How to Open a drone PointCloud file in AutoCAD

 To open PointCloud file generated from a drone phogrammetry software in AutoCAD, the point cloud file must be in Autodesk ReCap (.rcp, .rcs) format as seen below.

What is Autodesk ReCap?

Autodesk ReCap is reality capture software used to transform real-world objects and environments into digital 3D models from photographs and laser scans. The software allows users to view, edit, and prepare high-quality digital assets, often as point clouds or meshes, for use in other Autodesk software, such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks. Its file extension is either .rcp or .rcs, hence any point cloud file that most be imported into AutoCAD must be converted into the ReCap file extension using the Autodesk ReCap software. To proceed with this tutorial, download and install the Autodesk ReCap software. You also need the Autodesk login credentials, so signup for one if you don't have it already.

Step-by-step

1) Launch the Autodesk ReCap and create a new project

2) Import all your point cloud files that are either in .laz, .las, .ply, .csv etc. If you work with webODM drone software you should be farmilier with these point cloud files.

In addition to the point cloud file types listed above, Autodesk ReCap also supports others as seen below;

3) The next screen that opens will start processing the point cloud files and also allow you to set the coordinate system for the files.

To set your coordinate system, click o the advanced tab as seen below, then select the coordinate system for your project.

4) Next click on the import files button at the bottom right corner. You will see a screen like the one below, this will load and process you point cloud files. Depending the number of files, you have to wait longer for the process to finish.

5) After the file rendering, click through the blue button at the bottom right corner to launch the point cloud within Autodesk ReCap as seen below.

6) You can perform some basic measurements and other stuffs. But our altimate aim is to open the rendered poin cloud in AutoCAD software, so click on the save button and open your AutoCAD software.

7) Make sure you have your Autodesk login credentials at hand as it is required to set geograpgic location in AutoCAD. Navigate to the Insert menu and select 'set location', login and select your working coordinate system.

8) Next click on the 'Attach' button and select the Point Cloud file that was saved from Autodesk ReCap. Select appropraite setting and the Point Cloud file will be imported into AutoCAD as seen in the last screen below.

Thank you dor reading.