POD (Point Object Data)

POD (Point Object Data) is a proprietary point cloud file format developed by Bentley Systems. It is specifically optimised for the efficient visualisation, analysis, and management of large-scale 3D point cloud datasets within Bentley software environments such as MicroStation and Pointools.

The POD format is designed to handle extremely large point clouds while maintaining high-performance rendering and fast data access. It preserves important attributes such as colour, intensity, classification, and return number, enabling detailed spatial analysis and measurement.

POD files can be generated by converting other common point cloud formats such as LAS, LAZ, E57, and ASCII into Bentley’s native format. This interoperability ensures that POD can serve as a central point cloud data source across various scanning hardware and workflows. The format supports level-of-detail (LoD) streaming, allowing responsive navigation and rendering even with billions of points.

Because of its performance efficiency and scalability, POD is widely used in infrastructure projects, transportation modelling, and asset management, especially where seamless integration with CAD and GIS data is required.

Applications

• Integration with BIM and GIS environments
• Infrastructure design and engineering
• High-fidelity modelling in transportation networks
• Survey data visualisation and alignment
• Point cloud analysis within Bentley toolsets

See also: Point Cloud Formats