho-
Image group.
Note: The display automatically switches to
Station-Based view.

194
Step 1 – Choose Station
1. Select station 9000.

Step 2 – Define Projection Plane

1. Select the Define vertical plane by
picking two screen points (horizontal
direction) and one 3D point icon.

2. In the 3D View, select <two points on

the images that define a horizontal
line>.
Use the List window <to turn off the
display of any point cloud data that may
be obstructing your view>.

195
3. Pick <a 3D point>, using one of the
geometrical points displayed in the 3D
View.

A temporary plane appears in the 3D View in

transparent yellow.

Step 3 – Define Zone of Interest

1. Click Draw.

2. In the 3D View, define and pick

<opposite corners>.
Click and drag <the area you want to
rectify as a new image>.

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Step 4 – Define Image Resolution
1. In the Pixel Size field, enter 5.00 mm
(0.02 sft).

2. Click Preview.

197
3. Click Create.
A new Ortho-Image object, IMAGE18, is
created in the Images tree.

4. Click Close.

5. In the List dialog Images tree, select

IMAGE18.

6. Select File > Advanced Exports > Export

Ortho-Image.

7. In the Export Selection ‘Image 18’ dialog,

name <the image>. The file is exported
as a Tag Image File Format (*.tif).

8. Click Save.

Two files are created:

• Facade.tif
• Facade.txt
The text file contains the coordinates of the four corners of the image

198
You can import this image into other software. In this example the image has been imported into
AutoCAD.

199
Image Matching tool
For texturing a mesh, you may sometimes need to use an image from a source other than a Trimble
instrument, for example, from a high-resolution camera.
The Image Matching tool allows you to match an imported image to a displayed 3D scene, or in other
words, to find the camera position from which the image is shot. The basic principle behind this tool is
to select at least four pairs of markers (points or segments or a combination thereof); each of them
should be selected on the same physical objects. For example, you can select a point from the 3D
scene, and another one in the 2D image, both correspond to the corner of a room. We call these two
points a pair of markers. The RealWorks software will use these selected markers to calculate a best
registration (or a best camera position) so that when you view from this camera position and along its
axis, the image and the 3D scene will superposed. Once the image is matched to the 3D scene, you
can use it to color the scanned points, to texture the meshed model, or just to enhance
understanding of the scene.
The resulting matched image can be used to texture a mesh using the Mesh Editing tool.
1. From the Home ribbon, select Import
Image from the Import options within
the Import/Export group.

2. Select <the image> file.

Click Import.

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The image is now in the Images list but is not
matched.
3. Select <the image> from the List screen.

4. From the Imaging ribbon, select the

Image Matching tool from the Matched
Image group.

5. Expand the image in the 3D View screen

by selecting the Maximize/Minimize

image icon to help define the

matching pairs between the image and
the object.
6. Orient <the object> (point cloud or
mesh) in the 3D View so that it is the
same as the image.

Note: Use the center on point function

to gain better control when rotating the view.

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7. Use a combination of the Add point
marker and Add line marker tools to
define pairs between the image and the
object.
Note: At least 4 matching pairs are required.

8. Click Preview.

9. Use the slider bar to <change the

transparency of the image> to see the
object underneath it to check the fit of
the two.

10. If needed, use the marker placement

tools in Step 2 – Selecting Matching
Markers.
11. Click Apply
Click Close.
Note: For instructions on applying a matching image to a mesh, see the Mesh Editing Tool section.

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Inspection tools
You can use Inspection tools to compare point cloud to point cloud, point cloud to a surface (mesh),
surface to surface, point cloud to model or mesh to model.

Surface to Model Inspection tool

1. Select <a point cloud or surface and a
model>.
Tip: Hold down the CTRL key on your
keyboard. Select each of the objects either in
the visualization view or in the List window.

2. From the Inspection ribbon, select the

Surface to Model Inspection tool from
the Inspection Map group.

3. Segment and Sample points as required.

Step 1 – Set Resolution

1. Enter <a value> for the Resolution.
This at the grid resolution at which the
comparison is made.

Step 2 – Preview Inspection

1. Select the Fill Holes option if you want
to automatically fill areas where data is
missing yet fully surrounded by valid
data.
Select Display Cloud or Display Model,
depending on whether you want to
display the cloud and/or model with the
Inspection Map.
Click Preview.
The Inspection Map appears in a 2D view window and in the 3D view window, along with the point
cloud and model if you made those selections in the previous step:

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2. In the Map Preview view, scroll the mouse over the map to <view the elements>.

Step 3 – Edit Inspection

To edit the inspection map you can select to
include or exclude a specific area, using any
of the following tools:
• Draw polygon to edit tool
• Select to Keep cells (i)
• Empty cells (o)
You can also do the following without
specifying an area:
• Fill holes (f)
• Smooth cells (s)
Inspection Map Analyzer
We will now use the Inspection Map Analyzer to produce additional ouputs from the inspection.
1. Click Inspection Map Analyzer.

Note: The Inspection Map Analyzer may be

accessed from the Inspection ribbon if an
inspection map has been previously created.
Select the inspection map from the List. Then,
from the Inspection ribbon, select the
Inspection Map Analyzer from the Inspection
Map group.

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2. From the drop down menu, select <the
type of analysis you require>. The
options are described in this section.

Step 1 – Sections & Shifts

1. Position the section location by choosing
the sliding Horizontal or Vertical slider,
or picking or entering the location.
The figure shows the slider positioned on the
inspection map

Two outputs are generated in the 3D View.

• Section View: With 1D Inspection
indicators

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• Section: Difference Plot. This has an
exaggerated scale to easily visualize the
difference between the Reference and
Comparison surface

Step 2 – Choose Object

1. Select <to turn on/off the Reference
Section, Comparison Section, or 1D
Inspection>.

Step 3 – Navigate Sections

1. Create multiple sections easily by
selecting Multi-Slices and entering <the
Interval value>.

In the 3D View the section window now

displays multiple sections.

The sections can also be displayed with the

3D point cloud.
2. Select the point cloud object in the List
window and choose to display cloud.

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3. To create the sections, click Create All.

Volumes & Surfaces

Step 1
1. Select <an Area by Polygon, Color range,
Define color range, Using surface values,
Altitude filter and Whole Inspection
Map area>.
The example shows a selection by multiple
polygons.

Step 2 - Results
Results show Cut and Fill Volumes and
Positive and Negative Surface area.

1. Click Report.
The report provides full detail and can be
saved by clicking Save as RTF.

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Iso Curves

Step 1 - Define Parameters

1. Select the <Reference value> and
<Interval value>.
The estimated number of curves is calculated

Step 2 – Calculate Iso Curves

1. Click Preview to generate the iso curve
map.

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2. If required, you can Define Principal Iso
Curves.

3. To create the iso curve map, click Create

All.

Points & Polylines

Step 1 - Choose Surface

1. Select the Pick a Reference Surface
option.

Step 2 - Draw in Map

1. Select <a Point or Draw a Polyline>.
The example shows a polyline drawn on
inspection map.

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Step 3 – Add Comments
1. Add <comments> as required.

