This article explains how to share a point cloud with someone outside the account through a public link, how to turn that access off, and how to download a point cloud or its captured imagery.
What you will need
An Emesent account with Aura Cloud access.
The Admin role, to turn public access on or off. Downloading is available to both the Admin and User roles.
A point cloud in the ready status. To check status, see Manage point clouds.
A modern web browser. Google Chrome on a desktop or laptop is recommended.
Procedure
Step 1: Turn on public access
Open the point cloud in the 3D viewer.
Select Share. The Share point cloud window opens.
Turn on Enable public access. Aura Cloud generates a public link and shows it in the Share link field.
Select Copy link to copy the link, then send it to the recipient.
Anyone with the link can now view the scan in a browser.
Step 2: Turn off public access
Turning off public access revokes the link. The scan is no longer viewable by anyone holding it.
Open the point cloud in the 3D viewer.
Select Share.
Turn off Enable public access.
The link stops working immediately.
Step 3: Download a point cloud
Open the point cloud in the 3D viewer, or locate the row in the project view.
Start a download from the available actions.
Downloads can take time on large scans. Confirm the internet connection has enough bandwidth before starting.
Step 4: Download captured imagery
Panoramic imagery captured alongside the scan can be downloaded separately for use outside Aura Cloud.
Open the point cloud in the 3D viewer.
In the viewer sidebar, find the Modes section and turn on Show 360° panos.
Start an imagery download from the available actions.
What recipients see
Recipients of a public link do not need an Aura Cloud account, an Emesent account, or any installed software. The link opens in any modern web browser.
Account: None required. The link opens directly in the 3D viewer.
Viewing: Recipients can navigate the scan in the 3D viewer.
360° panos: Available if the original scan includes panoramic imagery.
Mobile devices: Public links can be viewed on a phone or tablet. Aura Cloud can be used on a mobile device, but it is not officially supported, and a desktop or laptop computer is recommended.
Editing: Recipients can view and navigate the scan but cannot rename, move, delete, or change the point cloud.
To remove a recipient's access at any time, turn off public access.
Outcome
The point cloud is shared with the right people, and the team retains control over who can see the scan and for how long.