This article explains how to open a point cloud in the 3D viewer and navigate around it using the camera controls and view options.
What you will need
An Emesent account with Aura Cloud access.
A point cloud in the ready status.
A modern web browser. Google Chrome on a desktop or laptop is recommended.
Procedure
Step 1: Open a point cloud
Locate the point cloud in the project or folder.
Open it in the 3D viewer.
The viewer auto-positions the camera to show the data on first open.
Step 2: Navigate the point cloud
The 3D viewer supports keyboard and mouse navigation. The available controls include:
WSAD keys for camera movement.
Mouse controls for look direction.
Fly / helicopter camera for free-form navigation.
Step 3: Switch between perspective and orthographic views
The 3D viewer supports two camera modes:
Mode | Use for |
|---|---|
Perspective | Natural navigation with depth and distance cues. |
Orthographic | Plan-style views without perspective distortion. |
Performance is comparable in both modes.
Step 4: Use the navigation cube
The navigation cube (also called the view cube) snaps the camera to standard angles such as top, front, side, and isometric views.
Step 5: Use clipping planes
Clipping planes hide part of the point cloud along a chosen axis. Use clipping planes to inspect interiors or specific regions of a scan.
Step 6: Switch to the 360° panos
If the scan includes 360° imagery, the viewer can switch to the 360° panos for street-view-style navigation.
For details, see Use the 360° panos.
Outcome
The point cloud is open in the 3D viewer and ready for navigation, inspection, sharing, or download.
Additional information
For display options such as point shape, color gradient, opacity, and Eye Dome Lighting, see Adjust point cloud display and performance.
For sharing the open point cloud with others, see Share and download point clouds.