2. To generate the output, click Create.

Colored Mesh

Step 1 – Choose Surface

1. Choose <the surface you would like to
generate the comparison mesh on>.

Step 2 – Create Mesh

1. Click Preview.
The comparison mesh is displayed in the 3D
View.

Mesh properties with Number of Vertices

and Number of Triangles are calculated.

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2. To create the comparison mesh surface,
click Create.

211
Floor Flatness Inspection
Open the Westminster University project and prepare a cloud object for the ground area using the
Ground Extraction or Auto-Classify Clouds tools.
1. From the List, select the cloud object
that represents the ground.

2. From the Inspection ribbon, select the

Floor Flatness Inspection tool from the
Inspection Map group.

Step 1 – Define Area

1. Click Define Area to establish the
inspection area extent.

2. Select two points in the 3D View to

define the inspection area.

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3. Click Done to validate the inspection
area.
Alternatively, right-click in the 3D View
and select Done in the contextual
menu.

4. Click the Define Grid Origin icon to

pick the origin in the 3D View.
Alternatively, define the Grid Origin by
entering known values in the field.

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5. Entering a value in the field Grid
Spacing field.
Note: Smaller values will result in more
detailed results. For consistent results, ensure
that cloud data exists in each cell created by
the grid.

Step 2 – Define Reference Plane

1. Click the Pick a 3D Point icon to
pick the reference plane in the 3D View.
Alternatively, define the Reference
Plane by entering a known elevation
value in the field.
This value is an elevation in the current
Home system.

Note: To reset the elevation value to default, click the Reset to the Average Elevation icon.

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Step 3 – Generate Inspection
1. Click Preview.
An Inspection Map is generated in the
3D View.

2. Do not select the Display Cloud and

Display Grid options. This will limit
what data displays with the resulting
Inspection Map in the 3D View.

215
3. Select the Out of Tolerance option.
Enter <a value> within the Out of
Tolerance field.

4. Click Preview.
Note: Only pixels with a deviation greater than the tolerance are colored. This means pixels of the map
where the distance between the cloud information and the reference plane is more than the tolerance
value.

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Step 4 – Generate Report
1. Select the Above Reference (Red) option
to include points with a positive
deviation in the report.

2. Select the Below Reference (Blue) to

include points with a negative deviation
in the report.

3. Click Export.
4. Enter <a File name>.
Click Save.

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5 files are created:
• Floor Flatness Inspection report.rtf - Main report of the inspection
• Map with annotated deviations.jpeg - High resolution picture with deviation information
• Map.tif - High resolution picture of the inspection map (no annotations)
• Map.txt - Text file with coordinates of the map in 3D
• Points.txt - ID, coordinates and deviation information of the points from the inspection map

Sample annotated map

Sample points file

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5. Click Create to create a new Floor
Flatness Inspection… group in the List
window.
The group includes the Inspection Map
object and a polyline defining the Grid of
the inspection.

6. Click Close.

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220
Introduction to Modeling Tools

Learning objectives
In this lesson, you will learn to:
• Model a point cloud using the Cloud Based Modeling Tool
• Model a point cloud by Calculating geometry using constraints
• Connect modeled geometry in sequence using the Intersect Tool
• Modify the modeled geometry using the Geometry Modifier Tool
• Add additional geometry using the Geometry Creator Tool
• Model piping using the EasyPipe Tool
• Modify plane boundaries using the Plane Bounding Tool
• Connect to and between geometries using the Intersect Tool
• Model shapes using the Extrusion tool
• Model steel using the SteelWorks Creator Tool
• Create copies of modeled entities using the Duplicator Tool

Recommended project data

• Treatment Plant Trimble RealWorks software project dataset

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Cloud-based modeling
1. Select <a cloud object> from the List window or on the screen.
2. From the Model ribbon, select the Cloud
based Modeler tool from the Creation
group.

The Cloud-based Modeler Tool will display in

the Tools tab in WorkSpace window.

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3. Select <the section of point cloud to be
modeled> with the Segmentation Tool
that is available in the Cloud-based
Modeler Tool tab.
Select <the point cloud area> and keep
the data inside the fenced area. In this
example, we are modeling a section of
pipe.

Step 1 – Choose Geometry Type

1. Select a cylinder.

2. Click Fit.

In this example, a cylinder is fit to the

segments point cloud

A pop-up box indicates the RMS deviation fit

to the point cloud, the number of points
used, the Z-axis, diameter, and length.

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Alternatively, click Extract.
Click <the segmented point cloud>.
A cylinder is fit to a small portion of the point
cloud.
Adjust <this cylinder for length> using the
Geometry Modifier Tool.

A pop up box indicates the RMS deviation fit

to the point cloud, the number of points
used, the Z-axis, diameter, and length.

3. Click Create.

The fit cylinder is displayed.

Note: The Segmentation Tool is still available
and the Cloud based Modeler Tool tab is still
open. You can therefore continue modeling
more of your point cloud.
We will continue to and demonstrate how to
use the Calculate Geometry using a
Constraint within the Cloud-based Modeler
Tool.

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Calculating geometry using constraints
Continue to model the point cloud by building upon the geometry created in the previous steps.
1. Segment out <the data that will not be
used for the pipe> in this example.

2. Segment <the data that will form the

cylinder> in this example.

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Step 2 – Calculate Geometry
1. Select the Use Constraint option.
Click the Make secant to a cylinder icon.

2. In the 3D Secant Tool screen, select the

Use the same radius option.
Click <the previously modeled cylinder>.

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The constraint parameters are populated.
3. Click Fit or Extract.
These options will model as in previous
description, except that the cylinder is fit
secant to the previously modeled cylinder.
4. Click Create.

Model the elbow of the pipe.

5. Segment <the point cloud> and keep the
data inside the fence.

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Step 1 – Choose Geometry Type
1. Select the Circular Torus icon.

Step 2 – Calculate Geometry

1. Select the Use Constraint option.

Click the Align icon to join to

two existing secant cylinders of same
radius.
2. Click <each of the modeled cylinders>.
The constraint parameters are populated.
3. Click Fit or Extract.
These options will model as in previous
description, except that the circular torus is
fit secant to the previously modeled
cylinders.
4. Click Create.

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Use a different constraint to fit the flange of
the pipe.
5. Segment <the point cloud representing
the flange>.
This can be in on or two pieces depending on
how detailed you would like to model the
flange.

Step 1 - Choose Geometry Type

1. Select a Cylinder.

Step 2 – Calculate Geometry

1. Select the Use Constraint option.
Click the Fix to an axis icon.

2. From the 3D Axis Tool toolbar, select the

Pick an axial entity icon.

3. Click <the cylinder that you want the

flange axis to be locked to>.
The constraint parameters are populated.
4. Click Fit or Extract.
These options will model as in previous
description, except that the cylinder is fit
aligned to the axis entity selected.
5. Click Create.

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You will have noted that as you modeled the
pipe sections that they did not join or
overlap. We will now look at how we can join
the sections to have continuous pipe.

