Overview of E57 File
The 57 file contains a high-density point cloud for all scan locations in Digital Twin. It contains point cloud, pano images, and metadata from each scan location. The file format, E57 is a compact, vendor-neutral point cloud format that’s defined by the ASTM E2807 standard. Most 3D design applications widely adopt this format, so you can use your digital twin in a wide range of applications, including but not limited to:
- Autodesk Recap Pro
- Leica Register 360
- Leica Cyclone
- Faro Scene
- Autodesk Revit
- Autodesk Navisworks
- Autodesk
- AutoCAD
- Trimble Sketchup
- Trimble Business Center
- TopCon Magnet
- Cintoo Cloud
For a comprehensive list of supported applications, refer to this website.
With the E57 file:
- Architects and designers can conceptualize designs with a detailed understanding of the space.
- Project stakeholders and construction teams can collaborate more efficiently.
- Building operators can maintain inventories of equipment and assets across a portfolio.
Who Is the E57 File For?
The E57 file is for architects, MEP engineers, general contractors, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, BIM managers, VDC managers, and other construction professionals who need a higher density point cloud than the ArchiPak.XYZ point cloud file provides to complete complex workflows.
What Is a Point Cloud?
A point cloud is a 3D description of spatial data consisting of geometric points in space, as measured by capture devices. These points typically represent the 3D shape of a physical object. Each point position has its set of Cartesian coordinates (X, Y, Z). Point clouds are most commonly used to capture the existing (as-built) conditions of a structure. Point cloud data is commonly used to extract analysis from these structures, and to import into 3D design and BIM software workflows.
How is E57 different from an ArchiPak?
E57 is a single file containing a colorized point cloud, as opposed to the ArchiPak bundle which has several components (colorized point cloud, reflected ceiling plan, high-resolution floor plan, and 2D mesh file). The ArchiPak is designed to provide decimated point cloud information from the capture device to create a light-weight solution that can be accessible from anywhere, including a phone or tablet.
E57 is a higher-density point cloud that processes a much larger dataset coming from the capture device which results in more than 10x the detail derived from a ArchiPak. Compare the following examples:
The ArchiPak Point Cloud Density
