What Is a Browser-Based Point Cloud Viewer and What Does WebPano Do?

Created as a browser-based platform, it consolidates 360-degree panoramic views, point clouds, mesh models, 3D models and engineering data into a single, interactive environment that can be easily accessed by all project stakeholders. At its core, WebPano is a cloud-hosted viewer and collaboration platform designed specifically for scan and model data. Where traditional desktop engineering tools require installations on high-end hardware, WebPano runs on any web browser and is available to anyone with authorised access. Engineers, maintenance crews, designers and managers can access the same data set simultaneously from site, office or home.

Collaboration Made Easy

Traditional desktop-based engineering tools are inherently limited in how they can be shared. Sending a point cloud or 3D model typically means exporting a file, packaging it and hoping the recipient has the right software to open it. Comments and mark-ups exist only in proprietary formats and measurements are not always transferable. WebPano takes a fundamentally different approach. Everything is shared via a hyperlink; comments, measurements, markups and specific scan locations are instantly accessible to any authorised user, directly through their favourite browser. There is no data exchange process, no version control problem, and no delay while waiting for files to transfer. Users can communicate directly on WebPano via the comments feature, limiting the need for emails. In addition, no user limits mean the platform removes the bottleneck of licence-based access. A project team of five people and a client review group of twenty can all work from the same data simultaneously, without any additional cost, configuration or license swaps. For more examples on collaboration within WebPano, please see Planning with WebPano Visual Plant.

Intuitive Navigation

Navigating a complex project in a 3D environment can be time-consuming if you are scrolling and rotating to find specific areas. WebPano addresses this with tag and ID-based search: enter a component tag or identifier and WebPano will immediately highlight that object in the 3D model, panoramic view and the point cloud. This unified spatial context is extremely useful in practice. The ability to see how a component appears in the model, to view its real-world appearance in the panorama and confirm its accuracy to the point cloud — all from a single search — is something that conventional desktop tools simply cannot replicate without switching between multiple applications.

P&ID Integration: Connecting Schematics to Reality

A recent WebPano update focused on the integration of P&ID diagrams directly with 3D models and scan data. For most industrial facilities, P&IDs and 3D models exist as entirely separate documents and navigating between them requires cross-referencing by hand, which is slow and prone to error. In WebPano, a P&ID drawing can be linked directly to the spatial environment. Diagram elements that have been connected to their physical counterparts are highlighted automatically and creating a new link between a P&ID element and a 3D object takes only a moment. Once linked, navigation flows in whichever direction is most natural for the user: through the diagram, through the spatial view, or through list-based menus. Selecting any element immediately locates it in the plant, so schematic information and real-world context are always perfectly aligned. Critically, P&ID integration does not require a full 3D model to be present. Diagram elements can be linked directly to point cloud data, making this feature particularly valuable for brownfield sites and partially modelled facilities. For more details, see P&ID Integration in WebPano with 3D Models & Point Clouds.

Selective Data Sharing

When it comes to sharing data with external parties, WebPano allows each user to access only the relevant areas of the site, limiting the recipient to only view data that they require. This approach ensures that commercially or operationally sensitive areas of the site are not inadvertently included in data shared externally. Every stakeholder can access exactly what they need. To learn more, read our article on Scan Data Management for Industrial Projects.

A Smarter Approach to Digitalisation

A common concern when beginning a digitalisation programme is the scale of the upfront commitment. If every part of a site needs to be fully modelled before any value can be extracted, the cost and timescale can become prohibitive. WebPano removes this constraint by making panoramic views, meshes and point cloud data sets immediately useful without the need for a full intelligent 3D model. Inspections, HSE reviews, operational planning, and preliminary design work can all be carried out directly on scan data as soon as it is available. The result is a step-by-step approach to digitalisation: scan the plant, publish the data to WebPano, begin extracting value immediately, and build out the model incrementally. This significantly optimises the overall cost of digitalisation.

Workplace Safety and HSE Applications

WebPano’s spatial environment has direct applications for Health, Safety and Environment programmes. The platform supports the placement of safety markers and orientation signs within the digital environment, giving teams a realistic, browser-accessible reference for training and emergency procedures. WebPano can serve as the foundation for remote HSE training, risk assessment walkthroughs, and site induction — without the need to attend site. For a deeper look at how digital twins support modern HSE strategy, see our dedicated article Workplace Safety in the Era of Digital Twins.

Is WebPano Right for You?

