ABSTRACT
A point cloud is a collection of points. Each point is defined by spatial data – by x-, y-, and z-coordinates – and may have other attributes such as color. Points are a fundamental type of geometry and can be created and used in many different ways. They can be generated algorithmically or collected with global navigation satellite systems, photogrammetry, laser scanning, or other depth sensors. Since they are the most basic type of geometry, points are often used to model other types of geometry such as rasters or meshes. While long used as records, point clouds are beginning to emerge as a design medium [25] with a unique aesthetic. In this book point clouds will be used to model and visualize landscapes.
