Can Point Cloud data be clipped and converted into a DGN file? / Best method for creating a surface

Separate the Point Cloud till you have the area of points you want. Export/Save the resulting .pod as a ASCII file .XYZ or ,txt.
You should be able to use the XYZ Text tool (Tools > Tool Boxes > XYZ Text) to import those points and use those points to generate a Mesh using the Mesh from Points tool.

When you export the point cloud, set the region filter to Clip. You may also consider lowering the density down to 1 if it's a dense cloud.

If you need to create a DTM for Civil use, You can use InRoads or GEOPAK to make a surface directly from the cloud. http://youtu.be/vVLDWyc7n_Q

If you are looking to create a surface using random points and breaklines, you can use Bentley Descartes tools to assist with modeling from the point cloud. (This method would create the smallest file size for your surface)

Hi Matt,

Bentley Descartes has a tool (i.e. : Tile Export) to create different smaller POD regions for a big POD.

Also with Bentley Descartes you can create a Scalable Terrain Model directly from the original POD file. From that Scalable Terrain Model you can then generate Terrain Model elements for the ROI to perform various analysis with Bentley civil application (e.g. : Open Road).

Thanks,

Mathieu

Unknown said:

Separate the Point Cloud till you have the area of points you want. Export/Save the resulting .pod as a ASCII file .XYZ or ,txt.
You should be able to use the XYZ Text tool (Tools > Tool Boxes > XYZ Text) to import those points and use those points to generate a Mesh using the Mesh from Points tool.