Intersect tool – Connecting geometry in sequence

Use the Intersect Tool to ensure that you
have a continuous pipe with gaps and
overlap.
1. From the Model ribbon, select the
Intersect tool from the Edition group.
Do not close the Cloud-based Modeler Tool.
The intersect tool will operate within this
open tool.

2. In the Intersect Tool, click the Connect a

geometry sequence icon.

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3. Click <the pipe sections in sequential
order starting at either end>.

The sections are now connected in sequence.

Do one of the following to end the sequence

connection.
4. Press the [Esc] key on your keyboard.
Right-click and select Cancel Picking.
Click the Close icon on the Intersect Tool
when completed.

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Geometry Modifier tool
If you have modeled using the extract
method, you will now need to extend the
pipe to fit the point cloud.

1. From the Model ribbon, select the

Geometry Modifier tool from the Edition
group.
Note: You do not have to close the Cloud-
based Modeler Tool to do this. The intersect
tool will operate within this open tool.

2. In the Geometry Modifier Tool, click the

Modify Shape icon.

3. Click <the pipe section to be modified>.

Note: Additional functions now become
available on the Geometry Modifier Toolbar.

4. Click <the manipulator at one end of the

pipe section and drag to fit the point
cloud>.
Repeat this for the other end of the
pipe.

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5. Select <another geometry entity>. In
this example, the pipe flange.
To adjust the position of the flange
select the Pan along own axis icon

from the Geometry Modifier

Toolbar.

6. Click <the manipulators to move the

flange and to fit the point cloud>.

7. Rotate <the view to the bottom view of

the flange>.
In the Geometry Modifier Tool, select
the Modify Shape icon.
Click <the flange and move it in or out to
modify its radius to fit the point cloud>.
Note: This technique can be used to if you
copy the entity first. Move and modify as
required.

8. Click the Close icon on the Geometry

Modifier Tool when complete.

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Geometry Creator tool
The Geometry Creator tool is for creating a geometry. Ten types are available. You can create a
geometry by editing known parameters, picking points or picking entities within displayed objects. All
construction methods inside the tool are pure; they are in opposition to those based on point cloud
fitting. A created geometry can be used as an entry for the other tools of the RealWorks software,
such as, for example, the Surface to Model Inspection tool where models of tunnel are required for
comparison.
In this example, we have a section of pipe run
that has part of the point cloud missing
where the pipe bend should be.
We have modeled the sections of pipe using
the Cloud based Modeler Tool and will now
use the Geometry Modifier Tool to create the
missing section of pipe.

1. From the Model ribbon, select the

Geometry Creator tool from the
Creation group.

Step 1 – Choose Geometry Type

1. Select the Circular Torus icon.

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Step 2 – Define Geometry

1. Select the Align icon to join to two

existing secant cylinders of the same
radius.

2. Pick <each modeled cylinder>.

The circular torus is created between and
aligned with the cylinders.

3. To finalize the model, click Create.

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4. To complete the pipe run sequence use
the Intersect Tool.

The Geometry Creator Tool can be used to

create a variety of Geometry Types:
• Plane
• Sphere
• Cylinder
• Regular Cone
• Circular Torus
• Box
• Rectangular Torus
• Extrusion
• 3D point
• Line Segment

EasyPipe tool
The EasyPipe tool is very easy to use because you only need a few clicks to execute the following
tasks: extract a pipe path from more than one million points and model the extraction with geometric
entitie(s) if needed. The procedure given hereafter guides you step-by-step through the use of this
tool.
Note: For each command, use its short-cut key (if available). This allows you to accelerate your work.
1. From the Model ribbon, select the
EasyPipe tool from the Piping group.

2. Segment and Sample <points as

required>.
Note: If you have too dense a point cloud, it
may increase the time for the tool to extract
the model.

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Step 1 – Define Initial Cylinder
1. Click Extract
Identify and select <a point on the point
cloud that represents the pipe to begin
the initial model definition of the pipe>.
If you do not get the extraction you
require, click Extract again and re-pick.

Alternatively, click to select an

existing cylinder to begin the extraction.

Step 2 – Tracking
1. Click Start.
The software will being tracking and
modeling the pipe in a direction.
Once it has finished tracking in one direction,
it will track the other direction.
Note: The software is extracting small
segments at a time. This will later be reduced
to the basic larger entities.

When the software does not detect any

further points to model, it will stop tracking.

237
If there is a gap in the point cloud but the
pipe continues you can initiate further
tracking.
2. Click Pick to Continue
Identify and select <a point on the point
cloud that represents the continuation
of the pipe>.
3. If there are parts of the pipe you wish to
delete, click Delete Elements.
Identify and select <the section of pipe>.

Note: Each element that comes after the one

you selected will also be deleted. You can see
this in the example shown.
4. Click Pick to Continue to start tracking
again for this section of pipe.

To now have the software break the pipe into basic larger elements, click Smooth.

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Step 3 – Modeling
1. Click Model.

You can now see that the pipe is now

reduced to the fewer modeled elements

2. To finalize the model, click Create.

You can keep the EasyPipe Tool open to
model other pipes by repeating the steps
above.

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Plane Bounding tool
The Plane Bounding tool is dedicated to plane modifications: modify existing plane bounds, define
new ones, create holes, etc. This tool is based on polyline drawing and editing like the Polyline
Drawing tool. It requires the selection of an existing plane (when used alone as a main tool), or is
based on yet to be created local objects (when used as a sub-tool).
In this example we have a façade section of a
building.
We will do the following:
• Model the façade by creating a plane
using the Cloud-based Modeler Tool
• Use Fit to the point cloud calculation for
the geometry. You can also use Extract.

To adjust the plane:

1. From the Model ribbon, select the Plane
Bounding tool from the Edition group.
Note: You can select the Plane Bounding Tool
while you still have the Cloud Based Modeler
Tool open.

The Plan bounding Tool opens and the plane

and point cloud are both visible.

240
The external boundary of the plane can be
bounded in two.
2. Grab <the nodes of the current
boundary and move them to fit to the
outside boundary of the point cloud>.

3. Trace/draw <the external boundary of

the point cloud>.

To set the external boundary after you have

adjusted the nodes or drawn the boundary to
the point cloud, do one of the following:
4. Click the Set as External Curve icon

on the Plane bounding Tool bar.

Right-click and select Set as External
Curve.
The plane is now bound to the external
boundary defined by the point cloud.

The internal boundaries of the plane can also be adjusted by using the drawing tools within the Plane
bounding Tool. In this example we have several shapes that we can define with the drawing tool.

241
We will now create the windows on the
façade. Do one of the following:
1. Select the Draw Rectangle function by

clicking on the icon .

Click <the drop-down arrow to pick the
method to draw the rectangle>.
For this example we will use the 2 point
method.
Trace <the window area on the point cloud to
form the rectangle>.

To create the boundary for the window, do

one of the following:

2. Click the Create Hole icon on the

Plane bounding Toolbar.
Right-click and select Create Hole.
The internal boundary for the window is now
created.

