Point cloud vs. textured mesh: When to use each for 3D site modeling
When you generate a 3D model from drone imagery, you typically end up with two options: a point cloud or a textured mesh. Both represent the same physical environment in 3D, but they do it in very different ways.
So how do you know which one to use?
Let’s break down what each output is, how they’re used, and when one might be better than the other for your inspection, mapping, or modeling needs.
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What’s the difference between a point cloud and a textured mesh?
Point clouds are dense sets of 3D points, each with X, Y, and Z coordinates (and sometimes colour). They offer high geometric accuracy and are ideal for measurements, CAD workflows, and precise analysis.
Textured meshes are 3D surfaces built from interconnected triangles, overlaid with real-world textures from imagery. They look more realistic and are better for visualization or stakeholder presentations.
What is a point cloud?
A point cloud is a dense collection of individual data points, each one defined by X, Y, and Z coordinates in space. Think of it like a cloud of tiny dots floating in 3D. Each point can also carry extra data, like colour from the original imagery (known as RGB).
Because it’s made from raw spatial data, a point cloud captures a site’s shape and elevation in high detail. It’s incredibly useful for accurate measurements and technical analysis—but visually, it can look a bit like a fuzzy or pixelated version of the real world.
What is a textured mesh?
A textured mesh starts with a geometric framework—usually triangles connected to form surfaces. Then, real-world photos are wrapped over those surfaces like a skin. The result is a photorealistic 3D model that feels much more life-like and easier to visually interpret.
It’s less about pinpoint accuracy and more about helping you see and understand the site in a realistic, intuitive way—making it ideal for stakeholder presentations or reviewing details like structures, facades, or terrain features.
Why the output you choose matters
Different outputs work better depending on your goal. A visual inspection has different requirements than, say, volumetric analysis or detailed engineering design.
Choosing the right 3D format can affect:
- The accuracy of your measurements
- How easily you can detect and annotate features
- Whether non-technical stakeholders can interpret the data
- What tools you can integrate with (e.g. CAD, GIS platforms)
When to use a point cloud
Point clouds are best when precision is the priority. Use them when you need:
- Accurate measurements: Volumes, distances, and surface elevations
- Engineering design workflows: CAD-ready, especially when paired with ground control points
- Terrain analysis: Especially in mining, quarrying, or infrastructure planning
- Inspection detail: Identifying changes, sagging, or misalignments in structures
- Elevation-based layers: Generating contours, digital surface models, or slope maps
They’re also great for filtering, classifying, and exporting into more advanced GIS or BIM platforms.
Note: Point clouds can be visually overwhelming, especially for stakeholders not used to interpreting them. That’s where a mesh can be more helpful.
When to use a textured mesh
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Textured meshes are ideal when you need to visualize the site clearly—especially for communication, review, or approvals. Use them when:
- You want a photorealistic 3D model: Easier to understand for non-technical teams
- You’re reviewing structures, facades, or hard-to-reach areas: Meshes often retain better visual clarity of curved or vertical surfaces
- You’re presenting or sharing externally: The textured surface helps users "see" the site more intuitively
- Speed matters: Meshes can be lighter and faster to load, depending on the level of detail
They’re also useful in planning or design reviews where the spatial feel of a site is more important than exact measurement accuracy.
Can you use both?
Yes absolutely — many teams do. In fact, Birdi generates both outputs from the same data capture, so you can switch between them based on what you’re working on.
For example:
- Use the point cloud to measure a stockpile
- Then view the textured mesh to walk a stakeholder through the site layout
Choosing the right tool for the task improves efficiency, avoids confusion, and gives you confidence in your results.
Curious what your site would look like in 3D?
Also, check out our other resources on 3D visualization, point clouds and textured meshes:
