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POTREE

Interactive 3D views of Lidar data

(see also http://potree.org/)

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Using the potree framework, we are offering a method to view the Lidar data in 3D.

There are two methods to do this:

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(1) as a web-based application with all data residing on a website; or

(2) as a PC-based application with all data residing on the PC itself.

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We are offering some of the data via Method (1), but prefer Method (2)

with the data downloaded from Dropbox.

This method is more flexible and capable of showing higher resolution pointclouds.

Method (2) requires the user to install the Potree Desktop utility.

 

Potree Desktop can either be downloaded from GITHUB:

https://github.com/potree/PotreeDesktop

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or from the ARA Dropbox:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4jlml3qtx47e24c/PotreeDesktop_1.6_windows_ARA.zip?dl=1

(at this stage, this contains the Windows 64bit version only)

 

The ARA version has been slightly modified from the original for easier viewing of these specific data sets. Details are available on request from bushfire@airborneresearch.org.au .

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Examples of the Potree renderings (Method 1)

click on the images to load the views

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2020-01-22 14_24_20-airborneresearch.com
2020-01-22 14_23_30-airborneresearch.com
Potree_test.jpg

Using the Potree standard framework

Using the Potree ARA-enhanced framework

(the CESIUM background is currently not avbl in the Desktop Version)

How to install and use the ARA-enhanced Potree Desktop

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  • Download the zip-file from https://www.dropbox.com/s/4jlml3qtx47e24c/PotreeDesktop_1.6_windows_ARA.zip?dl=1

  • Unzip it into a folder of your choice. Nothing will be changed in your registry or elsewhere on your PC.

  • (To uninstall Potree Desktop, just delete the folder you installed it into).
     

  • Run the PotreeDesktop.bat file. This will call an external file which opens the Potree Desktop.
     

  • Download one or multiple of the data zip-files from the list below.

  • Unzip these (files) into a folder of your choice (suggestion: make a subfolder named "pointclouds")

  • Drag the file "cloud.js" (which contains the links to the data) from the subfolder into the Potree Desktop window;
    repeat this step (optionally) for all other data you wish to appear in the same window.
     

  • Once all data has been loaded into PotreeDesktop, use the menu items along the left-hand edge to set parameters:

  • You may have to close some of the tabs to see the contents of other tabs.

  • Typical actions:

    • In Appearances, set Splat Quality to High Quality

    • In Scene, by clicking on a Point Cloud, you can control the display parameters for each loaded dataset:

      • Point Size, Attribute (Composite is very powerful); Contrast, Brightness, etc.

    • Use the Classification Filter (note that we only use very few classifications - just try them out)

    •  In Tools, Navigation, you can "fly around" in the pointcloud(s) using the "bird" or "helicopter" modes
      together with the usual gaming keys W S A D (on the keyboard), sometimes together with the mouse;
      make sure you set the Speed  to a useful number (e.g. 10-40).

    • With Tools Measurements, you can carry out several actions and save their output, including crosssections.

    • By clicking on the icon below the menu icon, you can see the location (Note: D and T do not work currently)

    • If you have multiple pointclouds loaded, you can change their display order or show/hide individual classes

    • Have fun !

Currently available Potree pointclouds:

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