Choosing the right file format before your scanning project starts prevents costly delays and format conversion issues. Here is a guide based on what you plan to do with the data.
If You Use Revit (BIM Modeling)
- Request: RCP/RCS (Autodesk ReCap format)
- RCP is the project file; RCS files contain the actual scan data
- Revit imports RCP files directly with full color and intensity
- Also request E57 as a universal backup
If You Use AutoCAD
- Request: RCP/RCS (imports directly via Point Cloud Manager)
- Or request E57 and convert via ReCap
- DWG floor plans can be produced as a separate deliverable
If You Use ArchiCAD
- Request: E57 (imports directly)
- ArchiCAD has improved point cloud support but E57 remains most reliable
If You Use GIS Software (ArcGIS, QGIS)
- Request: LAS/LAZ (industry standard for GIS point clouds)
- Ensure coordinate system is specified (State Plane, UTM, etc.)
- GeoTIFF for derived surface products
If You Use CloudCompare or Other Free Viewers
- Request: E57 or LAS (both open formats, widely supported)
- PTS/PTX also work but files are larger (ASCII format)
If You Need to Share with Multiple Teams
- Request: E57 (universal exchange format, readable by almost everything)
- E57 preserves color, intensity, scanner positions, and metadata
- Most scanning companies deliver E57 by default
If You Need 3D Mesh (Visualization/VR)
- Request: OBJ or FBX (textured 3D mesh)
- These are derived products (processed from point cloud)
- Useful for visualization, not for measurement
Format Comparison Table
| Format | Best For | Open Standard | Color | Metadata |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E57 | Universal exchange | Yes | Yes | Full |
| RCP/RCS | Revit/AutoCAD | No (Autodesk) | Yes | Full |
| LAS/LAZ | GIS/Survey | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| PTS/PTX | Legacy exchange | Yes (ASCII) | Yes | Limited |
| XYZ | Simple coordinate lists | Yes | Optional | None |
Red Flags to Watch For
- A company that can only deliver one format (inflexible)
- Formats that require paid software to open (check compatibility)
- Missing coordinate system documentation
- No metadata (scanner positions, accuracy reports)
THE FUTURE 3D Default Delivery We deliver in E57 (universal) plus your preferred working format (RCP, LAS, or others). All deliverables include coordinate system documentation and a scanning report.