Point cloud surfaces

[jbenway]

I'll preface this question by saying that I only know the basics of Civil 3D, but am wondering if it can do something. I have a large retaining wall that I want to check to see if it is moving. I was considering flying it with a drone periodically and comparing the surfaces to see if it has moved. Would it be possible to compare the surfaces in Civil 3D and see what the differences are? This wall is vertical so that adds to the difficulty. Any thoughts? Traditional surveying measures would probably be easier but it would be very difficult to get up to the wall in most locations.

[cadtag]

Interesting thought, but FWIW I don't think it likely that a drone flight would be repeatable enough to accurately show changes over time. I would think a laser scan set up, with repeatable, clear control points set on the ground. would be preferable.

[dotson]

In the process of creating the 'wall' surface, remember to shift the bottom points out 0.001 (negligible difference). Standard triangulation cannot deal with any two points having the same X/Y (but different Z) and it doesn't deal with true vertical faces very well.