WebPano is designed for projects that manage significant volumes of spatial data that need to be accessible across a broad group of stakeholders. If any of the following apply to your operations, it is worth exploring:

• Your team relies on specialist desktop software to view scan data or 3D models, creating bottlenecks when non-specialist staff need access.
• Sharing data with contractors or clients involves manual file exports, large transfers, or compatibility problems.
• Your P&ID drawings and 3D models exist in separate systems with no direct connection between them.
• You want to begin extracting value from scan data before a full 3D model has been built.
• You need to control precisely what point cloud data external parties can access.

Still unsure if WebPano fits your workflow? Watch our overview video to see all the key features in action: WebPano – Reality Capture and Spatial Data Platform | 3Deling

WebPano is developed and supported by 3Deling, alongside our laser scanning, 3D modelling and 2D documentation. If you would like to understand how it could work within your specific operational context, get in touch with our team to arrange a demonstration.

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What is Laser scanning?

Laser scanners capture millions of points by using laser time-of-flight or phase-shift to accurately measure distances. Millions of measurements are then transformed into a dense and highly accurate 3D point cloud. Think of it as capturing the “geometry” of a site with extreme precision. For a more in-depth guide, please see What Is Point Cloud Scanning?

What is Photogrammetry?

High resolution handheld or drone cameras capture hundreds, sometimes thousands of overlapping 2D photographs from many angles and transforms them into a 3D mesh of the space. Think of it as capturing the “appearance” of a site and deriving geometry from it. For a more in-depth guide, please see What Is Photogrammetry?

Laser Scanning: What is it good for?

The biggest advantage of laser scanning is the extremely high accuracy. It provides millimetre level accurate data making it ideal for structural analysis, MEP clash detection and other projects which require near perfect measurements. Laser scanners take direct measurements meaning it is almost completely immune to errors from lighting, surface patterns or camera. Laser scanners also work perfectly without any light; this makes them ideal for work in places like Mines or Tunnels. You can see real examples of our work in the Wieliczka Salt Mine and tunnel scanning projects in Sweden.

Photogrammetry: What is it good for?

The biggest advantage of photogrammetry is the low cost of entry. A high-quality professional drone and a high-resolution camera are significantly cheaper than a terrestrial laser scanner. If accuracy is not what you are after, even a smartphone can be used to collect the necessary 2D photographs that can then be processed into a 3D Mesh. What photogrammetry loses in accuracy, it gains in photorealism. This is invaluable for condition assessments, facade studies, architectural documentation, and creating visually compelling deliverables for clients. You can see cracks, material types, and colours directly. Photographs collected by drone can also record data in places that a laser scanner could not.

What to choose: Laser Scanning or Photogrammetry

What is the required deliverable accuracy?

For millimetre accuracy, Laser Scanning is the optimal choice – The direct measurements capture precise geometry ideal for structural analysis or clash detection. For centimetre accuracy, Photogrammetry is the way to go, achieving visually rich mesh models, perfect for condition reports and visualisations.

What is the environment?

Choose Laser Scanning for complex indoor spaces with shiny surfaces, glass, or low light. This method is far less susceptible to reflections or darkness. Drone photogrammetry, on the other hand, excels at large external topographies covering big areas of land. For close-range photorealistic detail, handheld photogrammetry is best.

What is the budget?

For high budgets, Laser Scanning delivers unmatched precision but requires expensive equipment and skilled operators. For limited budgets, Photogrammetry is the better choice. Consumer drones, cameras or even smartphones can be used to make quality 3D capture accessible at a fraction of the cost.

There is always the right tool for a job, and having the knowledge and expertise allows you to make the optimal choice. Analysing the most important factors for your project is key; Accuracy, cost, data file size and site conditions all need to be considered before making the choice between Laser Scanning or Photogrammetry. But there is a third option, the hybrid approach.

The Hybrid Approach

At 3Deling, we use a mixture of Laser Scanning, handheld and drone Photogrammetry, to get the best results for our clients. Point cloud data gathered by way of laser scanning can be processed with mesh date gathered by way of photogrammetry. This is the best of both worlds. It gives you the ability for extremely high accuracy in places where its required, with a photorealistic mesh. Years of experience using these methods give us the ability to advise you on what is the best fit for your project.

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RGB point cloud generated using photogrammetry, showing the St. John of Dukla Well in Lviv captured for detailed architectural survey and 3D documentation.

