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The key differences between a point cloud and a textured mesh
The key differences between a point cloud and a textured mesh
Sebastian Robertson avatar
Written by Sebastian Robertson
Updated over a year ago

A point cloud is a set of individual 3D points representing the shape and location of objects but lacks surface and texture information, while a textured mesh is a more structured representation with surfaces composed of interconnected polygons and includes texture information for realistic rendering and visualization. Each has its own use cases and advantages depending on the application.

Feature

Point Cloud

Textured Mesh

Representation

Collection of 3D points in space

Collection of vertices, edges, and faces

Geometry

Only contains spatial coordinates

Contains both geometry and texture information

Density

Can have variable point density

Typically has a uniform or controlled vertex density

Surface Information

Lacks explicit surface definition

Represents surfaces with connected polygons

Surface Texture

No inherent texture information

Stores texture maps for realistic rendering

Realism

Less realistic, resembles scattered points

More realistic, resembling solid objects with surfaces

Use Cases

- 3D scanning

- 3D modeling and rendering

- Lidar data processing

- Computer graphics and animation

- Initial data for mesh generation

- Virtual reality and gaming

- Environmental mapping

- Simulations and simulations

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