3D Model, Point Cloud, and Mesh – A Guide for WebPano Clients

The world of 3D can be confusing, especially regarding terminology. Many people use “point cloud,” “mesh,” and “3D model” interchangeably, even though each format serves a different purpose and offers unique possibilities.

For WebPano users, understanding these distinctions is crucial – it allows for efficient planning of presentations, measurements, and design processes. This article explains what point clouds, meshes, and CAD/BIM models are, their advantages, disadvantages, costs, and when to use them.

1. Point Cloud – the most accurate representation of reality

A point cloud is generated directly from 3D scanning (laser or photogrammetry) and looks like millions of colored dots in space, each with precise coordinates (x, y, z).

Applications:

• precise measurements and analysis,

• quality control (comparing the real object to CAD/BIM design),

• documentation of the existing state.

Advantages and disadvantages:

• maximum accuracy and a reliable representation of reality,

• harder to interpret for inexperienced users, “raw” appearance.

Cost and processing:

• Generating a point cloud is a direct result of scanning and costs no more than fieldwork.

• No post-processing is required, only decimation (automatic process).

• Data must be cleaned (e.g., removing noise or unnecessary elements), affecting preparation time and cost.

2. Mesh – surfaces instead of dots

A mesh is created from a point cloud by connecting points into triangles forming surfaces. This makes the object visually readable and suitable for 3D presentations.

Applications:

• attractive visualization for clients,

• collision checking (full as-built model not always required).

Accuracy and optimization:

• More scanner positions result in a denser mesh with fewer “holes,”

• Quality depends on triangle optimization – the mesh can be simplified for smooth performance or retain details at the cost of larger file size,

• Mesh is non-editable – it is a representation of reality, not a design model.

Advantages and disadvantages:

• readable and intuitive,

• sufficient for many visualization and collision-checking applications,

• less accurate than the raw point cloud,

• cannot be modified like CAD/BIM models.

Cost:

• medium – requires additional processing; higher precision and more scans increase preparation costs.

• Process is still automated, time-consuming but computationally feasible.

3. CAD / As-Built / BIM Models – full functionality

CAD Model:

• Created in design software (AutoCAD, MicroStation, Revit, ArchiCAD).

• Contains mathematically defined geometry – objects are editable and compatible with multiple CAD programs.

• Applications: design, technical documentation.

BIM Model:

• A 3D model of a building enriched with information on materials, costs, and construction time.

• Applications: multidisciplinary coordination, construction planning, facility management.

As-Built:

• Reflects the actual state of the object after construction.

• Editable and updatable – unlike a mesh.

Hybrid Approach – cost vs. accuracy compromise:
Fully modeling an object can be expensive and time-consuming. A hybrid approach uses a mesh for the whole object and CAD modeling only for critical fragments.

Examples:

1. Industrial installation – model only connection points with new installations.

2. Steel structure – hall remains a mesh; CAD models only joints for new elements.

3. Building – mesh for the whole structure + precise window/door openings for facade or joinery alignment.

This approach reduces costs and time while maintaining high accuracy where it matters most.

4. Costs and practical decisions