For architects and design professionals working on refurbishment, planning applications, and detailed design, accurate existing condition data is paramount. Photogrammetry has emerged as a powerful, efficient technique to capture this reality. But what exactly is it, and how can it benefit your project?

In essence, photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from photographs. It allows us to generate precise 3D meshes of buildings, structures, and sites by processing hundreds, if not thousands of overlapping 2D images. By applying the principle of triangulation to photographs taken from different positions, specialised software can extract accurate 3D coordinates, building a digital twin of the subject. 

Method: Aerial vs. Terrestrial Photogrammetry

The method used depends on the project’s scope and requirements.

Aerial Photogrammetry (via Drone)

Drones provide a unique perspective, capturing data from above. This method is invaluable for:

• Supplementing terrestrial surveys on large topographical sites.
• Surveying inaccessible areas like complex rooftops, facades, or unsafe structures.
• Creating vast 3D terrain models.

At 3Deling, we integrate aerial photogrammetry with ground-based laser scanning. This hybrid approach ensures comprehensive coverage and enhances the overall accuracy of the final 3D model or 2D drawings, delivering a complete dataset for your site.

Partial CAD vector model integrated with a photogrammetric 3D mesh, demonstrating the combination of vector drawings and reality-based survey data for an industrial sugar factory.

Terrestrial Photogrammetry (Ground-Based)

Using handheld or tripod-mounted cameras, this method captures intricate details at ground level. It is ideal for:

• Generating photorealistic 3D meshes of building interiors, architectural details, or specific objects.
• Creating high-resolution orthophotos for elevations and interior walls.
• Documenting complex architectural features for refurbishment and detail design.

RGB point cloud of the Boim Chapel in Lviv created through photogrammetry, used for heritage documentation, architectural analysis, and conservation planning.

From Images to Accurate 3D Data: The Processing Workflow

Screenshot from RealityCapture software showing camera positions used in the photogrammetry workflow to generate accurate 3D mesh and point cloud data.

Capturing the photos is just the first step. The raw imagery is processed in specialised software which analyses common points across overlapping images to calculate camera positions and construct a dense 3D point cloud and mesh. Each photograph is represented by a white dot on the image.

For projects requiring absolute precision and real-world coordinates that are essential for measured building surveys and planning applications, we use a total station to survey control points across the site. These points are imported into the software to georeference the model and perform bundle adjustment, locking the 3D data into the Ordnance Survey coordinate system. Without this control, the model would lack scale and true geographic position.

Key Outputs: 3D Mesh and Orthophoto’s

The 3D Mesh

This can be exported in standard formats (.obj, .glb, .stl) and imported directly into your software:

• CAD & Revit: Use the mesh as an underlay to trace and draft accurate 2D drawings or create 3D models
• Analysis & Visualisation: The photorealistic mesh can be used for client presentations, sunlight studies and noting defects.
• The same 3D mesh can also be uploaded to WebPano, where it can be viewed and explored online, making it easy to review geometry, understand spatial relationships, and share the model with project teams or clients.

Untextured photogrammetric 3D mesh with shaded surface, showing the roof of the St. John of Dukla Well in Lviv for geometric analysis and survey validation.

Orthophotos: The Measurable Photograph

An orthophoto is a geometrically corrected image where lens distortion and perspective have been removed. Think of it as a photograph with the uniform scale of a map.

• For Architects & Planners: They provide true-to-scale but photorealistic elevations, perfect for annotating dimensions, planning applications and facade studies.
• For Surveyors: They enable accurate measurements of distances, areas, and features directly from the image, often used in conjunction with traditional drawings.

Orthophoto of the façade of St. Hyacinth’s Church in Bytom, providing a true-to-scale image for architectural elevations, measurement, and refurbishment design.

Enhancing Your Survey & Design Process

At 3Deling, we leverage photogrammetry not as a standalone solution, but as a powerful component of our integrated survey toolkit. When combined with laser scanning, it provides an unmatched balance of photorealistic detail, geometric accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Whether you need a detailed record of a listed building for sensitive refurbishment, accurate site data for a planning submission, or a fast-track model for a design proposal, photogrammetry offers a compelling solution.

Ready to see how photogrammetry can bring precision and clarity to your next project? Contact 3Deling to discuss your specific requirements.

The post What is Photogrammetry? A Guide for Architecture, Survey & Design Professionals appeared first on 3Deling - Experts in 3D Laser Scanning and Point Cloud Processing.

