CloudCompare forum

Hello,

I have a question about the global shift/scale feature. I am using drone data for large point clouds (~100 acres). Is it still appropriate to use the global scale? I am looking for centimeter accuracy, not micron accuracy.

Do you always recommend shifting point clouds? I know an object a few meters wide and a large ground area are two different scenarios. In this case, how much precision is lost? Will I be able to keep cm accuracy? Again, I am not concerned about anything smaller than 0.001.

Thank you for sharing this great program with us, it's been really helpful!

Why would you not want to use the global shift and scale? I think it might improve the speed during operation and I don't see any negative effects?

Sorry @RK123, I thought I already replied to your question but apparently something went wrong...

While you should always use the global shift, I don't think it's necessary to use the global scale. The rule of thumb is that the dimensions of the cloud shouldn't be 10^7 bigger than the precision you are looking for. If you seek 10^-3, then the scale shouldn't be higher than 10^4 (should be fine in your case).

Does CC suggest to apply a global 'scale' in addition to a global 'shift'?

Daniel,

Thanks for clarify the precision impact, that explanation helps.

CC has not suggested applying a scale, but I thought I would clarify both points if I was asking anyway.

Thanks again!!!

For the record, the reason I would not want to use the global shift/scale feature is I have had trouble correctly displaying contours with this feature selected.

Thanks!