We are thrilled to introduce our new automated workflow for loading e57 files into Skand. This feature seamlessly extracts both point clouds and embedded panoramas from your e57 files.
What is an e57 file?
The .e57 file format is an open-source, vendor-neutral standard for storing and sharing 3D imaging data. It efficiently manages point clouds, images, and metadata typically generated by laser scanners and similar devices. e57 files can contain 3D point data along with associated attributes like colour and intensity, as well as 2D imagery captured during the scanning process.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
An e57 file with embedded panoramas.
An active Pro or Enterprise subscription.
Step-by-Step Guide
Navigate to the Layer Tab of the project where you want to import the e57 file. Click "New Layer" to start the process.
Select "Point Cloud" to create both a point cloud model and a panorama group from your e57 file and follow the steps to provide the EPSG code for the SRS of your point cloud.
Select "Panorama Group" if you only want to import panoramas without the model. Ensure you select the first option for placement to automatically load positions of panoramas from your files and choose e57 as the data format.
For both options, select one e57 file you uploaded (we currently support processing one file at a time) and click "Done".
After selecting the file, you'll be prompted to choose the folder in Data Management where you'd like to save the panoramas extracted from the e57 file during the process.
Wait for the process to complete and view the outcome in Explore.
Support Formats (Adding more to the list)
While e57 is a standardised format, vendors may implement it differently. For your convenience, we've validated e57 files from the following vendors to ensure compatibility with our system:
Hardware | Software |
Trimble X7 | Trimble RealWorks |
Matterport Pro2 & Pro3 | Matterport |
Leica RTC360 | Leica Cyclone CORE & Leica Cyclone 3DR |
- | Leica Cyclone Register 360 Plus |
- | e57 files with spherical images |
If you are using e57 files from a vendor not listed here, please reach out to our support team with details of the hardware and software you used to capture the data, along with a sample file. We will assist you in determining compatibility.
Troubleshooting Panorama Image Issues in e57 Imports
If you can find your vendor on the list but still encounter problems with panorama images when importing e57 files to Skand, please follow these steps:
Step 1: Open your e57 file in CloudCompare
CloudCompare is a free and open-source 3D point cloud processing software. You can download it from the official CloudCompare website.
Once you've downloaded and installed CloudCompare, launch the program and open your e57 file.
Step 2: Examine the File Structure and Panorama Image Type
The presence and type of images found within the "images2D" will determine how Skand processes panorama creation. There are two main possibilities:
sphericalRepresentation: If "sphericalRepresentation" is present within the "images2D" section, we will use these spherical images to create the panorama. This is the ideal scenario as spherical images are specifically designed for panoramic representations.
pinholeRepresentation: If "sphericalRepresentation" is not available, we will look for "pinholeRepresentation" images. These are regular perspective images, and we will attempt to group them into a six-sided cube map for the panorama creation process. Note: The order of the cube faces might vary depending on your hardware and software.
Step 3: No Images Found
If there is no "images2D" or no image data is found within it, we will attempt to reconstruct the panorama using the RGB colour data from the point cloud itself. While this is possible, the quality of the resulting panorama will likely be lower compared to using dedicated panorama images.
Step 4: Contact Support
If you've followed these steps and still face issues, please don't hesitate to contact our support team. We're here to help you find a solution or explore alternatives.
We're continuously working to improve compatibility and enhance your experience with Skand. Your feedback is invaluable in this process and helps us serve you better. If you have any questions, encounter issues, or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team.