Cross Section - Revision history

Daniel: /* Extract several slices, envelopes or contours */

2022-03-31T20:11:48Z

Extract several slices, envelopes or contours

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:11, 31 March 2022
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	* alternatively, it is possible to extract envelopes with the [[Extract Sections]] tool.		* alternatively, it is possible to extract envelopes with the [[Extract Sections]] tool.

	== Extract ~~several~~ slices, envelopes or contours ==		== Extract multiple slices, envelopes or contours ==

	To extract several slices, envelopes or contours at once, click on the 'Extract multiple slices' [[Image:CcClippingBoxMultExport_small.png]] icon (in the right 'Slices' frame).		To extract several slices, envelopes or contours at once, click on the 'Extract multiple slices' [[Image:CcClippingBoxMultExport_small.png]] icon (in the right 'Slices' frame).

Daniel: /* Extract contours inside a single slice */

2022-03-31T20:11:28Z

Extract contours inside a single slice

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:11, 31 March 2022
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	Notes:		== Notes ==
	* you can easily 'cancel' (delete) the last generated envelope or contours by clicking on the 'revert' icon next to the [[Image:SmallPolygonSelect.png]] button		* you can easily 'cancel' (delete) the last generated envelope or contours by clicking on the 'revert' icon next to the [[Image:SmallPolygonSelect.png]] button
	* alternatively, it is possible to extract envelopes with the [[Extract Sections]] tool.		* alternatively, it is possible to extract envelopes with the [[Extract Sections]] tool.

Daniel: /* Extract a single contour */

2022-03-31T20:10:54Z

Extract a single contour

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:10, 31 March 2022
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	[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_extract_contour_result.jpg\|frame\|center\|Extracted envelope (close-up with the slice cloud)]]		[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_extract_contour_result.jpg\|frame\|center\|Extracted envelope (close-up with the slice cloud)]]

	== Extract a single ~~contour~~ ==		== Extract contours inside a single slice ==

	Since version 2.12, it is possible to extract the contour(s) of all points falling inside the current clipping box.		Since version 2.12, it is possible to extract the contour(s) of all points falling inside the current clipping box.

Daniel at 20:10, 31 March 2022

2022-03-31T20:10:33Z

Daniel at 20:04, 31 March 2022

2022-03-31T20:04:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:04, 31 March 2022
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	= Description =		= Description =

	This tool allows the user to define a clipping box (~~interactively or not~~) around ~~a given cloud~~. The box extents and orientation can be adjusted ~~in order to segment the cloud for instance~~.		This tool allows the user to define a clipping box (also called 'cross section') around one or several entities. The box extents and orientation can be manually adjusted.

	'''Since version 2.6.2 this tool can be used on meshes.'''		'''Since version 2.6.2 this tool can be used on meshes.'''

			'''Before version 2.12, 'envelopes' were misleadingly called 'contours'!'''

	Additionally, this tool can:		Additionally, this tool can:
	* repeat the segmentation ~~process in~~ one or several dimensions (to extract multiple 'slices' for instances)		* segment the entities (slice)
	* extract polygonal contours in each slice		* extract the envelope of all the points inside the slice
			* extract one or several contours of the points inside each slice (since version 2.12)
			* repeat the segmentation or extraction processes above along one or several dimensions (to extract multiple 'slices' for instances)

	= Procedure =		= Procedure =

	Select ~~a single cloud~~ and start this tool.		Select one or several entities (clouds or meshes) and start this tool.
	[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool.jpg\|center]]		[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool.jpg\|center]]

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	Notes:		Notes:
	* the initial clipping box is the ~~cloud~~ bounding-box.		* the initial clipping box is the bounding-box of all selected entities.
	* since version 2.7, a button lets the user restore the clipping box defined '''on the same ~~cloud~~''' during a previous ~~call to~~ this ~~method~~ (next to the 'reset' button, in the upper right part of the dialog).		* since version 2.7, a button lets the user restore the clipping box defined '''on the same set of entities''' during the previous usage of this tool (next to the 'reset' button, in the upper right part of the dialog).

	== Editing the clipping box ==		== Editing the clipping box ==
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	== Extract a single slice ==		== Extract a single slice ==

	Once the clipping box is defined, you can export the visible ~~cloud subset~~ as a new ~~cloud~~.		Once the clipping box is defined, you can export the parts of the clouds and meshes falling inside the box and still visible as new entities.

