2.2 The Two Workflows
Point clouds and 3D Gaussian Splats are fundamentally different outputs from the same raw data. The choice determines your software, your processing path, and what the deliverable can do.
Point Cloud Workflow
A point cloud is a dense collection of measured 3D coordinates captured by LiDAR. Dimensions taken from it reflect real geometry. This is what engineers, architects, and surveyors import into Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and other AEC platforms for documentation, modeling, and verification.
Processed in LixelStudio (free with hardware; activation requires a license code tied to the device serial number, three permanent codes per device)
What Point Clouds Are Used For:
- As-built documentation
- BIM modeling and Revit import
- Dimensional verification and deviation analysis
- Construction coordination and clash detection
- Facility management baseline documentation
- Georeferenced survey deliverables (RTK or GCPs)
Export: LAS, LAZ, E57, PLY, OBJ (with texture), RCP.
The L2 Pro and K2 produce point clouds. The PortalCam does not.
3D Gaussian Splat Workflow
3DGS produces a photorealistic visual model rather than measured geometry. When viewed in LCC Studio or shared via a URL, the result looks like a photograph you can walk through in three dimensions. Visual fidelity is significantly higher than a colored point cloud.
Processed in LCC Studio (Free Edition generates models; Premium $2,500/year adds Map Fusion, Aerial Reconstruction, Aerial-Ground Fusion, HD Enhancement, and Spatial Recognition)
What 3DGS Models Are Used For:
- Client walkthroughs and stakeholder presentations
- Virtual tours and web sharing
- Visual progress documentation
- Spatial reference for non-technical audiences
- Gaming and XR environment assets (Premium SDKs)
Export: .lcc (Free); .lcc2, .ply, .usd, .usdz*, 3D Tiles** (Premium); .obj or .ply mesh (no texture).
*USDZ requires firmware ≥ 3.0 and Single Model reconstruction. USD (recommended) targets NVIDIA Omniverse Kit 110.0+ with ray tracing via 3DGRUT; USDZ targets Omniverse Kit 107.3+ via 3DGUT/NuRec without ray tracing. **3D Tiles limited to models with ≤ 4 million Gaussian points.
Do not use 3DGS measurements for engineering or construction deliverables. LCC Studio includes Coordinate, Distance, and Area measurement tools, but results are for reference only. For dimensionally reliable deliverables, use the point cloud workflow.
Side by Side
*K2 in LCC Studio supports Single Model reconstruction and Spatial Recognition. Map Fusion, Aerial-Ground Fusion, Aerial Reconstruction, and HD Enhancement are not supported for K2 data. K2 single-scene capture for LCC Studio is capped at 90 minutes. See callout in Section 5.
The two outputs cannot be converted between each other after processing.
The same raw L2 Pro or K2 data can be processed through LixelStudio, LCC Studio, or both. Once processed, the outputs are non-convertible. A point cloud cannot become a 3DGS model, and a 3DGS model cannot become a point cloud.
The PortalCam Limitation
The PortalCam produces 3DGS output only. It cannot produce point clouds. If your project requires measured deliverables, use an L2 Pro or K2.
PortalCam data is processed exclusively in LCC Studio using the LCC Scan field app. If you own both a PortalCam and an L2 Pro or K2, they operate on parallel, independent pipelines. See the Software Map for the complete pairing reference.
Running Both Workflows from One Scan
L2 Pro and K2 raw data feeds both pipelines from a single capture session. No special scan settings are needed. Confirm your required deliverables before scanning to ensure your field technique supports both: adequate loop closures, camera data enabled, and sufficient session overlap.
- LixelStudio installed, activated, and tested before the project
- LCC Studio installed with NVIDIA driver 520.0 or later. Verify your license tier supports required features
- Plan for additive processing time from both pipelines
- Do not run both processing jobs on the same machine simultaneously. Process one to completion, then start the other
K2 has reduced LCC Studio capability. K2 supports Single Model reconstruction and Spatial Recognition. Map Fusion, Aerial-Ground Fusion, Aerial Reconstruction, and HD Enhancement are not supported for K2 data. Maximum K2 single-scene capture for LCC Studio is 90 minutes. For multi-segment 3DGS projects, use the L2 Pro.
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