Points > Uniform Sample (applicable to unordered data only) reduces the number of points on flat surfaces uniformly, but reduces the number of points on curved surfaces to a specified density. This sampling (point reduction) operation is useful for models with both flat and curved surfaces, so it is recommended most often (in conjunction with Points > Wrap with the Surface option). To use Uniform Sample, first specify the amount of point-reduction for the flat regions in one of three ways, then specify the extent to which to preserve curvature.
The controls are:
Input radio buttons - control the degree of point-reduction for flat regions. Pick one method:
Absolute radio button and Spacing field - specifies that points shall be thinned to this distance between any two points.
Define Spacing by Selection radio button - specifies that points shall be thinned to the distance between two points that the user clicks on the object in the Viewing Area.
First Point radio button - specifies that the next point you click in the Viewing Area is the first of two points.
Second Point radio button - specifies that the next point you click in the Viewing Area is the second of two points.
• Define Spacing by Target radio button and Points field - specifies that points shall be uniformly thinned to the total quantity given in the Points field.
Optimize parameters - control the extent to which to preserve model curvature.
Curvature Priority slider (11 increments from Min to Max) - specifies the degree to which the Input values (for flat regions) are scaled down for regions with curvature.
Keep Boundary checkbox - specifies whether to preserve points that are closest to the edges of the object, regardless of Input radio buttons.
OK button - eliminates the points and closes the dialog.
Apply button - eliminates the points and leaves the dialog open.
Cancel button - closes the dialog without eliminating points.
To reduce points uniformly, but with retention of points that represent curvature, use Points > Uniform Sample as follows:
Select a region of points. If no points are selected, then the entire model will be modified.
Click Points > Uniform Sample. A dialog appears.
In the Input section, choose a method for specifying the extent of sampling in regions without curvature.
In the Optimize section, specify the importance of curvature in the object with the Curvature Priority slider bar.
Click Apply to preview the results. If you are unsatisfied with these results, return to step 3.
Click OK to store the sampled object in the Model Manager, or click Cancel to exit without saving.