242
Create shapes of the same size without
redrawing each one.
3. Use the Copy Selection and Create
(Ctrl+D) function.
Move <the copy to the location of the
same shape>.
Select <the window shape> using the
selection tool .
Select Copy Selection and Create
(Ctrl+D).
Move the copy to <the location required
using the manipulators>.

To create the boundary for the window, do

one of the following:

4. Click the Create Hole icon on the

Plane bounding Toolbar.
Right-click and select Create Hole.
Note: You can now select these two shapes
using the selection tool and holding down the
Ctrl key on the keyboard and repeating these
steps.

243
Once you have created the external and
internal boundaries you need to complete
the task by validating the modification.
5. Click the Validate the Plane Modification

icon on the Plan bounding

Toolbar, or right-click and select
Validate the Plane Modification.

Intersect tool – Extend to and between geometries

Intersecting an entity with another entity is similar to bounding the first with the second. Mainly
entities of the following shapes can be intersected: circular torus, cone, cylinder, extruded geometry,
plane and sphere. The first entity will be modified after the intersection and the second entity
remains unchanged. Intersecting a series of entities together is similar to bound together. All will be
modified after intersecting. The Intersect tool can be used alone or inside main tools like the Cloud-
Based Modeler.tool.
In our example we will intersect the planes
that have been modelled to represent the
facades of a building
1. From the Model ribbon, select the
Intersect tool from the Edition group.
Note: You do not have to close the Cloud-
based Modeler Tool to do this. The intersect
Tool will operate within this open tool.

244
We will first do a single intersection for one
of the sides.
2. Select <the geometry (in this example,
plane), you want to intersect with
another geometry>.

Do one of the following:

3. Click the Extend to one other geometry

icon on the Intersect Toolbar.

Or, right-click and select Extend to one
other geometry.

4. Pick <the geometry you want to

intersect with, in this example the front
façade or middle plane>.
Repeat for other side.

245
For the front façade or middle plane, do one
of the following:
5. Select the Extend between two other

geometries icon on the Intersect

Toolbar.
Or, right-click and select Extend
between two other geometries.
6. Pick <the geometries you want to
intersect with, in this example the side
façades or planes>.

To close the tool, do one of the following:

7. Click the Close icon .

Or, right-click and select Close.

Extrusions
1. From the Model ribbon, select the Cloud
based Modeler tool from the Creation
group.

246
2. Segment and sample <points as
required>.
Note: If you have too dense a point cloud it
may increase the time for the tool to extract
the model.

Step 1 - Choose Geometry Type

1. Click the Extrusion icon .

2. Use the Drawing Tool to <create the 2D

section>.
In this example, the point cloud was rotated
to a side view of the stairs and locked into
2D. You can create a 3D plane to use as the
locked plane.
Note: You can draw straight and arc
segments, rectangles, circles or select an
existing polyline.

247
3. Validate the polyline section.
The section is displayed on the point cloud

248
Step 2 – Calculate Geometry
1. Click Fit or Extract.
In this example, Fit was selected.

249
2. To finalize the model, click Create.
You can keep the Cloud based Modeler Tool
open to model other objects by repeating the
steps above.

SteelWorks Creator tool

The SteelWorks Creator tool allows you to model structural steelworks. Standard and specific catalogs
can be used within it.
1. From the Model ribbon, select the
SteelWorks Creator tool from the
SteelWorks group.

2. Segment and Sample <points as

required>.
Note: If you have too dense a point cloud it
may increase the time for the tool to extract
the model.
Step 1 - Select Section Type
1. Select <the section type you require>.
Section types include: H, I, U, L and T.

250
If you are required to use a Catalog as a
constraint for fitting of the steelwork, you
will need to import the catalog.
2. From the Model ribbon, select Import
SteelWorks Catalog(s) from the
SteelWorks group.

3. Navigate <to the catalog location>

Click Open.
Note: The installed catalogs with the Trimble
RealWorks software are located in the
software file structure under the Tables
folder, which contains a sub folder for
SteelWorks. There is an AISC spec table and a
DIN spec table.

Step 2 - Select Catalog

1. Select <a catalog if required>.
If not, select None.

251
Step 3 – Draw 2D Section
1. Draw the 2D Section.
In this example, the view is set to the top
view and locked into 2D. You can create a 3D
plane to use as the locked plane.
If required, use the Catalog Constraint option
as shown.

252
Validate the polyline section.
The software extracts the SteelWorks to fit to
the point cloud length.

Step 4 – Define Length

1. There are manipulators at each end of
the modeled steelworks to adjust the
length if required.
Alternatively, define the Length by
entering it into the supplied field.

2. To finalize the model, click Create.

Note: You can keep the SteelWorks Creator
Tool open to model other steelwork types by
repeating the steps above.

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Duplicator tool - Duplicating along a line
The Duplicator tool allows you to duplicate a geometry along, or around, a path defined by the user. A
path can be a line, a circle or a combination of both. It requires the selection of an existing object
(when used alone as a main tool), or is based on yet to be created local objects (when used as a sub-
tool).
1. Select <the modeled pieces you require
to duplicate>.
In this example we have a model of a lamp
post

2. From the Model ribbon, select the

Duplicator tool from the Edition group.

Step 1 - Choose Method

1. In this example, we have selected Along a
Line as the duplication method.

254
Step 2 – Define Path
1. Define <the path of the line>.

In this example the 3D Direction Tool .

2. Choose <the 3D direction>.
In this example, the X Axis fits well with our
data.
3. Validate your selection by clicking the

Validate function icon on the

toolbar.
Define <the parameters for duplication>
by selecting them from the drop-down
list.

4. Define <the parameters for duplication>

by selecting them from the drop-down
list.

255
Step 3 – Define Parameters
1. In this step, define <the Quantity and
Step>.
You can enter the Step if known, or you can
use the graphical tool in the 3D View and
manually move to the desired location.
Note: The object is set to the length but is not
at the correct height.

2. To move the object to the correct

height, click the Global Frame

Manipulator icon .
Use the manipulator to move the object
to the correct height, based on the point
cloud.

256
3. To create the copy/duplication, click
Create.

4. To continue to duplicate but in the

opposite direction, click Invert Path
Direction.
Repeat the previous steps to create
additional duplicates.

Duplicator tool - Duplicate around an axis

Step 1 – Choose Method
1. Select Around an Axis.
Select All Parallel or All Rotated.
This determines the orientation of the object
as it is rotated around the axis.

Step 2 - Define Path

1. Choose between Draw a circle by
defining the center and the 3D Axis tool.
In this example we will choose draw a circle
by defining the center.
2. Pick <the center of the circular object>
defined by a point cloud in this example.

257
3. In this example, we will pick the axis of a
modeled entity, using the 3D Axis Tool

.
Select the Pick an axial entity function

icon .
Pick <the entity>, in this example, a
cylinder.

Step 3 – Define Parameters

1. Enter the angle or choose to pick in the
3D View by selecting the Pick on the
wanted position of the next Element

icon .
In this example, we picked the position of the
next element.

258
2. To invert the direction of duplication,
click Invert Path Direction.

3. Select <the number of duplicates to be

made>, in this example, 12.

4. To create the duplicated object, click

Create.

