What You'll Receive

Your Drone Survey Pack

A drone survey captures aerial photography and spatial data from above. Your project data is normally delivered through a SolidPoint Sync link. The exact combination of files depends on the agreed scope.

Contents Follow the Agreed Scope

Depending on the agreed scope, SolidPoint can provide high‐resolution photographs, roof and façade information, land/site information, a 3D OBJ model and point cloud data.

In Sync, these normally sit in folder '04 ‐ Drone Survey' as Raw Images, OBJ Mesh and Point Cloud. You will not necessarily receive every folder.

A Revit Model Is Not Automatic

A Revit / BIM model is a separate requested modelling deliverable. It is not automatically created from every drone survey. If you need a Revit model, confirm that it was included in the agreed deliverables.

Online 3D Model

Where an online drone model link is provided, you can open the model in a browser and look around the captured area without installing specialist software.

How To Download Your Survey

Download Your Files From Sync

SolidPoint Sync is the online delivery area used to issue your survey.

Open example_project, then 04 ‐ Drone Survey. That folder contains OBJ Mesh, Point Cloud and Raw Images.

Download Steps

1. Open the SolidPoint Sync link supplied by SolidPoint.
2. Open example_project, then open 04 ‐ Drone Survey.
3. Open OBJ Mesh, Point Cloud or Raw Images, depending on the deliverable you need.
4. Use the download control or the file's Actions menu. For ZIP files, extract them fully before use.

Inside '04 - Drone Survey'

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What Each File Is For

File Types

Filenames vary by job - this guide uses example_project plus the file type. The red box marks the example filename. You will only receive the folders included in your agreed scope.

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Important Note - A Revit Model Is Still a Separate Request

example_project.rvt is only included when specifically requested. It is not created automatically from the OBJ Mesh folder.

Software to View Your Survey

Which Software Should You Use?

You do not need every programme below. Pick the software that matches the file you need to open or work with. If you only want to look around the captured area, start with the online 3D model link.

Autodesk Viewer

Browser‐based viewing of supported formats, including OBJ, DWG and RVT. Useful if you only need to review a file.

Autodesk ReCap Pro

Used for viewing and working with point cloud / reality capture data such as example_project.rcp and .rcs.

AutoCAD

CAD workflows where DWG data is supplied.

Leica TruView Desktop

A compatible viewer for Leica reality capture projects such as example_project.lgsx, where supplied.

FAQ - Do I Need Paid Software?

Not always. Photographs, the online 3D model and Autodesk Viewer can be enough for review.

Point cloud, CAD and BIM workflows need the relevant desktop software and licensing.

The 3D Model & What It Shows

Understanding the Drone Model

The standard drone 3D model is supplied as an OBJ and may also be available through a separate online viewer link.

Choose the version that matches how you want to use the data.

Use the OBJ

Best where your software supports OBJ and you need a local copy.

Download example_project.zip from OBJ Mesh, extract it, and keep any supporting texture or material files together.

What the Model Represents

The 3D model represents what could be captured from the available flight paths and viewpoints. It is a record of visible surfaces, not a guarantee of concealed construction, structural condition or engineering design.

Important Note - The OBJ Is Not a Revit Model

A Revit / BIM model is a separate requested modelling deliverable. It is not automatically created from every drone survey.

Do not expect example_project.rvt unless it was specifically included in the agreed scope.

If You Need CAD, BIM or Point Cloud Data

Drone data can be used as source information for requested CAD or BIM modelling. That modelling is a separate deliverable. Point‐cloud data is also not standard for drone surveys and must be requested if you need it.

Ask SolidPoint if you need drawings, a Revit model or a point cloud in addition to the photographs and OBJ.

What Your Drone Survey Can Be Used For

Drone survey data is typically used to review roofs, façades, land and other areas that are easier to capture from the air. The exact uses depend on the agreed scope and the files supplied.

Roof surveys & roof review

Inspect roof form, coverings and features from aerial photographs and the 3D model.

Building elevations and façades

Review elevation information that was visible from the flight paths and viewpoints.

High‐resolution photographic records

Keep a visual record of the site at the time of survey for review and sharing.

Hard‐to‐access areas

Support visual inspection of areas that are difficult or unsafe to reach from the ground.

Land & site information

Review site context, surrounding land and other external information captured from the air.

3D visualisation

Use the online model or OBJ for model‐based review of the captured 3D form.

Point cloud measurement

Measure and review spatially where an RCP/RCS point cloud has been supplied.

Source for CAD or BIM

Use the captured data as source information for requested CAD or BIM modelling.

Important Note - Choose the right survey method for the job

Drone data can be measured where the supplied data supports measurement, but the appropriate survey method should be selected for the required accuracy.

If a project needs higher or more controlled measurement accuracy, SolidPoint recommends considering a laser scanning survey.

Point Cloud & Revit

Using The Point Cloud

Where point‐cloud data has been requested, it follows the same general point‐cloud workflow used for other SolidPoint surveys.

Sync will normally contain example_project.zip.

Step 1 - Download example_project.zip from the Point Cloud folder in Sync, if the point cloud is supplied as a ZIP.

Step 2 - Extract the ZIP completely on your computer - do not work from inside the ZIP.

Step 3 - Keep example_project.rcp and its supporting .rcs files together in the extracted folder structure.

Step 4 - Do not move individual .rcs files away from example_project.rcp.

Step 5 - Open example_project.rcp in Autodesk ReCap, or link it into Revit as required for the project.

example_project.lgsx - Where Supplied

This is a Leica reality‐capture project. It is useful when you want to move between scan positions and inspect panoramic bubble views. A compatible Leica viewer such as TruView Desktop can be used to access LGSx projects.