	To do this, simply click on the 'Export slice' [[Image:CcClippingBoxSingleExport_small.png]] button (in the right 'Slices' frame). CloudCompare will then create a new ~~cloud~~ and add it to the database tree.		To do this, simply click on the 'Export slice' [[Image:CcClippingBoxSingleExport_small.png]] button (in the right-side 'Slices' frame). CloudCompare will then create new entities and add them to the database tree.

	~~'''Since version 2.6.2 this can also be performed on~~ meshes~~'''. And while the real-time visualization simply hides the~~ triangles ~~that are falling~~ on ~~the border or outside of~~ the clipping box ~~(for the sake of speed), the output 'slice' will have a clean cut. All triangles falling on the border will be properly re-meshed~~. This is the same behavior as the [[Crop]] method.		For meshes, origin triangles will be properly cut on the clipping box borders. This is the same behavior as the [[Crop]] method.

	== Extract a single ~~contour~~ ==		== Extract a single envelope ==

	~~Instead~~ of the subset of points corresponding to the current slice, it is also possible to extract the ~~(closed) contour~~ of the points.		For point clouds, instead of the subset of points or triangles corresponding to the current slice, it is also possible to extract the envelopes of all the points falling inside the clipping box.

	To do this click on the 'Extract ~~contour~~' [[Image:SmallPolygonSelect.png]] button (in the left 'Contour' frame).		To do this click on the 'Extract envelope' [[Image:SmallPolygonSelect.png]] button (in the left-side 'Envelope/Contour' frame).

	A dialog to setup the contour extraction process will appear:		A dialog to setup the envelope or contour extraction process will appear:
	[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_extract_contour_dialog.jpg\|center]]		[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_extract_contour_dialog.jpg\|center]]

	~~The~~ user must ~~set~~:		To extract the envelope, the user must:
	* the 'flat' dimension (''it should be automatically setup based on the current ~~section dimensions~~'').		* check the 'Extract envelope(s)' checkbox
	* the maximum ''edge length'': the ~~contour~~ is extracted thanks to a 'concave hull' algorithm. The only parameter for this tool is the 'maximum size' of a single edge ~~(if possible)~~. The algorithm starts from the convex hull of the ~~slice~~ points. As long as an edge is longer than the specified 'max length', the algorithm will try to split it by using another point in the vicinity. This way the contour will fit the cloud more tightly. So the smaller ~~the~~ parameter is, the tighter the contour will be. ''Note that this 'maximum length' can't be guaranteed as only the input points are used.''		* select the 'flat' dimension (''it should be automatically setup based on the current clipping box shape'').
			* set the envelope type (Full, Lower or Upper)
			* set the maximum ''edge length'': the envelope is extracted thanks to a 'concave hull' extraction algorithm. The only parameter for this tool is the 'maximum size' of a single generated edge. The algorithm starts from the convex hull of the whole set of points. As long as an edge is longer than the specified 'max length', the algorithm will try to split it by using another point in the vicinity (if possible). This way, the contour will fit the cloud more tightly. So the smaller this parameter is, the tighter the contour will be. ''Note that this 'maximum edge length' can't be guaranteed as only the input points are used.''

	Additional options are:		Additional options are:
	* ''project slice(s) points on their best fit plane'': the ~~contour~~ extraction is done in 2D. Instead of using the slice ~~flat~~ dimension as projection plane, CloudCompare can project the points on their best fit plane (it can be sometimes better for ~~very~~ thick slices).		* ''multi-pass'': use multiple iterations to try to obtain a better fit (... or a worst sometimes!)
	* ''split ~~contour~~(s) on longer edges'': CloudCompare can split the ~~contour~~ every time an edge is longer than the 'maximum edge length' parameter. In this case multiple non-closed polylines can be generated instead of a single closed contour.		* ''project slice(s) points on their best fit plane'': the envelope extraction is done in 2D. Instead of using the slice flatest dimension as projection plane, CloudCompare can project the points on their best fit plane (it can be sometimes better for rather thick slices).
			* ''split envelope(s) on longer edges'': CloudCompare can split the envelope every time an edge is longer than the 'maximum edge length' parameter. In this case, multiple non-closed polylines can be generated instead of a single closed contour.
	* ''visual debug mode'': for debug use (can be used to understand why the algorithm doesn't output what one would expect).		* ''visual debug mode'': for debug use (can be used to understand why the algorithm doesn't output what one would expect).