259
260
Trimble RealWorks Software Modeling to Trimble SketchUp
Software

Learning objectives
In this lesson, you will learn to:
• Create and Export Geometries to the Trimble SketchUp software

Recommended project data

• Any Trimble RealWorks software project dataset

261
Create and export geometries to the Trimble SketchUp software
Note: Install and configure the Trimble
SketchUp software before proceeding with
the following steps.
1. Launch the Trimble SketchUp software
from the Trimble RealWorks software.
From the Home ribbon, select Open
SketchUp from the SketchUp group.

2. To create geometries using Modeling tools in the Trimble RealWorks software, select from the
following commands:
• Generate Key Plan From TZF scans
• Generate Key Plan From Current View
• Ortho-Projection Tool
• Multi-Ortho-Projection Tool
• Cloud based Modeler Tool
• Geometry Creator Tool
• Plane Bounding Tool
• SteelWorks Creator Tool
• EasyPipe Tool

3. Export geometries to the Trimble

SketchUp software.
Make selections from the List window or
from the 3D View.
Use the Multi Selection options ([Ctrl],
[Shift]), either in the List window or in
the 3D View.
Right-click <on the selection>.
Select Export to SketchUp.

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4. Export Ortho-Images to the Trimble
SketchUp software.
Make selection from Images Tree List or
Workspace window.
Select a folder of a full Key Plan.
Select a single image or a set of images
using Multi Selection options ([Ctrl],
[Shift]).
Right-click <on the selection>.
Select Export to SketchUp.

Note: The Trimble RealWorks software generates export files with the current HOME (coordinate)
system established for the currently active frame.

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The following example shows an export result within the Trimble RealWorks software and the Trimble
SketchUp software :

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Trimble Scan Explorer Software Modeling to the Trimble
SketchUp Software

Learning objectives
In this lesson, you will learn to:
• Create entities in SketchUp tool
• Use modeling constraints and options
• Use the Modeling functions

Recommended project data

• Westminster University Trimble RealWorks software project dataset

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Create entities in the SketchUp tool
1. From the Home ribbon, select Open
Scan Explorer from the Scan Explorer
group.

2. Click the Create Entities in SketchUp

icon.

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The Extract Features tools will display.

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Modeling constraints and options
The modeling functions within Trimble Scan Explorer for Trimble SketchUp contain the following
options:
The Constrain Vertically or Horizontally
option will force object alignment into a
vertical or horizontal direction.
Define tolerances for Modeling Constraints in
Trimble Scan Explorer.
Snap on SketchUp Entities option will
connect the new object to an existing one in
SketchUp.
Define tolerances for Modeling Constraints in
Trimble Scan Explorer.
Change constraint values.

Select Options .
Select the Modeling Constraints tab.

Edges Constraints: Set a minimum length as a

constraint for extracting Edges with the Shell
method.
Edges with lengths equal to or greater than
the minimum value will be extracted.
Edges below the minimum value will not be
extracted.
Geometric Constraints: The angle of an Edge
can be constrained for vertical and horizontal
geometry.
If the value of the angle is within the defined
tolerance; the Edge will be vertical, or
horizontal.

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Snapping Constraints: The distance within
which the pointer or a feature will snap to
another location.

Click OK to apply the values.

Modeling functions

Extract Wall Edges will create guide

lines in the Trimble SketchUp software,
representing edges from the TZF scans:
• Over the whole TZF using Shell option
• Select a smaller area using Rectangular or
Polygonal selection options.

1. Click the Create button.

Walls Using 2 Face Points allows extraction of plane objects directly from the TZF to the Trimble
SketchUp software by clicking two points along a plane surface. You can create multiple planes by
clicking additional pairs of points.

2. Click the button.

3. Click a floor point and a ceiling point, to
define the height of extracted planes.

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4. Click two points on a plane (P1_1, P1_2).

The Trimble SketchUp software will create a

plane.

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5. Click two more points onto the next
plane area (P2_1, P2_2).
The Trimble SketchUp software will create
another plane, connected to the previous
plane.

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6. Use the 2D Map and dynamically switch
to another Station without exiting the
tool.
Click the orange triangle that represents
the next Station to access.

7. Continue to click pairs of points and

switch stations to define more walls.

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Select the Create Ceiling and Floor option to
create planes that “cap” top and bottom of
the walls in the Trimble SketchUp software.
Select the Auto Create Closing Wall to create
a final plane connecting the first and the last
one, to close the shape.

Point will create a single point object

from the TZF scans in the Trimble SketchUp
software.
• By clicking a specific pixel in the TZF,
using the Point Selection option.
• By selecting a corner (three connected
planes) using the Corner selection option.
Note: The Snap on SketchUp Entities option is
available for this function.

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Edge will create a guide line from an
edge from the TZF scan in the Trimble
SketchUp software.
• Click two specific pixels in the TZF, using
the Point Selection option to
automatically create the object in the
Trimble SketchUp software.
• Select one or more edges (two connected
planes each) using the Rectangular or the
Polygonal selection functions.

• Click the Create button.

Note: Snap on SketchUp Entities and
Constrain Vertically or Horizontally options
are available for this function.

Select and extract Box will create a box

object (6 planes), extracted from a selection
from the TZF scan in the Trimble SketchUp
software.
• Use Rectangular or Polygonal selection.

• Click the Create button.

Note: Constrain Vertically or Horizontally
option is available for this feature.

Select and extract Cylinder will create a

cylinder object, extracted from a selection
from the TZF scan in the Trimble SketchUp
software.
• Use Rectangular or Polygonal selection.

• Click the Create button.

Note: Snap on SketchUp Entities and
Constrain Vertically or Horizontally options
are available for this function. Select the
Fixed Diameter option to force the diameter
of the extracted cylinder. Enter <a diameter
value> in the option activated field.

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Select and extract Face will create a
plane object, extracted from a selection from
the TZF scan in the Trimble SketchUp
software:
• Use Rectangular or Polygonal selection.

• Click the Create button.

Note: Snap on SketchUp Entities and
Constraint Vertically or Horizontally options
are available for this function.

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276
Introduction to Storage Tank

Learning objectives
In this lesson, you will learn to:
• Use the Tank Setup tool
• Process a vertical tank calibration
• Process a horizontal tank calibration
• Export tank calibration results and edit the report
• Process a vertical tank inspection
• Create a vertical tank inspection report

Recommended project data

• Vertical Storage Tank
• Horizontal Storage Tank
• Tank Secondary Containment

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Vertical tank setup
The Tank Setup tool is the first tool of the Tank Module in Trimble RealWorks. It is used to
automatically clean up tank data. This will prepare tank datasets to be used in Tank Calibration and
Tank Inspection tools.
1. Open the Vertical Storage Tank.rwp project.

2. In the List window select <the Project

Cloud>.

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3. From the Storage Tank ribbon, select the
Tank Setup from the Tank Object group.
The Tank Setup tool will open.

Step 1 – Define parameters

1. From the first drop down list, select
Vertical Cylinder

2. From the second drop down list, select

Inside Scans.
This specifies if the scans detail the inside or
outside of the tank.

