PointCab Origins is a user-friendly point cloud processing software developed by PointCab Software GmbH (part of Laserscanning Europe GmbH), designed for surveyors, architects, and engineers working with 3D laser scan data. It streamlines workflows for creating 2D floor plans, elevations, sections, and 3D models from massive point cloud datasets, supporting imports from major scanners like Leica, Faro, Trimble, and Z+F. The software excels in automated extraction tools (e.g., walls, ceilings, pipes) and seamless exports to CAD/BIM platforms such as AutoCAD, Revit, ArchiCAD, and SketchUp. It’s praised for its intuitive interface, reducing processing time from hours to minutes, and is ideal for as-built documentation, BIM modeling, and construction verification.
Version 4.2, released in April 2024 as part of the Origins 4.x series (building on the major 4.0 overhaul in late 2023), focuses on enhanced usability, registration accuracy, and integration tools. It follows 4.1 (October 2023) and introduces refinements for complex projects like industrial facilities or heritage buildings. The series emphasizes modern UI updates and plugin ecosystem growth, with ongoing revisions (e.g., R1-R14 in 4.0/4.1) addressing user feedback rapidly.
Key Features of PointCab Origins 4.2
- Point Cloud Handling: Supports E57, PTS/PTX, POD, ZFS, and now all RiSCAN Pro datasets; advanced filtering, resampling, and clustering for clean data prep.
- Extraction Tools: One-click wall/ceiling detection, vectorization with edge detection, distance/area calculations, and curved sections.
- Registration & Alignment: Checkerboard/sphere-based, layer detection, and new 2D+Z/3D transformation for precise multi-scan alignment.
- Export & Integration: Direct to CAD/BIM (e.g., DXF, IFC); new merger results transfer and GDL objects for ArchiCAD.
- Visualization: Modern docking UI, panorama views, orthophotos, and synchronized 2D/3D viewports.