			[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_extract_contour_result.jpg\|frame\|center\|Extracted contour (close-up with the slice cloud)]]

			== Extract a single contour ==

	~~[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_extract_contour_result~~.~~jpg\|frame\|center\|Extracted~~ contour (~~close-up with~~ the ~~slice cloud)]]~~		Since version 2.12, it is possible to extract the contour(s) of all points falling inside the current clipping box.

			To do it, follow the same process as in the previous section, then:
			* check the 'Extract contours' checkbox
			* set the 'Grid step': this is the dimension of the square cells of the raster grid that will be generated with the points falling inside the slice (by projection them along the 'flat' dimension). The larger the grid step is, the coarser the contours will be. But if the grid step is too small, points will be isolated and contours will be very small.
			* set the minimum number of vertices by contour (to avoid generating too small contours around isolated points/clusters.

	Notes:		Notes:
	* you can easily 'cancel' (delete) the last generated ~~contour~~ by clicking on the 'revert' icon next to the [[Image:SmallPolygonSelect.png]] button		* you can easily 'cancel' (delete) the last generated envelope or contours by clicking on the 'revert' icon next to the [[Image:SmallPolygonSelect.png]] button
	* to extract ~~a non-closed contour, see~~ the [[Extract Sections]] tool.		* alternatively, it is possible to extract envelopes with the [[Extract Sections]] tool.

	== Extract several slices, envelopes or contours ==		== Extract several slices, envelopes or contours ==
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	Most of the parameters are the same as for the 'Single section extraction' dialog (see above).		Most of the parameters are the same as for the 'Single section extraction' dialog (see above).

	The user must ~~however~~ explicitly specify if he wishes to generate slices, contours or envelopes (check the corresponding checkboxes).		The user must also explicitly specify if (s)he wishes to generate slices, contours or envelopes (check the corresponding checkboxes).

	Other parameters are:		Other parameters are:
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	** Origin entity, then slice: combination of the 2 previous options (one group per entity, and under each group, one group per slice)		** Origin entity, then slice: combination of the 2 previous options (one group per entity, and under each group, one group per slice)
	** Slice then origin entity: same as the previous one, but the first level groups correspond to the slices, and then sub-groups correspond to each origin entity		** Slice then origin entity: same as the previous one, but the first level groups correspond to the slices, and then sub-groups correspond to each origin entity



	[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_repeat_result.jpg\|frame\|center\|Multiple slices (left) and contours (right) extraction]]		[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_repeat_result.jpg\|frame\|center\|Multiple slices (left) and contours (right) extraction]]

Daniel: /* Extract several slices or contours */

2022-03-31T19:27:15Z

Extract several slices or contours

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:27, 31 March 2022
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	* to extract a non-closed contour, see the [[Extract Sections]] tool.		* to extract a non-closed contour, see the [[Extract Sections]] tool.

	== Extract several slices or contours ==		== Extract several slices, envelopes or contours ==

	To extract several slices ~~'''~~or ~~contours'''~~ at once, click on the 'Extract multiple slices' [[Image:CcClippingBoxMultExport_small.png]] icon (in the right 'Slices' frame).		To extract several slices, contours or envelopes at once, click on the 'Extract multiple slices' [[Image:CcClippingBoxMultExport_small.png]] icon (in the right 'Slices' frame).

	CloudCompare will open a dialog:		CloudCompare will open a dialog:
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	Most of the parameters are the same as for the 'Single section extraction' dialog (see above).		Most of the parameters are the same as for the 'Single section extraction' dialog (see above).

	The user must however explicitly specify if he wishes to generate contours (check the ~~'Extract contour(s~~)~~' checkbox to enable the associated frame). Otherwise only slices will be generated~~.		The user must however explicitly specify if he wishes to generate slices, contours or envelopes (check the corresponding checkboxes).

	Other parameters are:		Other parameters are:
	* ''Repeat ~~dimension~~'': the extraction process can be repeated in one or multiple dimensions (by default only the 'flat' dimension will be checked)		* ''Repeat dimensions'': the extraction process can be repeated along one or multiple dimensions (by default only the 'most flat' dimension of the currently defined section box will be checked)
			* ''random colors per slice'': if checked, a random color will be assigned to each slice (warning: any existing colors will be overwritten!)
	* ''Gap'': a gap can be added between each slice		* ''Gap'': a gap can be added between each slice
	* ''~~random colors per slice~~'': ~~if checked~~, a ~~random color will be assigned to~~ each slice (~~warning~~: ~~any existing colors will be overwritten!)~~		* ''Group generated entities by'': since version 2.12, it is possible to organize the generated entities (slices / envelopes / contours) in the DB tree in different ways:
			** Type: slices, envelopes and contours are separated in 3 groups (''that was the default behavior before version 2.12'')
			** Origin entity: slices, envelopes and contours are generated in the same group, but a different group for each origin entity
			** Slice: slices, envelopes and contours are generated in the same group, but a different group for each slice
			** Origin entity, then slice: combination of the 2 previous options (one group per entity, and under each group, one group per slice)
			** Slice then origin entity: same as the previous one, but the first level groups correspond to the slices, and then sub-groups correspond to each origin entity



