3D Modelling from Point Clouds Using Rhino 8

This course dives into the world of point cloud modeling using Rhino 3D and the powerful Veesus plugin. You'll learn how to leverage point cloud data, captured from 3D scanners, to create accurate and detailed 3D models.

Course Structure:12 hours

The course is divided into three modules, building your skills progressively:  The course content can be tailored to students experience with other CAD platforms and industry.

Module 1: Introduction to Point Clouds and Rhino

• Understanding Point Clouds: We'll begin by exploring the concept of point clouds, their generation methods (LiDAR, Photogrammetry), and file formats (E57, LAS).
• Introduction to Rhino 3D: This section provides a foundational understanding of Rhino's interface, basic modelling tools (lines, curves, surfaces), and navigation techniques.

Module 2: Working with Point Clouds in Rhino (with Veesus)

• Installing and Setting Up Veesus: Learn how to download and install the Veesus plugin for Rhino. We'll explore the Veesus interface and its functionalities.
• Importing Point Clouds: Discover how to import various point cloud formats into Rhino using Veesus.
• Viewing and Manipulating Point Clouds: This section dives deep into viewing tools for point clouds (color mapping, intensity display), selection techniques, and point cloud manipulation (clipping, sectioning).
• Working with Large Point Clouds: Learn optimisation strategies for handling massive point cloud datasets to ensure smooth workflow in Rhino.

Module 3: Advanced Point Cloud Modeling Techniques

• Point Cloud Sampling and Reduction: Explore techniques for reducing point cloud density while preserving critical details for efficient modeling.
• Extracting Features from Point Clouds: Learn how to extract lines, edges, and surfaces from point clouds to create preliminary 3D models.
• Meshing Point Clouds: This section covers converting point clouds into polygonal meshes, suitable for further editing and analysis.
• Refining and Creating NURBS Surfaces: We'll explore workflows for refining extracted lines and surfaces from point clouds to create high-quality NURBS models in Rhino.

Course Delivery:

• Video Lectures: Each module will include pre-recorded video lectures delivered by a point cloud modeling expert. The lectures will provide clear explanations with visual demonstrations in Rhino and Veesus.
• Hands-on Exercises: You'll solidify your learning through practical exercises that guide you step-by-step through essential point cloud modeling techniques.
• Course Materials: The course will provide downloadable resources, including sample point cloud datasets and exercise files, for hands-on practice.

Additional Resources:

• Throughout the course, you'll be guided to relevant online resources, tutorials, and forums to expand your knowledge on point cloud modeling.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to:

• Understand the concept of point clouds and their applications in 3D modeling.
• Confidently navigate Rhino and utilise its basic modeling tools.
• Work effectively with the Veesus plugin for importing, viewing, and manipulating point clouds.
• Apply techniques to optimize large point cloud datasets for efficient workflows.
• Extract features, create meshes, and refine surfaces from point clouds for detailed 3D modeming.

Please note:  While this course focuses on using Rhino and Veesus, the core concepts of point cloud modelling are applicable to other 3D modelling software with point cloud plugins.