Introduction
This guide explains how to create deviation profiles in Novorender for tunnel projects. The same principles can be applied to other types of deviation checks, such as assessing asphalt layers or measuring deviations in pillars or walls within buildings. In these cases, features such as flipped geometry, centerline, profile number range, and tunnel information are irrelevant.
With the new deviation profile customization feature, users can now:
Adjust profiles to match project-specific requirements.
Generate heat maps projected onto a 2D top-view by inputting tunnel height.
Create deviations for multiple tunnels in a single scene.
Integrate Deviations with Follow Path to display a legend in the 2D view.
1. Preparing the Folder Structure
Before working with deviation profiles, organize your files for clarity and efficiency.
Recommended Structure:
Separate Folders for Each Tunnel
Each folder contains all related point cloud scan data for that tunnel.
Supporting Data Folders
One folder for theoretical mesh models (reference surfaces).
2. Creating Point Cloud Groups
Groups help organize and select relevant data for analysis.
Steps:
Open Files and Attributes → Groups
Create a group using the PATH property to specify the folder location where the point clouds are stored or will be uploaded.
Alternatively, create a group by automatically fetching data from a folder via the Model Tree.
Repeat for Tunnel 2 and Tunnel 3.
Save all groups to avoid losing progress.
3. Creating a Theoretical Model Group
This group defines the surface against which point clouds will be compared.
Steps:
Locate the desired mesh surface in the project.
In Properties, identify a unique property name and value for that surface.
Copy and paste the property name and value into the group search criteria.
Click Next, name the group (e.g., Theoretical Model), and save it under the Deviation collection.
Assign a distinct color for visual clarity.
4. Creating the Deviation Profile
Once groups are ready, configure the deviation profile.
Steps:
Go to Validation → Deviation
From three dot menu choose NEW
Name the profile (e.g., Rock vs Theoretical Model).
Select:
Analyzed Group: Point cloud group for the tunnel.
Reference Group: Theoretical model group.
Add both groups to the legend.
Define color steps for deviation ranges:
Example: ±5 cm deviation.
Adjust colors for clarity.
Apply to multiple tunnels within the same scene by repeating this setup for other groups without leaving the current project.
5. Adding the Center Line
Click Add Center Line and select the desired center line from the project.
Optional: Set a profile number range to focus on a specific tunnel section.
Leave the range full to cover the entire tunnel length.
6. Adding Tunnel Height & Generating 2D Heat Map
Go to Measurement → Measure → Curve.
Select the center line and place the cursor above the tunnel’s top layer to measure height.
Enter the measured value into the deviation profile (e.g., 7.30 m).
Result
The entered height enables heat map projection onto a 2D top-view.
This helps visualize deviations spatially in a plan view.
7. Integrating Deviations with Follow Path
Use the Follow Path tool to navigate through the tunnel
When integrated with Deviations, the legend will display in the 2D view, making interpretation easier.
8. Saving and Finalizing
Save all groups and profiles after setup.
Repeat for each tunnel as required.
9. Best Practices
Organize early: Start with a clean folder structure.
Name consistently: Use clear, descriptive group names.
Color-code smartly: Assign distinct colors for quick identification.
Leverage new tools: Use multi-tunnel setup, heat maps, and 2D legends for efficient analysis.