	[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_repeat_result.jpg\|frame\|center\|Multiple slices (left) and contours (right) extraction]]		[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_repeat_result.jpg\|frame\|center\|Multiple slices (left) and contours (right) extraction]]

Daniel: /* Procedure */

2016-04-22T11:00:31Z

Procedure

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:00, 22 April 2016
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	A dedicated dialog will appear in the top-right part of the 3D view.		A dedicated dialog will appear in the top-right part of the 3D view.

	~~Note~~: the initial clipping box is the cloud bounding-box.		Notes:
			* the initial clipping box is the cloud bounding-box.
			* since version 2.7, a button lets the user restore the clipping box defined '''on the same cloud''' during a previous call to this method (next to the 'reset' button, in the upper right part of the dialog).

	== Editing the clipping box ==		== Editing the clipping box ==

Daniel: /* Numerically */

2016-04-22T10:43:02Z

Numerically

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:43, 22 April 2016
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	Eventually, if you need more control, you can click on the 'advanced' button. A 'standard' 3D box edition dialog will appear. You can setup the box position in space in various ways (and even force the box to be cubical for instance).		Eventually, if you need more control, you can click on the 'advanced' button. A 'standard' 3D box edition dialog will appear. You can setup the box position in space in various ways (and even force the box to be cubical for instance).

			Since version 2.6.3 you can also setup the box axes this way.

	[[File:Cc_cross_section_tool_advanced_dialog.jpg\|center]]		[[File:Cc_cross_section_tool_advanced_dialog.jpg\|center]]

Daniel: /* Interactively */

2016-04-22T10:02:19Z

Interactively

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:02, 22 April 2016
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	[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_edit.jpg\|center]]		[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_edit.jpg\|center]]

	Note: you can show or hide the interactors with the ~~'Show interactors' checkbox in~~ the top left part of the dialog.		Note: you can show or hide the interactors and/or the box with the two icons on the top left part of the dialog.

	=== Numerically ===		=== Numerically ===

Daniel: /* Extract a single slice */

2015-10-06T19:55:39Z

Extract a single slice

New page

= Menu / Icon =

This tool is accessible via the [[Image:CcClippingBox_small.png]] icon the upper main toolbar or the 'Tools > Segmentation > Cross Section' menu.

= Description =

This tool allows the user to define a clipping box (interactively or not) around a given cloud. The box extents and orientation can be adjusted in order to segment the cloud for instance.

'''Since version 2.6.2 this tool can be used on meshes.'''

Additionally, this tool can:
* repeat the segmentation process in one or several dimensions (to extract multiple 'slices' for instances)
* extract polygonal contours in each slice

= Procedure =

Select a single cloud and start this tool.
[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool.jpg|center]]

A dedicated dialog will appear in the top-right part of the 3D view.

Note: the initial clipping box is the cloud bounding-box.

== Editing the clipping box ==

The clipping box can be edited in various ways.

=== Interactively ===

You can drag the 'interactors' (big red, green and blue arrows and ''tori'') so as to move the clipping box boundaries directly in the 3D view. The arrow tips are used to push and pull the clipping box faces, while the tori can be used to rotate the box around the arrow axes.

You can also translate the whole box with the lower-left (yellow) interactor.

[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_edit.jpg|center]]

Note: you can show or hide the interactors with the 'Show interactors' checkbox in the top left part of the dialog.

=== Numerically ===

You can directly edit the box dimensions (width, depth and height) with the 'X', 'Y' and 'Z' fields.

You can also shift the box in all directions with the buttons in the lower part of the dialog ('Shift box' frame). The box will be shifted of the same quantity as the box width in this dimension.

Eventually, if you need more control, you can click on the 'advanced' button. A 'standard' 3D box edition dialog will appear. You can setup the box position in space in various ways (and even force the box to be cubical for instance).

