How to Export Geo LAS Files from Polycam to Cloud Compare

In this guide, you will learn how to export LAS point cloud files from Polycam and prepare them for use in Cloud Compare, including essential cleanup techniques.

Requirements

Polycam Business or Enterprise account

Required

Required to download Georeferenced LAS files

Cloud Compare

Free

Free 3D point cloud processing software

QGIS

Free

Free geographic information system software

Export LAS File from Polycam

0:00
  1. Open your captured 3D model in Polycam
  2. Navigate to the Details window
  3. Click Download 3D model
  4. Select Georeferenced LAS file
  5. Click Export

Convert Coordinate System Using QGIS 0:47

Important: Do not drag the raw LAS file directly into Cloud Compare, as this will cause the point cloud data to appear as a single straight line of points.

Why QGIS is Needed

Cloud Compare requires a specific coordinate reference system (CRS) to properly read LAS files. We'll use QGIS to convert the file format.

1Conversion Process

  1. Open QGIS and drag your LAS file into the workspace
  2. Wait for the point cloud to render (this may take a moment)
  3. In the Layers panel, right-click your file name
  4. Select Export Save As
  5. Choose LAS Point Cloud Format
  6. Give the file a descriptive name (e.g., "converted_las")

2Update the Coordinate Reference System

  1. Click the globe icon to open the CRS selector
  2. Search for 32633
  3. Select WGS84 UTM Zone from the results
  4. Click OK

Why This Matters: Smartphones and GPS use WGS84 for global positioning, but Cloud Compare works better with WGS84 UTM zone CRS, which provides more accurate local distance and area mapping suitable for architectural and city planning applications.

Import into Cloud Compare 2:10

  1. Navigate to your converted LAS file location
  2. Drag the converted file into Cloud Compare
  3. When the first dialog appears, click Apply All
  4. In the second dialog, ensure Preserve global shift on save is checked
  5. Click Yes to all

Your point cloud should now display correctly as a new layer in Cloud Compare.

Cloud Compare Interface Overview 2:32

Key Interface Elements

  • Database Tree (top left): Shows your layers and project structure
  • View Controls (below database tree): Switch between orthographic views (front, back, side) and perspective
  • Main Viewport: 3D visualization area

Important Safety Tip: Cloud Compare does not have an undo button. Always create a duplicate of your data before making changes:

  1. Select your file in the database tree
  2. Click the clone icon
  3. Work on the duplicate to preserve your original data

Clean Up Your Point Cloud 3:11

1Noise Filtering

  1. Select your point cloud layer
  2. Go to Tools Clean Noise Filter
  3. Keep default settings
  4. Ensure Remove isolated points is selected
  5. Apply the filter

This process removes noise and creates a cleaner version of your point cloud. You can toggle between the original and cleaned versions in the database tree.

2Cropping with Segmentation Tool

  1. Select your cleaned layer
  2. Click the scissors icon in the top toolbar
  3. Choose your selection method:
    • Polygon Selection (recommended for versatility)
    • Rectangle Selection (for simple rectangular crops)

3Using Polygon Selection

  1. Draw a polygon around the area you want to keep
  2. Right-click to close the shape
  3. Choose Crop In (keep selected area) or Crop Out (remove selected area)
  4. If you make a mistake, use the segmentation tool's undo option

4Finalizing Your Crop

  1. After cropping, the segmentation tool remains active for inspection
  2. To make additional cuts, press the pause button to re-engage the tool
  3. When satisfied with your results, click the checkmark icon to confirm
  4. Cloud Compare will create a new layer with your cropped data
  5. You can disable or delete unwanted layers as needed