FAQ - Why Is It Zipped?

A point cloud can contain many supporting files and can be very large. example_project.zip keeps the complete dataset together for download and transfer.

Reloading the Point Cloud After Download

If a Revit model and point cloud were supplied, you may need to tell Revit where example_project.rcp is stored on your computer. This is common when the model was created on another computer.

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Step 1

Open the supplied example_project.rvt model in Revit, if a Revit model was requested.

TIP - Do not manually move the point cloud to make it fit

If the point cloud appears in the wrong location, stop and check the supplied coordinate information first. Moving it manually can break coordination with the survey and other project information.

Coordinates & Accuracy

Keeping The Survey In The Right Place

Check the supplied coordinate information before moving or manually repositioning the point cloud, OBJ or any linked Revit model.

GPS Coordinates

Drone survey data is normally captured using GPS coordinates with GPS control on a tripod, unless the project requires something different. Use the supplied coordinate information rather than assuming a local coordinate system.

Origin to Origin

Where the point cloud and Revit project have been prepared to use the same origin relationship, Revit can use an Origin to Origin placement workflow. This is intended to keep the survey information aligned without manually moving the point cloud.

If You're Unsure

Do not guess the coordinate system. Confirm the intended setup with the person responsible for your CAD or Revit project before repositioning linked survey data.

If You Move The Files

If the RVT model or point cloud is moved to another computer or folder, Revit may report a missing link. This does not necessarily mean the data is damaged - it may simply need the file path updating using Manage → Manage Links → Point Clouds → Reload From.

Accuracy, Weather & Flight Limits

No fixed accuracy is promised for every drone survey. Results depend on the site, flight conditions, visibility, surface characteristics, control and agreed scope.

When To Consider Laser Scanning

If a project requires higher or more controlled measurement accuracy, detailed internal capture or a BIM model, ask SolidPoint which survey method and deliverables are appropriate. A laser‐scanning survey is often the better choice where tighter survey accuracy is needed.

Weather, Access & Flight Limitations

• • High winds or rain may require a flight to be postponed.
  • Poor visibility can reduce coverage or image quality.
  • Restricted airspace or site‐specific restrictions may limit flight locations.
  • Trees, vegetation, buildings, power lines and other obstacles can prevent direct views.
  • Site access and safe operating conditions may affect achievable coverage.

Measurement Is Still Possible

Drone data can be measured where the supplied data supports measurement, but there is no single fixed accuracy for every drone survey. Select the survey method that matches the accuracy your project actually needs.

What To Do After Handover

What The Data Can & Cannot Tell You

Drone survey data represents what could be captured from the available flight paths and viewpoints. Read this page before treating the model or photographs as a complete record of the building or site.

What The Survey Can Show

• • Visible roofs, façades, land and other external surfaces captured from the flight.
  • A high‐resolution photographic record of the site at the time of survey.
  • 3D form through the OBJ and/or online model, where those deliverables were produced.
  • Point‐cloud measurement and spatial review, where an RCP/RCS dataset was requested.

What It Cannot Confirm

• • Concealed construction cannot be reliably modelled unless otherwise captured.
  • Trees, vegetation, adjacent buildings, wires and other obstructions can block areas from view.
  • Rain, wind and poor visibility can reduce usable imagery or data quality.
  • Reflective or transparent surfaces can be difficult for photogrammetric reconstruction.
  • A drone survey is not automatically a structural assessment, engineering calculation or condition report.
  • The drone cannot normally see inside a building unless internal capture was specifically included.

Need a Higher Level of Detail?

If your project requires controlled, higher‐accuracy measurement, detailed internal capture or a BIM model, ask SolidPoint which survey method and deliverables are appropriate.

Common Questions & Quick Start

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I measure the drone data?

Yes, where the supplied data and survey scope support measurement. There is no single fixed accuracy for every drone survey.

Why was the drone flight postponed?

Weather, visibility, wind, access or flight restrictions can make safe or useful capture impossible.

Is a drone survey suitable for structural design?

It can provide useful existing‐condition information, but it is not automatically a structural survey, engineering assessment or calculation.

The point cloud is missing in Revit

Go to Manage → Manage Links → Point Clouds. If the files have moved, use Reload From and choose example_project.rcp.

Need Help?

01332 898350  •  projects@solidpoint.co.uk

The 60-Second Version

Use this page as a reminder after handover. If you are unsure which file to use, how the coordinate system should be handled, or whether a Revit model was included, contact SolidPoint before changing the survey position or file structure.

Step 1

Open SolidPoint Sync, then example_project → 04 ‐ Drone Survey.

Step 2

Use the online 3D model link first if you simply want to explore the captured area.

Step 3

Open the supplied photographs for detailed visual review.

Step 4

If a point cloud was supplied, extract example_project.zip completely before linking or viewing it.

Step 5

Check the supplied coordinate information before using the data in a wider project. Drone data is normally GPS‐based unless stated otherwise.

Step 6

If you need a Revit model or tighter survey accuracy, confirm the agreed deliverables, or speak to SolidPoint about laser scanning.

Use the drone survey with confidence

Your drone survey is intended to provide a clear aerial record of the conditions captured during the flight.

The photographs, online model, OBJ and point cloud (where supplied) give you different ways to review the same captured information.

Final Reminder

The OBJ is not a Revit model. Keep point‐cloud files together, use the supplied coordinates, and choose laser scanning if the project needs higher or more controlled measurement accuracy.