[[File:Cc_cross_section_tool_advanced_dialog.jpg|center]]

== Visualization ==

At any time the 3D view camera can be changed so as to face one of the clipping box faces. Use the standard 'predefined views' buttons in the lower part.

It can be useful to hide the interactors as well in order to properly see the current cloud section:

[[File:Cc_cross_section_tool_section_view.jpg|center]]

== Extract a single slice ==

Once the clipping box is defined, you can export the visible cloud subset as a new cloud.

To do this, simply click on the 'Export slice' [[Image:CcClippingBoxSingleExport_small.png]] button (in the right 'Slices' frame). CloudCompare will then create a new cloud and add it to the database tree.

'''Since version 2.6.2 this can also be performed on meshes'''. And while the real-time visualization simply hides the triangles that are falling on the border or outside of the clipping box (for the sake of speed), the output 'slice' will have a clean cut. All triangles falling on the border will be properly re-meshed. This is the same behavior as the [[Crop]] method.

== Extract a single contour ==

Instead of the subset of points corresponding to the current slice, it is also possible to extract the (closed) contour of the points.

To do this click on the 'Extract contour' [[Image:SmallPolygonSelect.png]] button (in the left 'Contour' frame).

A dialog to setup the contour extraction process will appear:
[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_extract_contour_dialog.jpg|center]]

The user must set:
* the 'flat' dimension (''it should be automatically setup based on the current section dimensions'').
* the maximum ''edge length'': the contour is extracted thanks to a 'concave hull' algorithm. The only parameter for this tool is the 'maximum size' of a single edge (if possible). The algorithm starts from the convex hull of the slice points. As long as an edge is longer than the specified 'max length', the algorithm will try to split it by using another point in the vicinity. This way the contour will fit the cloud more tightly. So the smaller the parameter is, the tighter the contour will be. ''Note that this 'maximum length' can't be guaranteed as only the input points are used.''

Additional options are:
* ''project slice(s) points on their best fit plane'': the contour extraction is done in 2D. Instead of using the slice flat dimension as projection plane, CloudCompare can project the points on their best fit plane (it can be sometimes better for very thick slices).
* ''split contour(s) on longer edges'': CloudCompare can split the contour every time an edge is longer than the 'maximum edge length' parameter. In this case multiple non-closed polylines can be generated instead of a single closed contour.
* ''visual debug mode'': for debug use (can be used to understand why the algorithm doesn't output what one would expect).

[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_extract_contour_result.jpg|frame|center|Extracted contour (close-up with the slice cloud)]]

Notes:
* you can easily 'cancel' (delete) the last generated contour by clicking on the 'revert' icon next to the [[Image:SmallPolygonSelect.png]] button
* to extract a non-closed contour, see the [[Extract Sections]] tool.

== Extract several slices or contours ==

To extract several slices '''or contours''' at once, click on the 'Extract multiple slices' [[Image:CcClippingBoxMultExport_small.png]] icon (in the right 'Slices' frame).

CloudCompare will open a dialog:

[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_repeat_dialog.jpg|center]]

Most of the parameters are the same as for the 'Single section extraction' dialog (see above).

The user must however explicitly specify if he wishes to generate contours (check the 'Extract contour(s)' checkbox to enable the associated frame). Otherwise only slices will be generated.

Other parameters are:
* ''Repeat dimension'': the extraction process can be repeated in one or multiple dimensions (by default only the 'flat' dimension will be checked)
* ''Gap'': a gap can be added between each slice
* ''random colors per slice'': if checked, a random color will be assigned to each slice (warning: any existing colors will be overwritten!)

[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_repeat_result.jpg|frame|center|Multiple slices (left) and contours (right) extraction]]

== Reset the clipping box ==

You can reset the clipping box to its original state (i.e. the cloud bounding-box) anytime by clicking on the 'reset' [[Image:SmallReset.png]] button in the upper right part of the dialog.

== Close the tool ==

You can close the tool by clicking on the 'red cross' [[Image:SmallCancel.png]] button in the upper right part of the dialog.

