Meshing point clouds of real data into polygonalized surfaces is difficult.  While it has has been performed for years on simple models or very small scale real objects, there are numerous problems that occur in large-sized, real datasets.  This project uses a real world dataset obtained by mapping a structure. It presents tests of numerous problems such as branching and unstructured data whose results can be seen in the visualization.

Branched portion of structure

The file linked to the image at the left is a fully-interactive 3D file which allows the person viewing to actually fly inside a structure.

This portion of the structure is comprised of two separate data files that partially overlap.  The algorithm for meshing the points, successfully delineates the structure walls without meshing across the narrow wall between the two branches. The tiny discontinuous bits in the lower left are scattered points from a side tunnel that is not completely represented in the points from these two data files.

To view this file, a browser vrml plug-in is required.  Several plug-ins are available including Cosmo Player for Windows or Mac or Cosmo Player for SGIs.  NIST does not endorse any commercial products that may be advertised or available on this site.