3. From the third drop down list, select the

appropriate type of tank floor. Select
Planar Bottom (Flat/Sloped) for this
project.
Note: This drop down is enabled with the
selection of Inside Scans in the previous step.

Step 2 – Auto Classify

1. Select Classify.
A preview of the result is displayed in the 3D
View. The different tank components are
displayed with a specific Cloud Color.
Note: The different cloud objects created
during the Classify process will not be linked to
a standard Classification Layer. They will,
however, be assigned to the Unclassified layer.
The user can further specify layers if required.

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Step 3 – Check/Refine
The check boxes allow the user to display/hide
points according to the following categories:
• Roof – top of the tank
• Shell – walls of the tank
• Bottom – bottom of the tank
• Deadwood – components within the tank
• Remaining –uncategorized points

1. Display the Shell category.

Click Edit.

The Tank Classification floating toolbar opens.

It is a Segmentation-like tool that will allow
the user to move points from one category to
another.
1. In the 3D View, select the points that are visible above the tank shell.

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The Tank Classification toolbar drop down list
contains the categories.
2. Select Remaining.

3. Click the Assign to desired tank part (p)

icon.
Selected points will be moved to the (selected)
Remaining category.
4. Continue to process the categories as required.

5. Click the Close icon.

Note: A message may prompt you to apply any

active selections that were not assigned to a
category. Select the appropriate answer as
required.

6. Click Create.

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7. A new folder, Tank, is created in the List
window.
The folder includes a set of cloud objects. Each
cloud object represents the points that have
been assigned to tank parts during the above
classification process.

Note : Cloud objects in the Tank group are partially locked:

• They cannot be deleted or renamed; however, they can be copied out from the group.
• The group itself can be deleted or renamed.
• A new group cannot be created, or pasted, inside this group.
8. Click Close when all processing is
complete.

9. Save the project for further use in next subjects : Vertical Tank Calibration and Vertical Tank
inspection

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Horizontal tank setup
The same process applies for horizontal tank setups.
1. Open the Horizontal Tank.rwp project.

2. Select the Project Cloud.

3. From the Storage Tank ribbon, select the

Tank Setup from the Tank Object group.
The Tank Setup tool will open.

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Step 1 – Define parameters
4. Select <the appropriate horizontal
cylinder (tank) parameters> in Step 1.

Step 2 – Auto Classify

5. Select Classify.

Step 3 – Check/Refine
6. Display and edit the tank categories as
required using the Tank Classification
tool.

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7. Assign categories and close the tool.
8. Click Create.

The resulting Tank group will be added to the

project.

Note: A horizontal tank will have no Bottom

and Roof information.

10. Click Close when all processing is

complete.

Vertical Tank Calibration

Vertical Tank Calibration is used to calculate volume of a tank object. Workflow of the tool is similar
for both vertical and horizontal tanks.
1. Open the Storage Tank.rwp project previously edited in Tank Setup.

285
2. In the List window, select both the Shell
and Bottom cloud objects from the Tank
group.
Note: Because this is an inside scan, there is
information about the bottom/ground of the
tank. As soon as this information exists, it will
be needed for the Sump Volume calculation in
next steps. In case of outside scans, this
information does not exist and cannot,
therefore, be used.
In case of a horizontal tank, only the Shell will
be selected.

3. From the Storage Tank ribbon, select

Vertical Tank Calibration from the Tank
Calibration group.
The Vertical Tank Calibration tool opens and
displays the Shell cloud object and two default
planes that represent the top and bottom of
the cloud.

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Step 1 – Define Dipping Plate
1. Click the Pick Dipping Plate icon.
Then, click <the point cloud in the 3D
View> to define the new position of
bottom limit of the calculation.

Click the Fit Dipping Plate icon to

create a plane fitted onto a part of the
point cloud.
Alternatively, enter <a value> manually.
Note: The dipping plate represents the bottom
limit of the useful tank volume. Everything
under the dipping to the plate to the Bottom of
the tank will represent the Sump volume.
Remember this calculation is possible only
because data of the Bottom of the tank exists
from an inside scan. In case of outside scans,
use the far bottom of the shell (default position
of the plane). The Sump Volume will not be
calculated.

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Step 2 – Define Body Parameters
If the default plane defining the top level of
the calculation is incorrect, edit the Maximum
Level Height.

1. Click the Pick Maximum Level icon.

Alternatively, enter <a value> manually.
2. Enter <the Interval value> to define the
distance between slices.
This dictates the number of slices that will be
created between the Dipping Plate and the
Maximum Level Height positions.

Step 3 – Define Sump Parameters

1. Enter <the appropriate Resolution value>
for the sump volume calculation.
Note: This volume calculation is similar to the
Volume Calculation tool. The Resolution
parameter is defining the size and resolution of
the grid that will be used to calculate the
volume from the Bottom of the tank object to
the position of the Dipping Plate plane.

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Step 4 – Calculate
1. If known and required, enter <the Shell
Thickness value> to refine the calculation.
Note: This value make sense only in case of
outside scans, because in this situation the
thickness of the tank can be removed from the
final volume. But, in any case, this value can be
also edited in the final report Tank Calibration
Sheet.

2. Click Preview.
An information window shows volume
information.

Sump Volume object and slices of the Shell are displayed in the 3D View.

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Tank Calibration Check sub-tool
1. Click Check to open the Tank Calibration
Check sub-tool.

Sub-tool Step 1 – Manage Sections

1. Enable the Filter Sections option.
Enter <the required value> in the
Tolerance field. For this example, use
0.1%.
Note: This step is optional, though
recommended if you expect, or visually detect,
significant differences from one section to the
next. It allows you to filter by comparing
sections from one to the next. The filtering
setting called Tolerance corresponds to a
degree of change from one section to the next
at a percentage rate ranging from 0% to 10%.
The sections for which the difference (in
percent) is higher than the defined rate are
considered as potentially defective, and can
then be edited.

Sub-tool Step 2 – Select a Section to Edit

Depending on the above filtering, some of the
existing sections will be displayed in the
sections window.
1. Select one of the sections to display in
the 3D View.
Alternatively, use the button-based
controls to browse the filtered sections.

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1. Disable the Display Cloud option to hide
point cloud information.
This will make it easier to identify a part of the
section that may need to be edited.

Sub-tool Step 3 – Edit Contour

1. Click the Standard selection mode
icon.
2. In the 3D View, draw a polygonal selection around the area of the polyline to edit.
Double-click to close the selection.

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3. Click the Delete and connect extremities
icon.
The tool deletes selected segments and re-
connects extremities.

4. Display the point-cloud to check the result.

Repeat the process if necessary.

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5. Click Apply.
This will validate the changes and close the
Tank Calibration Check sub-tool.
The Vertical Tank Calibration tool functions
will resume.

Step 4 - Calculate
1. Click Export.
This opens a window to save Tank calibration
information in a text file.

2. Save the Tank calibration report text file.

The first column of the text file contains all
Section Heights (above the Dipping Plate). The
second column lists the Area information at
each Section level. The first line displays the
Sump value in a third column.