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:10, 31 March 2022
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	* select the 'flat' dimension (''it should be automatically setup based on the current clipping box shape'').		* select the 'flat' dimension (''it should be automatically setup based on the current clipping box shape'').
	* set the envelope type (Full, Lower or Upper)		* set the envelope type (Full, Lower or Upper)
	* set the maximum ''edge length'': the envelope is extracted thanks to a 'concave hull' extraction algorithm. The only parameter for this tool is the 'maximum size' of a single generated edge. The algorithm starts from the convex hull of the whole set of points. As long as an edge is longer than the specified 'max length', the algorithm will try to split it by using another point in the vicinity (if possible). This way, the ~~contour~~ will fit the cloud more tightly. So the smaller this parameter is, the tighter the ~~contour~~ will be. ''Note that this 'maximum edge length' can't be guaranteed as only the input points are used.''		* set the maximum ''edge length'': the envelope is extracted thanks to a 'concave hull' extraction algorithm. The only parameter for this tool is the 'maximum size' of a single generated edge. The algorithm starts from the convex hull of the whole set of points. As long as an edge is longer than the specified 'max length', the algorithm will try to split it by using another point in the vicinity (if possible). This way, the envelope will fit the cloud more tightly. So the smaller this parameter is, the tighter the envelope will be. ''Note that this 'maximum edge length' can't be guaranteed as only the input points are used.''

	Additional options are:		Additional options are:
	* ''multi-pass'': use multiple iterations to try to obtain a better fit (... or a worst sometimes!)		* ''multi-pass'': use multiple iterations to try to obtain a better fit (... or a worst sometimes!)
	* ''project slice(s) points on their best fit plane'': the envelope extraction is done in 2D. Instead of using the slice flatest dimension as projection plane, CloudCompare can project the points on their best fit plane (it can be sometimes better for rather thick slices).		* ''project slice(s) points on their best fit plane'': the envelope extraction is done in 2D. Instead of using the slice flatest dimension as projection plane, CloudCompare can project the points on their best fit plane (it can be sometimes better for rather thick slices).
	* ''split envelope(s) on longer edges'': CloudCompare can split the envelope every time an edge is longer than the 'maximum edge length' parameter. In this case, multiple non-closed polylines can be generated instead of a single closed ~~contour~~.		* ''split envelope(s) on longer edges'': CloudCompare can split the envelope every time an edge is longer than the 'maximum edge length' parameter. In this case, multiple non-closed polylines can be generated instead of a single closed envelope.
	* ''visual debug mode'': for debug use (can be used to understand why the algorithm doesn't output what one would expect).		* ''visual debug mode'': for debug use (can be used to understand why the algorithm doesn't output what one would expect).

	[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_extract_contour_result.jpg\|frame\|center\|Extracted ~~contour~~ (close-up with the slice cloud)]]		[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_extract_contour_result.jpg\|frame\|center\|Extracted envelope (close-up with the slice cloud)]]

	== Extract a single contour ==		== Extract a single contour ==
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	* set the 'Grid step': this is the dimension of the square cells of the raster grid that will be generated with the points falling inside the slice (by projection them along the 'flat' dimension). The larger the grid step is, the coarser the contours will be. But if the grid step is too small, points will be isolated and contours will be very small.		* set the 'Grid step': this is the dimension of the square cells of the raster grid that will be generated with the points falling inside the slice (by projection them along the 'flat' dimension). The larger the grid step is, the coarser the contours will be. But if the grid step is too small, points will be isolated and contours will be very small.
	* set the minimum number of vertices by contour (to avoid generating too small contours around isolated points/clusters.		* set the minimum number of vertices by contour (to avoid generating too small contours around isolated points/clusters.

			[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_extract_real_contours_result.JPG\|frame\|center\|Extracted contours]]


	Notes:		Notes:
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	== Extract several slices, envelopes or contours ==		== Extract several slices, envelopes or contours ==

	To extract several slices, contours ~~or envelopes~~ at once, click on the 'Extract multiple slices' [[Image:CcClippingBoxMultExport_small.png]] icon (in the right 'Slices' frame).		To extract several slices, envelopes or contours at once, click on the 'Extract multiple slices' [[Image:CcClippingBoxMultExport_small.png]] icon (in the right 'Slices' frame).

	CloudCompare will open a dialog:		CloudCompare will open a dialog:
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	** Slice then origin entity: same as the previous one, but the first level groups correspond to the slices, and then sub-groups correspond to each origin entity		** Slice then origin entity: same as the previous one, but the first level groups correspond to the slices, and then sub-groups correspond to each origin entity

	[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_repeat_result.jpg\|frame\|center\|Multiple slices (left) and ~~contours~~ (right) extraction]]		[[Image:Cc_cross_section_tool_repeat_result.jpg\|frame\|center\|Multiple slices (left) and envelopes (right) extraction]]

	== Reset the clipping box ==		== Reset the clipping box ==