Point Cloud as an Overlay, not attachment

[darrelldixon]

We would like to import the RCP file into our current model but not have that cloud show up for someone else that xrefs that model into theirs. Right now we have multiple disciplines referencing each others work and end up with multiple clouds, or clouds showing up in Navisworks when we do not want them to.

Would it be possible to have the attach RCP function work like an xref overlay?

[Anonymous]

Did you ever find a way to resolve this?

[darrelldixon]

No. 

I wish there were a workaround.

[shadow931]

I would like to give some light to this suggestion since my company would benefit from such an option as well and it has been 2.5 years since it has been suggested. Please allow to choose cloud to be attached as overlay.

[Anonymous]

Count me in as one who would love to see the option to select a point cloud as either attached or overlayed the same way we have options when X-referencing.  Is this the proper forum to try and push that change through or does Autodesk have a "Suggestions Box" so to speak. 

[richard_brewerKRUNA]

I just found a workaround. I haven't tried to create a Navisworks model, but it does prevent multiple instances of point clouds. The steps 1 through 5 are probably not necessary, but it avoids having to load any unnecessary objects.  It solves the basic problem, but there is a downside. The point cloud can only be cropped in the base drawing, and it will show the same crop in all other instances.

1. Open new drawing.

2. Delete all objects in modelspace and paperspace.

3. purge all.

4. -purge r 

5. audit and fix errors.

6. Insert recap file. (It should come in on layer 0 in a clean drawing because the other layers, except for defpoints, will be gone.)

7. Save drawing with a name to identify it as point cloud xref. 

8. In all other drawings that utilize the point cloud, attach the drawing in step 7 as an overlay.

9. Each drawings should now show exactly one instance of the ReCap file. 

[darrelldixon]

Thanks for posting that Richard. I'm glad that's working for you.

The issue for us with that method is that with the cloud being x-ref'd in, you are not able to use the point cloud tools to crop, section, extract edges, etc.  We work with pretty large clouds of Plant sites and each user may only want to see a different area. cropping the cloud down help with clarity and performance.