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3. Click Create.

A new group is created in the project List

window that includes polyline objects
representing the sections of the calibration
and a volume object that represents the sump
volume.

Note: Ensure the different elements were created and the results were properly exported to the text
file prior to closing the tool. Otherwise you will need to go through the process again to recover that
information.
4. Click Close.

Horizontal Tank Calibration

The Horizontal Tank Calibration tool follows the same workflow as the Vertical Tank Calibration tool.
The primary difference is the tank setup. A horizontal tank will have no bottom object information so
that only the shell object will be used in Horizontal Tank Calibration tool.

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Definitions of the dipping plate, body
parameters and sump parameters are
prepared the same way as vertical tank
calibration.
1. Populate all fields and process the
Horizontal Tank Calibration tool.

Result of a preview for Horizontal Tank Calibration.

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Workflows for the Check… and the Export…
functions are identical to Vertical Tank
Calibration, as are the creation of the objects,
slices and volume.

Tank Calibration Sheet

The Tank calibration sheet will be the final report for tank calibration. The Tank calibration sheet is an
Excel sheet located in the Trimble RealWorks installation folder. It details all volume information and
includes options to apply compensations and edit a capacity table.
1. From the Storage Tank ribbon, select the
Locate Table tool from the Tank
Calibration group.
A Windows Explorer window will open to the
folder path of the Tank calibration sheet.xls
file.

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2. Open the Tank calibration sheet.xls file.

Note: From a file management perspective, it

is recommended to work on a renamed copy of
the Excel template sheet. Alternatively you can
use the File > Save As command to save the file
to avoid overwriting the template. Failure to
manage this file properly can result in the loss
of the template file or other project calibration
sheets.

1. In the <Tank calibration sheet>, click the <1. Import> button. This opens the <Import Extractor
Files> window.
Note: A Security Warning message may display prompting you to Enable Content. Click Enable Content
to proceed.

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2. Click 1. Import

The Import Extractor Files dialog will display.

3. Click Open.

4. Browse to and select <the Storage

Tank.txt file> previously exported from
the Tank Calibration tool.
Open the file.

The file section will summarize the data that

was loaded from the text file.

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5. Select the units required by the project.

6. Enter the (tank shell) temperature value

and select project temperature units.
This represents the temperature of the tank
shell during scanning. For empty metal tanks,
the shell temperature is assumed to be the
same as the ambient temperature.
7. Click OK.
The data will be imported into the worksheet.

8. Click Next to open the Compensation

(table) dialog.

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9. Enter project values in the Compensation
(table) dialog.
Click OK.

Note: Use the Tank calibration sheet.doc file

for more information and details about the
Compensation sheet.

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10. Click Next to open the Capacity (table)
dialog.

11. Enter project values in the Capacity Table

dialog.
Click OK.

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Note: Use the Tank calibration sheet.doc file
for more information and details about the
Capacity Table sheet.

12. Save the Tank Calibration sheet for

project records.

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Tank Secondary Containment
The Tank Secondary Containment feature allows you to measure the capacity of a tank Secondary
Containment and to extract the position of the Spill Point. A Secondary Containment is an
impermeable barrier that prevents leaks from the primary storage tank system from reaching outside
the containment area. A Spill Point is the lowest point on the watershed line.
1. Open the Tank Secondary Containment.rwp project.

2. In the List window, select the Tank object

folder and the ContainmentArea cloud
object.
Remember, the Tank object folder is created
from the Tank Setup tool. However, it has
already been created for this project’s
exercise.
The containment area is the depression
around the tank.

303
3. From the Storage Tank ribbon, select the
Tank Secondary Containment tool from
the Tank Calibration group.
The tool opens and the 3D View displays the
cloud object and a preview of the tank shell
object.

The point cloud of the containment area must be cleaned up using segmentation and/or sampling
tools prior to working with the parameters of the Tank Secondary Containment.
In this case we will use the <Sampling/Ground Extraction> tool - described in the Introduction to Basic
Tools chapter of this guide.
1. Select the (Tank Secondary Containment)
Sampling sub-tool.

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2. Select the Ground Extraction (Sampling)
option.

3. Apply the <Ground Extraction> to keep only ground data from the containment area.
Click Apply.
The Sampling tool will close.

305
Step 1 – Outer Wall Boundary
1. Click the <Select Area> button.
The <3D View> moves to <Top> and locked in
2D.

A <Drawing> floating toolbar opens.

2. In the 3D View, use segments or arcs to draw a polygonal selection around the containment
area.
Note: It is important to have all the points from the containment area inside the selection, but the
selection cannot be too far away from the point-cloud boundaries.

3. Click Validate the polyline (Enter) to

confirm the selection.

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Step 2 – Compute
1. Click Compute.

Step 3 – Deliverable
1. Click Generate Report.

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2. Select <a file location>.
Enter <the file name>.
Click Save.
A new Tank Secondary Containment Report
window opens.

3. Enter <the Containment Pass/Fail

Criterion> information.
• Tank Volume is calculated from the
preview of the tank object. It is possible to
key in a custom value.
• Ratio represents the % of Tank Volume
that will be considered to compare to the
containment area volume.
4. Enter <the Rainfall> information.
• Amount represents the average
precipitation in mm per year.
• Estimated Surface Area is the value
computed by the tool and cannot be
edited.
• Estimated Volume is the rain volume
computed thanks to rainfall height and
surface, and cannot be edited.
5. Select <the units> to use in the report.
Click Create.
A file is created and opened showing the result
of the comparison.

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6. Click Create.

A new Secondary Containment group will be

added to the List window. It includes the
different objects defining the containment
area.

Vertical Tank Inspection

This feature enables to inspect the verticality and the roundness of a vertical tank by comparing its
point cloud to a theoretical model, at prescribed elevation levels (horizontally through the tank)
called Courses and at prescribed, constant steps (radially around/across the tank) called Stations.
1. Open the Vertical Storage Tank.rwp project.
2. In the <List> window, select a <Tank>
group object.
If the object does not exist, go through the
<Tank Setup> tool to create one.

3. From the Storage Tank ribbon, select the

Vertical Tank Inspection tool from the
Tank Inspection group.
The Vertical Tank Inspection tool will open
displaying both the Shell and Bottom objects
from the Tank group object.

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Step 1 – Define Tank Model
1. Click the Pick upper bound point
icon next to the Upper Bound field.

2. In the 3D View, pick a point that defines the top limit of the tank shell.
A preview of the top limit plane displays.

3. Click the Pick lower bound point

icon next to the Lower Bound field.

4. In the <3D View>, pick a point that defines the bottom limit of the tank shell.
A preview of the bottom limit plane displays.

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5. Click Fit.
A perfect cylinder is fitted over the tank shell
point cloud.
This cylinder will be used as the reference for
comparison of the verticality and roundness
inspection.

Step 2 – Grid
1. Click Define/Edit.
The Tank Grid Definition sub-tool will open.

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Sub-tool Step 1 – Define Inspection
Stations
1. Click the Pick initial inspection station
icon.

