Point Cloud File Formats Explained: LAS E57 RCP PTS — Which to Request
Point cloud data comes in various file formats. LAS, E57, RCP, PTS — each has different characteristics, compatibility, and use cases. Understanding the formats helps you request the right data for your project.
This guide explains the main point cloud file formats and when to use each.
What Is a Point Cloud File?
A point cloud file stores the three-dimensional coordinates of each measured point. Each point has X, Y, Z coordinates and may have additional attributes — colour, intensity, classification.
Point cloud files can be large. A comprehensive building scan may generate files of several gigabytes. File format affects file size, processing speed, and compatibility.
LAS Format
LAS — LiDAR ALignment Standard — is an industry-standard format for point cloud data. It is widely supported across software platforms.
Characteristics: Open binary format. Efficient storage. Good for large datasets.
Compatibility: Supported by most BIM and CAD software including AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, Civil 3D, and GIS platforms.
Best for: Construction and engineering projects. Standard format for BIM coordination.
Limitations: Less efficient for coloured point clouds. Not ideal for dense indoor scans.
When to request: When you need a universally compatible format for BIM and CAD workflows.
E57 Format
E57 is a scientific data exchange format for point cloud and imaging data. It is used primarily in research and precision engineering applications.
Characteristics: Open, flexible format. Supports extensive metadata and multiple attributes.
Compatibility: Supported by many software packages but less widely than LAS. Requires specific plugin support in some applications.
Best for: Research applications, precision engineering, heritage recording with extensive metadata.
Limitations: Less widely supported than LAS. May require additional software.
When to request: When you need extensive point attributes or metadata. Heritage and research applications.
RCP and RCS Formats
RCP and RCS are Autodesk formats from the ReCap software family:
RCP: ReCap Capture Project file. A project file that references multiple scan files.
RCS: ReCap Capture Scan file. Individual scan files within an RCP project.
Characteristics: Optimised for Autodesk software. Efficient in AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks.
Compatibility: Native to Autodesk products. Not well supported outside the Autodesk ecosystem.
Best for: Autodesk-centric workflows. BIM projects using Revit.
Limitations: Not portable to non-Autodesk software. May require ReCap for conversion.
When to request: When your team works exclusively in Autodesk software and needs native format compatibility.
PTS Format
PTS is a simple text-based format used primarily by Faro scanners.
Characteristics: ASCII text format. Human-readable but large file size. Simple structure.
Compatibility: Widely supported but not efficient for large datasets.
Best for: Faro scanner data. Simple viewing and basic processing.
Limitations: Large file size. Slow to load and process. No built-in compression.
When to request: When working with Faro scanner data or when simple compatibility is required.
Format Comparison
| Format | Size Efficiency | AutoCAD | Revit | Navisworks | GIS | |--------|----------------|---------|-------|------------|-----| | LAS | High | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | | E57 | Medium | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | | RCP/RCS | High | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | | PTS | Low | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Choosing the Right Format
To choose the right format, consider your software:
AutoCAD and Civil 3D: LAS format is standard. RCP/RCS work well.
Revit and Navisworks: LAS or RCP/RCS. ReCap integration makes RCP/RCS native.
Non-Autodesk CAD: LAS is most reliable.
GIS platforms: LAS is the standard. E57 supported by some GIS tools.
Research applications: E57 for extensive metadata. LAS for standard datasets.
Share with multiple teams: LAS provides the broadest compatibility.
Common Format Issues
Common format problems and solutions:
Incompatible format: Not all software supports all formats. Confirm format requirements before commissioning scanning.
Large file sizes: PTS and ASCII formats produce large files. LAS is more efficient.
Missing metadata: Some formats lose metadata in conversion. Specify format carefully.
Version compatibility: Newer formats may not work in older software versions. Check version compatibility.
Requesting Point Cloud Formats
When commissioning scanning, specify:
Primary format: Your main software format — typically LAS for broad compatibility or RCP/RCS for Autodesk workflows.
Secondary format: Backup format — LAS if RCP/RCS is primary, for example.
Version compatibility: Confirm format works with your software version.
Compression: Confirm whether data will be compressed and how this affects usability.
Clear format specification ensures you receive data you can actually use.
Fixed-Fee Scan-to-BIM from icelabz
icelabz delivers point cloud data in the format you need. We advise on format selection based on your software requirements.
Point cloud deliverables include LAS, RCP/RCS, or E57 formats as required. All work is fixed-fee with no hidden charges.
Contact icelabz with your software requirements for a fixed-fee quote.