Traditional internal elevation drawing autocad example

Internal elevations are scaled, two-dimensional drawings that represents a wall within a space. As an orthographic projection, it strips away perspective to provide a clear view of vertical surfaces, with a level of detail that can be tailored to the project phase. The design of both commercial and residential projects frequently depended on detailed interior elevations. These drawings have, up until now, been essential during the planning phase, enabling teams to precisely situate objects and architectural elements. This process was critical for visualising the complete spatial experience of a building or home. In some cases, internal elevations may still be required for certain planning applications.

What are Internal Elevations used for?

Architectural Renovations – In residential buildings, these measured drawings provide essential data for renovation planning, including critical details like sill heights, beam elevations, and door widths. They are also invaluable for clarifying complex floor level variations in buildings that have been modified over time. By delivering precise internal layouts, these drawings give clients the confidence to move forward with their projects

Industrial Structure and MEPs – In commercial buildings and warehouses, these drawings reveal the position and heights for critical structural elements like steel beams, columns, and pipes. This information is essential for architects, enabling them to design a viable structure and develop detailed construction phase plans.

Internal elevation drawing detailed autocad example

Problems with Internal Elevations

Traditional Internal Elevations are costly and time-consuming to produce in AutoCAD, often doubling the total survey cost for a project. This makes them cost-ineffective, as the expense frequently outweighs the informational value. Consequently, clients often prefer sending contractors for additional site visits to take required measurements—a less efficient alternative that further slows the planning process. Furthermore, Internal Elevations in DWG formats require AutoCAD Viewing software to access the drawings and be able to take measurements, not all contractors have access to such software. Collaboration also becomes an issue as screenshots need to be taken with notes added.

Solution: WebPano

On-site visits allow for the direct verification of interior details such as electrical outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures. However, this approach can be logistically inefficient for projects with significant travel distances. Alternatively, photographic documentation can provide a preliminary overview, though it may lack the precision and comprehensive detail required for accurate elevation development.

Webpano effectively integrates these two approaches into a single, comprehensive solution that mitigates their individual limitations. The platform’s immersive 360-degree panoramas provide a contextual, on-site perspective, while its integrated measurement tools deliver the precise dimensional data required for the accurate placement of architectural details.

Renovations – Clients enjoy a 360-degree view of each room and can take accurate measurements on demand, drastically cutting down on site visits and making renovations far more efficient. Best of all, Webpano runs in any web browser, enabling seamless collaboration. Teams can leave notes and share direct links to specific areas within the scan data, allowing electricians and carpenters to coordinate on electrical changes with perfect clarity, eliminating the delays and miscommunication of traditional drawings and on-site meetings.

Structure and MEPs – Clients can confidently plan the installation of new MEP systems and industrial plant equipment. By overlaying proposed 3D models onto the precise point cloud of their existing space, the software facilitates immediate clash detection. This proactive approach ensures optimal placement and makes the entire planning process far more efficient by identifying conflicts before they reach the construction phase.

A 360-degree interior elevation panorama displayed in Webpano’s browser-based viewer, combining spatial context with precise dimensional data for architectural coordination.

This screenshot presents the comprehensive 360-degree panorama of the interior elevations within Webpano’s in-browser software, providing context of the space. Integrated within the view are precise measurements, detailing key dimensions essential for the coordination of architectural elements, fixtures, and millwork which would be found in traditional elevation drawings.

Webpano visualisation showing a digital twin model overlaid on the captured point cloud, enabling quick comparison between design intent and actual site conditions.

This visualisation presents the same 360-degree panoramic, however, this time the proposed digital twin model is superimposed over the captured point cloud data. This direct juxtaposition allows for efficient analysis, enabling the team to identify and rectify discrepancies between the model and actual site conditions, ensuring a higher degree of accuracy. It also allows the team to add proposed designs and view them along with the existing building.

A 360-degree Webpano view showing the digital twin model with the point cloud hidden, providing a focused evaluation of geometry and design intent without background noise.

This view presents the digital twin within its 360-degree context, with the underlying point cloud data deactivated. This allows for a focused and clear evaluation of the model’s intrinsic geometry, design intent, and materiality, free from the visual noise of the as-built data.

Conclusion

With Webpano, our clients can skip the time-consuming step of creating internal elevations. They get instant, direct access to all the measurement data they need—from window dimensions to electrical fixture locations—right from the original scan. Our web-based platform eliminates the need for specialised software like AutoCAD Viewer. Since it runs entirely in a standard web browser, it removes the dependency on high-performance hardware, making powerful 3D visualisation accessible on any device.

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