Prevu3D supports the following scanners from NavVis:
NavVis VLX (preferred)
NavVis M6
Data Collection
In order to achieve the highest quality results, the following is required:
Quality | Requirement |
|---|---|
High overlap | Capturing areas with high overlap between passes to ensure there is little to no occlusion |
Many images | Capture as many images as possible. Ideally panoramic images should be collected every 3 meters |
Loop closures | Improves accuracy and error correction |
Control points | For large scans this is recommended to reduce drift |
Data processing
Note
NavVis offers both a local Linux processing option and a cloud processing option.
NavVis IVION Processing Settings
Select the following processing settings:
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NavVis IVION Crop and Download
NEW! It is now possible to use the Crop and Download option in NavVis’ IVION software to download e57 files with panoramas. This feature allows NavVis point cloud data that was captured without control points to be aligned in IVION and exported in a compatible format for Prevu3D meshing. You can find more information on this feature in this documentation by Navvis.
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Sitemaker Processing Settings (Linux)
Select the following processing settings:
Setting |
|---|
Point Cloud Resolution: 5mm |
Point Cloud Format: ply |
Colorize point cloud: True |
Generate panoramic images: True |
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If you are using Navvis Sitemaker to process your Navvis scans, you can retrieve the .nvd files from the generated datasets_web folder, and import these into IVION. From here, you can follow the usual workflow with the crop and download feature to export e57 files with panorama images.
Texture Projection Option
When uploading NavVis datasets, two options are available in the Upload Wizard to control how textures are applied to the 3D mesh.
Important Information
The 3D geometry is NOT impacted by this setting
Both options generate the exact same geometry
The difference is purely visual (texturing only)
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Option 1: Without Projection
Disable Texture Projection (Recommended for consistency)
The mesh will be colored using point cloud color data only, without projecting panoramic images.
Benefits:
Produces a more uniform and stable appearance
Reduces visual artifacts caused by image distortion
Trade-offs:
May appear slightly blurred, as colors are interpolated from point data
Fine details (e.g., text or small features) may be less sharp
Option 2 : With Projection
Enable Texture Projection (Recommended for realism)
Prevu3D projects panoramic (360°) images onto the mesh to enhance visual quality.
Benefits:
Produces highly detailed and realistic visuals
Leverages the full quality of NavVis imagery
Best suited for visual inspection and immersive navigation
Trade-offs:
May introduce visual artifacts such as distortion or misalignment
Can result in less consistent appearance across the model
Not ideal for workflows requiring high visual accuracy
Important consideration
NavVis panoramic images can contain distortions. While Prevu3D applies correction algorithms, some distortions may still result in:
Misaligned textures in certain areas
Visual artifacts where images are projected inaccurately
These issues are caused by source data distortion and are partially outside of Prevu3D’s control.
Examples
Potential Artifacts with Texture Projection.
The example below left illustrates common artifacts that may occur when texture projection is enabled:
Distortion on curved surfaces (e.g., pipes)
Inconsistent texture blending on ceilings or flat areas
Minor misalignment or ghosting on floors
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Benefits of Texture Projection
In contrast, the example below right illustrates how texture projection can significantly improve visual quality:
Enhanced detail on surfaces (e.g., stair grating)
More realistic and immersive representation
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Tip
Use With Projection for walkthroughs and inspections, and Without Projection for analysis workflows where visual consistency is critical.