Using ROCK Desktop
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      How to process your ROCK LiDAR Data with ROCK Desktop

      Here's the key steps to a successful lidar processing workflow. ROCK Desktop will create point clouds, colorize, compress, and add EXIF to photos.

      If you are migrating over to ROCK Desktop from PCMaster/PCPainter, please follow these steps to get set-up for using the ROCK Desktop!

       

      Step 1: Open ROCK Desktop

      Step 2: Select "Process ROCK Data"

      Step 3: Ensure your license is activated

      • Activate your pre-processing license if it is not already in use. 

      Step 4: Select your LiDAR data

      • Select the folder you copied from your USB and let ROCK Desktop unpack the data.
        • If you pick the wrong folder- ROCK Desktop will tell you it doesn't contain the right data.
        • ROCK Desktop will ask you for the .24o file.
        • MAKE SURE you still have the files that come with it.
        • Select the Base Station data.
      • Click "NEXT" - if you have processed before you'll see text that says "Reprocess Trajectory", this is for if you need to process a different base station file.
      • The first time processing, you'll need to agree to the Terms and Conditions on your first use only.

      Warning: DO NOT put your data in a cloud syncing folder like Dropbox, Google Drive, etc. You should process locally, without syncing to the cloud, to avoid issues. After processing, you should not have an issue moving to one of these services. 

      Step 5: Select your trajectory flight lines

      • ROCK Desktop will automatically clip the turns off the end of your flight lines and set standard distance and angular offsets. These can all be adjusted with the sliders.
      • You can delete flight lines you don't need- like the figure 8, and the to and from home sections.
      • Before removing: 

      • After deleting the calibration section:


      • This step enables you to:
        • Add/remove/edit flight lines.
        • Adjust the distance filter- limiting the points to a certain distance from the sensor.
        • Adjust the range- limiting the points to a certain angle from the laser.
      • When ready to move on, select "NEXT" in the bottom right hand corner.

      Step 6: Name your project and finish processing

      • Give your project a name.
      • Give your LAZ a name.


      • Select "START PROCESSING" 

      Step 7: Check out your Colorized Point Cloud! 

      • Now you can measure items in your point cloud using the measurement toolbar.
      • You can change the point cloud display from rgba to intensity or elevation, etc. 
      • This step also writes the EXIF data to your photos for photogrammetry! 

      Step 8: Upload to ROCK Cloud

      • Select the Cloud Upload button on the bottom of the toolbar on the right side.
      • Name your ROCK Cloud project and add a description.
      • It will upload and visualize right away in the ROCK Cloud! 

      Step 9: Order Deliverables in the ROCK Cloud

      Done! 

       

      There is no LAS export option, but you can use ROCK Cloud to export a LAS if you need one.