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Scan Positions Context Menu

Commands available when right-clicking Scan Position objects in the Data Tree. Scan positions represent the origin and orientation of terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) or structured light scanner stations, marking where scanning equipment was positioned during data acquisition. Each scan position defines the local coordinate system for point cloud data captured from that location.

Goto​

Menu name: Goto Tooltip Move the 3D view to the scan position.

What it does Centres and zooms the 3D view on the selected scan position, showing the scanner's location and orientation in 3D space. The view is positioned to show the scan origin (typically displayed as a camera or scanner icon) and its field of view relative to the scanned data.

When to use it

  • Locating scanner positions in the scene
  • Reviewing scanner placement and coverage
  • Navigating between multiple scan stations
  • Inspecting scan overlap areas
  • Verifying scanner positions match field notes

Notes Scan positions are typically displayed with orientation indicators showing the scanner's viewing direction and field of view. Useful for understanding spatial relationships between scanner locations and identifying areas of good/poor coverage. Multiple scan positions indicate a multi-station scan project requiring registration.

Object Operations​

Delete​

Menu name: Delete Tooltip Permanently remove scan position from project.

What it does See Delete in Shared Commands for complete documentation. Permanently removes the scan position from the project. The associated point cloud data is typically not deleted - only the scanner origin reference and orientation information are removed.

When to use it

  • Removing unused or redundant scan positions
  • Cleaning up after scan registration
  • Deleting erroneous scanner locations
  • Managing project organisation

Notes

Point Cloud Registration

Deleting scan positions may affect point cloud registration if the position was used to define transformations between local and global coordinates. Ensure point clouds are properly registered to a common coordinate system before deleting scan positions.

Point cloud data captured from the scan position typically remains in the project. The scan position primarily serves as metadata documenting scanner location and orientation. If point clouds rely on the scan position for coordinate transformations, ensure those transformations have been applied before deletion.

Rotations​

Remove Dip​

Menu name: Remove Dip Tooltip Level the scan position by removing dip (tilt) from orientation.

What it does Removes the dip component (tilt/inclination from horizontal) from the scan position's orientation, effectively levelling the scanner coordinate system. This rotates the scan position to remove any pitch or roll, making the scanner's local Z-axis vertical and XY-plane horizontal. Useful for correcting scanner tilt or establishing horizontal reference planes.

When to use it

  • Levelling scans acquired on sloped terrain
  • Correcting for scanner tripod tilt
  • Establishing horizontal datum for interpretation
  • Aligning scanner coordinate system with gravity
  • Preparing scans for structural geology analysis

Notes

Coordinate Transformation

"Remove Dip" applies a rotation that eliminates tilt components, making the local coordinate system gravity-aligned (Z-up). This affects how the scan data is oriented in 3D space but doesn't modify point cloud coordinates unless the transformation is propagated.

Common in geological applications where horizontal reference is critical (bedding, fractures). The operation determines the current dip/tilt angles and applies compensating rotations to make the coordinate system horizontal. If point clouds are registered to the scan position, consider whether this transformation should be applied to the data as well.

Typical workflow:

  1. Scanner positioned on tilted ground
  2. Point cloud acquired in scanner's local (tilted) coordinate system
  3. "Remove Dip" applied to scanner position
  4. Point cloud transformed to horizontal reference frame
  5. Geological features (bedding, fractures) can be measured relative to horizontal

Z Rotation​

Menu name: Z Rotation Tooltip Rotate scan position around vertical (Z) axis.

What it does Opens dialogue to specify rotation angle around the vertical (Z) axis, effectively rotating the scan position in azimuth (compass direction). This changes the scanner's horizontal orientation whilst preserving its tilt and location. Useful for aligning scanner coordinate systems with map projections, survey grids, or geographic north.

When to use it

  • Aligning scans with map north or grid north
  • Correcting azimuth errors in scanner orientation
  • Rotating scanner coordinate system to match survey framework
  • Establishing consistent orientation across multiple scans
  • Preparing scans for georeferencing

Notes Z rotation is azimuthal (horizontal) rotation only - does not affect tilt or vertical alignment. Angle is typically specified in degrees clockwise from current orientation. Common when scanner was set up without compass alignment and needs to be rotated to match georeferenced coordinate system.

If multiple scan positions exist, consider whether they should all receive the same Z rotation to maintain relative orientation. For georeferencing workflows, Z rotation may be determined from control points or known azimuthal references (e.g., "scanner's forward direction was 45° clockwise from north").

Rotation is applied to the scan position's local coordinate frame. If point cloud data is registered to this position, the rotation may need to be propagated to the points to maintain correct spatial relationships.