Skip to main content

Viewer settings menu

How 3D point cloud data is visualized​

Viewer settings are always available at the bottom left of the left screen and apply to the open project. Within a project, datasets, optional vector reference layers, annotation data models, and a basemap are defined. Depending on the available datasets or modules (such as annotations), specific menu components are activated.

The following menu components are described below:

The viewer settings menu is located here (bottom left of the main screen):

Viewer settings menu location

1. Point cloud visualization settings​

Within the “Point cloud visualization settings” menu, several options are available.

1.1 Point size​

Adjust point size directly. The point cloud visualization updates immediately.

1.2 Advanced point cloud settings​

Open advanced settings via the three vertical dots at the top of the point cloud menu. Available options:

  • Adaptive point size
    Dynamically adjusts point size based on camera distance and point density, creating a seamless and closed surface.
  • Eye-Dome Lighting (EDL)
    Enhances depth perception by sharpening edges and contours.

Advanced point cloud settings

💡Tip:

Enable both Adaptive point size and Eye-Dome Lighting for optimal visualization quality.

Point cloud color settings​

If available in the dataset (e.g. RGB or classification values), the following visualization modes can be used:

  • RGB (photorealistic)
  • Elevation
  • Intensity
  • Classification
  • Point Source ID
  • Single fixed color

Additional settings are available via the gear icon next to relevant visualization options.

1.3 RGB visualization​

Photorealistic RGB coloring of the point cloud.

RGB visualization settings

1.4 Elevation-based visualization​

Colorization based on height range.

Options:

  • Set minimum elevation.
  • Set maximum elevation.
  • Select predefined color gradients.
  • Define min/max range based on:
    • All point cloud layers.
    • A specific layer.
    • Current view extent.

Elevation visualization settings

1.5 Intensity visualization​

Applicable only when intensity (reflectance) values are available.

  • Typically present in LiDAR datasets.
  • Not available in dense matching photogrammetry point clouds.

Options:

  • Gamma adjustment
  • Brightness
  • Contrast
  • Reset to default values

Intensity visualization settings

1.6 Classification visualization​

Each classification class is shown in a distinct color.

  • Classification IDs follow the LAS standard.
  • Examples:
    • Building
    • Ground
    • Vegetation
    • Water
    • Custom classes

Classes can be toggled individually.

Tip: Disable all classes first, then enable only the required class for focused analysis.

Classification visualization settings

1.7 Point Source ID visualization​

Colorization based on Point Source ID.

Use case:

  • Identifying individual flight strips in aerial LiDAR datasets.

Point Source ID visualization settings

1.8 Single color per dataset​

Assign a fixed color per point cloud dataset.

Use case:

  • Comparing multiple datasets in a single 3D view or cross-section.

Single color visualization

2. Layer settings​

Layers can be enabled or disabled per screen.

Available options:

  • Toggle layer visibility.
  • Adjust transparency.
  • Hover over a layer to preview coverage (after 1 second).
  • Via the three-dot menu:
    • Zoom to layer extent.
    • Hide other layers.

Layer settings

3. Filter tools​

Filters support targeted analysis of 3D data. Filters apply to the entire 2D/3D view and can be configured per split screen.

Active filters are visible in the interface.

Available filters:

FilterFunctionApplication
ClassificationFilter by class (e.g. ground, vegetation, buildings)Show only selected classes
Elevation rangeFilter by Z valueIsolate specific height ranges
Point Source IDFilter by scan sourceAnalyze flight strips or scan sessions
SelectionFilter within or outside a manually drawn polygonFocus on a defined area

Adding filters​

  • Click the + icon in the filter menu.
  • Select filter type.
  • Define filter parameters.
  • Confirm with OK.

For selection filters:

  • Choose “Show points inside polygon” or “outside polygon”.
  • Draw polygon.
  • Remove last vertex with Backspace or Ctrl + Z.

Managing filters​

  • Temporarily disable by clicking the filter name.
  • Edit using the pencil icon.
  • Delete using the trash icon.
💡Note:

Filters are configured per screen.
Always verify which screen is active before modifying filters.
Check for unintended active filters if data appears incomplete.

4. Measurement tools​

Available measurement types:

  • Point
  • Line (distance)
  • Polyline
  • Polygon

Measurements can snap to each other (vertex-to-vertex).

Export options:

  • Export all measurements as GeoJSON (GIS use).
  • Export all measurements as DXF (CAD use).
  • Delete all measurements (irreversible).

Per individual measurement:

  • Zoom to location.
  • Copy coordinates (WKT use).
  • Export as GeoJSON or DXF.
  • Delete measurement.

Measurement menu options

For detailed workflows, see Measurements.

5. Integration menu​

The integration menu (e.g. dg DIALOG BGT) is not available by default. An additional license is required.

More information is available here.