2. In the 3D View, click on <the point cloud>

to define the position of the first
inspection Station.
A vertical blue line displays to show this
position.
Note: The view is locked in 2D by default. To
unlock the rotation, click the Use constrained
view icon at the top of Tank Grid
definition.

3. Enter <the required value> in the Number

of Stations field.
The Step field, represents the distance
between stations, and is updated accordingly.
The Step value will consequently define the
number of stations. In this case the Step value
will be adjusted to become regular between all
stations.

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Sub-tool Step 2 – Define Courses
1. Click Add Courses.

2. In the 3D View, click <the different positions in elevation> where you want to add a Course
object.
Repeat until all courses have been defined.
This defines the location of roundness Inspection. Usually, courses are located at welding lines
between the plates of the shell.

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3. Click Done.

Courses can be easily removed if original

positioning was not correctly defined.
4. Click Remove Course.
In the 3D View, click on the course
selected for deletion.
Repeat steps as needed.

Sub-tool Step 3 – Edit Grid

Adjust the positioning of courses and stations if required.
1. Click Shift Stations to change the position
of existing stations.

2. In the 3D View, click the station to modify.

The station is then highlighted in purple.

3. In the 3D View, click another point on the

point cloud to define the desired
destination.
Repeat the process for any of the existing
stations.

4. Click Done.

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5. Click Shift Courses to change the position
of existing courses.

6. In the 3D View, click another point on the

point cloud to define the desired
destination.
Repeat the process for any of the existing
courses.
Click Done.

Sub-tool Step 4 – Measurement Rules

1. Enter <the required values> for the Above
and Below fields.
This is defining the real position of the
measurement around each main course.
Usually, the welding creates issues for the
measurement so that the real ones are taken
just around it, above and below. In the 3D
View, these values are displayed as yellow
lines around the orange line which represents
the main course.

2. Optionally enter <the required value> in

Regular Intervals to add sub-courses
between primary courses.

315
Sub-tool Step 5 – Bottom Measurement
Rules
1. Enter the <the required values> for the
Outer Zone Width, Outer Zone Step and
Inner Zone Step fields to define the
inspection points for the tank Floor
Inspection.
Outer Zone Step is usually much smaller than
Inner Zone Step. The outer area is where most
deformations can be, so the inspection needs
a higher resolution for accurate analysis. The
following diagram details this methodology.

316
2. Click Apply.
Changes will be applied and the Tank Grid
Definition sub-tool will close.

317
Step 2 – Grid
The grid has been defined. Continue by defining the orientation and numbering type of stations.
1. Select the Orientation (of calculation)
according to the reference station
position.
Choose between :
• Clockwise
• Counterclockwise

2. Select how the stations will be

numbered (named) in the report,
according to the reference station.
Choose between :
• Numbers from 0
• Numbers from 1
• Angles

Step 3 – Check results

1. Click Verticality.
The Tank Verticality Check sub-tool will open.

Sub-tool Step 1 – Filter Sections

1. Enable the Apply Filter option to apply a
Tolerance filter to the station selection.

318
2. Enter <the required value> in the
Tolerance field to apply a filter based on
the distance between the reference
cylinder and points on a given station.
Note: The points are intersections between
each Station and each Course and Sub-Course
that has been defined in the grid definition. For
each point, the tool compares the distance to
the reference fitted cylinder. If a point is falling
out from the Tolerance value, it is displayed in
red and the whole station is selected by the
filter to give a visual check to the user.

Understand that the tolerance will help in the

identification of point cloud noise versus
legitimate tank related points. Noise has the
potential to affect the outcome of the report
through unrelated data being introduced and
factored into the analysis.

Sub-tool Step 2 – Select Section

Stations displayed in this area will depend on
the applied filter.
1. Browse through the selected stations for
a visual check.

2. Click OK.
The Tank Verticality Check sub-tool will close,
returning the user to the Vertical Tank
Inspection tool functions.

319
Step 3 – Check results
1. Click Roundness.
The Tank Roundness sub-tool will open.

Sub-tool Step 1 – Filter Sections

1. Enable the Apply Filter option to apply a
Tolerance filter to the station selection.

2. Enter <the required value> in the

Tolerance field to apply a filter based on
the distance between the reference
cylinder and points on a given course.
Note: The points are intersections between
each Station and each Course and Sub-Course
that has been defined in the grid definition. For
each point, the tool compares the distance to
the reference fitted cylinder. If a point is falling
out from the Tolerance value, it is displayed in
red and the whole course is selected by the
filter to give a visual check to the user.

Sub-tool Step 2 – Select Section

Courses displayed in this area will depend on
the applied filter.
1. Browse through the selected courses for a
visual check.

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2. Click OK.
The Tank Roundness Check sub-tool will close,
returning the user to the Vertical Tank
Inspection tool functions.

Step 4 – Deliverable
A report can be produced that details the
results of the inspection.
1. Click Create Report.
2. Enter <the required File name>.
Click Save.
The Vertical Tank Inspection report
parameters dialog will open.

3. Enter parameters to use for the final

report.

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4. In the Report Content section, select information that will appear in the final report.

5. Select the type of reference to use for the Bottom Settlement Inspection.
• Horizontal (Automatic, Above) is using, as reference, a line placed over the Bottom
point-cloud object.
• Horizontal (Average Elevation) is using, as reference, a horizontal line fitted on the
Bottom point-cloud object.
• Bottom Model is using an estimated fitted model of the Bottom point-cloud object.

6. Enter <the required values> for Pass/Fail Criteria for Verticality and Roundness inspection.
• Top Tolerance corresponds to a tolerance applied to the top of the tank. If a
measurement in the top part of the tank is greater than the value entered in the Top
Tolerance field, it will be highlighted in the report.
• Height above Shell-to-Bottom Weld allows the user to define an area with a tolerance
different from the Top Tolerance. This area starts at the bottom of the tank (Shell-to-
Bottom Weld) and ends at the elevation defined by the user.
• Bottom Tolerance is a tolerance used for the bottom of the tank in the report.

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7. Enter <the required values> for Exceeds/Does not exceed Criterion for Shell Settlement
inspection.
The <Young's Modulus> and the< Yield Strength> are used to compute the exceeds/does not
exceed value based on API 653 with the formula :

where :
• L is the arc length between two measurement points.
• Y is the Yield Strength (in lbf/in²).
• E is the Young's modulus (in lbf/in²).
• H Is the tank height.

8. Select <the required Conventions> value from the drop-down list.

9. Click Create.
The final report is created and opened.

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Sample of Verticality Report

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Sample of Roundness Report

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Sample of Bottom Settlement Report

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Sample of Shell Settlement Report

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10. Click Create.
2 new groups are created in the <Tank>
group that was used in the <Vertical Tank
Inspection>.
The <Grid> group includes all the grid
parameters of the inspection.
The <Measurements> group includes all
geometries defining, <Stations>,
<Courses> and <Bottom> inspections.
Once these groups are existing, the
<Vertical Tank Inspection> can be
launched again over that <Tank> object,
using the same parameters.
11. Click <Close> to close the <Vertical Tank
Inspection>.

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