2.4 Custom Terrain from a Point Cloud

Available with the following Subscriptions: All Subscriptions
Available for the following Roles: All Roles

Create a custom terrain by importing a georeferenced point cloud into cmBuilder. Point cloud data exported from DroneDeploy, Propeller, or other supported sources can be imported as a CSV file to generate an accurate terrain surface that is automatically positioned using its geographic coordinates. The ability to customize the default/initial terrain topography is available for both 3D Google map tiles and Mapbox map tiles, but the process is slightly different.

💡 Note: cmBuilder supports importing a maximum of 10,000 points from a CSV file. If your dataset exceeds this limit, reduce the number of points before importing.

In this article, we cover:

• Before You Begin
• Prepare the Point Cloud
• 3D Google Map Custom Terrain by Points
• Mapbox Custom Terrain by points
  • Create a Terrain from Points
  • Review the Imported Point Cloud
• Video Tutorial

Before You Begin

Before importing a point cloud into cmBuilder, ensure that:

• The point cloud has been prepared using a compatible point cloud processing application.
• The point cloud is exported as a CSV file using the cmBuilder point import template.
• The CSV file contains only X, Y, and Z coordinate columns.
• The coordinate reference system (EPSG) matches the cmBuilder Project's geo-coordinate setting.
• Coordinate and elevation values are in meters.

Prepare the Point Cloud

Before importing a point cloud into cmBuilder, prepare it using your preferred point cloud processing software.

Ensure that the prepared point cloud:

• Covers only the required project area.
• Contains only the ground surface required for terrain generation.
• Contains no more than 10,000 points.
• Is exported as a CSV file using the cmBuilder point import template.
• Uses the correct coordinate reference system (EPSG).

Once the point cloud has been prepared, it is ready to be imported into cmBuilder.

3D Google Map Custom Terrain by Points

To customize the terrain of a Google 3D map, a Terrain Reference Surface will first need to be created. The surface will then be applied to Initial Terrain via the Earthwork Timeline. 

1. Create a new Terrain Reference Surface, use import option to import the CSV file, the points will be used to create a surface. More info can be found in the Terrain Reference Surface section of the user guide.
2. From the top of the Earthwork Timeline, edit the the Initial Terrain to reference the Terrain Reference Surface.  More info can be found in the Initial Terrain section of the user guide.

Mapbox Custom Terrain by points

For Projects using a MapBox style map tile read on to learn how to import custom terrain points. The process if different for Projects using a 3D Google style map type.  

Create a Terrain from Points

Once your point cloud has been prepared, you can import it into cmBuilder to generate a custom terrain. 

1. Open the Project where you want to create the terrain.
2. Click Terrain (1) and select Custom Terrain (Points) (2).
3. Click Import CSV (3), then click Upload File (4) and select the prepared CSV file from your computer.

4. In the Points Preview panel, select the appropriate Coordinate System Unit.
5. Verify that the point data is displayed correctly in the preview table.
6. Click Import (5).

Review the Imported Point Cloud

After the point cloud is imported, review it before generating the terrain.

• Verify that the point cloud is displayed in the correct location.
• Select the appropriate Point Blending Mode, if required.
• Confirm that the Coordinate System Unit is correct.
• Click Confirm (1).

After clicking Confirm, cmBuilder generates the terrain from the imported point cloud and adds it to the Project, where it is ready for use.

Video Tutorial

Watch the following video for a step-by-step walkthrough of creating a custom terrain in cmBuilder using point cloud data.