Can any advise on the best and simplest way to access and work on my imported OBJ files.
I have the SketchUp OBJ importer as a separate extension and after the slow import it freezes my my PC.
My Lidar scan from a customers house via my iPad is exported via an OBJ files and when back to my PC I then import the OBJ file to SketchUp and that’s when I start to loose my mind.
Any recommendation or advise on how to get my Lidar scans via an OBJ file into SketchUp and workable would be greatly appreciated.
How are you generating the obj, through polycam? Can you attach a link to the obj so we can work with it to confirm you’re not just running into a limit on your computer. What import steps are you taking exactly within su pro?
I use a free app via the Apple App Store called 3D Scanner.
After I have completed the scan I have many options on how to export the Lidar Scan.
I use the OBJ Export from 3D Scanner and then import to SketchUp. I have my own design models of certain products which I add to the OBJ import. The customer then gets to see there property/ room with the product I have designed which hopefully suits what they want.
Please note I am no PC/ Hardware/ Software guru and I leave the tech stuff for the younger generation. “Su Pro” - now idea what that means.
I can get the OBJ Lidar scan to work in Sketchup but it takes FOREVER and my PC struggles.
Yes, do try the universal importer extension, there are options there to reduce the poly count as well. Also, if you are scanning via ipad you might look into the SketchUp ipad app. It can scan using the ipad lidar and imports directly into .skp format on your ipad so it can easily be shared with yourself via email or Trimble Connect, no import/export required.
Your computer specs are not a rocket ship (i7 with 16gb ram) but it should handle SketchUp OK. If your machine is bogging you might need to manage the style you are using to ask less of the graphics engine.
Can you share one of you .obj or .skp files with us? Looking at a file would tell a more complete story.
Your hardware is almost ten years old, that’s a lot in terms of tech. It’s normal for it to take some time to do some tasks. When you use universal importer do some tests until you get the least amount of geometry but with good enough quality.
I’d it’s a LiDAR scan and that has then been turned into a mesh, then it will be a very heavy file for SketchUp, which quite frankly isn’t designed to handle that kind of input. It will likely be difficult to use even on newer machines.
the model likely needs to be simplified and cleaned considerably. There are processes you could use via an extension like Transmutr or Skimp which will try to simplfy it .
In terms of your workflow, using the point cloud data from the lidar scan before the app tries to make a mesh from it will be simpler for your PC to handle. Scan essentials is designed for this.
Or take a look and see what export options your Lidar scanning app has, I know the one I use has various smoothing and simplication options for when it generates the OBJ.
3D Scaner app can export to usdz. That type of file can be inserted natively into SketchUp. USDZ usually has an optimized mesh. You should try that format
