Matterport technology has become one of the most widely used solutions for creating 3D scans and virtual tours. However, when moving from visualization to technical applications, a key requirement emerges: point cloud georeferencing.
Without real-world coordinates, a Matterport scan cannot be properly integrated into AutoCAD, Revit, GIS environments, or urban digital twin projects.
Analist Group has developed a workflow that places georeferencing at the center of the process, allowing Matterport scans to become technically reliable data suitable for surveying, BIM, and urban-scale applications.
In this guide, you will learn how the workflow works, the available methods, and when to use each approach.
Why Georeference a Matterport Point Cloud
A standard Matterport scan is generated in a local coordinate system. This creates several limitations:
-
the model cannot be aligned with real-world maps;
-
integration with GPS surveys is difficult;
-
direct use in BIM projects is limited;
-
integration into digital twins is not possible.
Matterport georeferencing allows you to:
-
position the scan in real-world coordinates;
-
align it with AutoCAD drawings and Revit models;
-
integrate it into GIS systems;
-
create consistent digital twins connected to the territory.
Automatic Matterport Georeferencing with ProTrack and Pro3 Camera
The most accurate workflow combines the Matterport Pro3 camera with ProTrack, the precision GPS developed by Analist Group.
A dedicated mount allows simultaneous acquisition of:
-
Matterport scans;
-
GPS positions for each scanning station.
During acquisition:
-
each sweep is associated with a GPS position;
-
the information is stored directly inside the E57 file;
-
Analist 2026 automatically georeferences the point cloud.
The result is a rigorous and automated process, ideal for:
-
architectural surveys;
-
technical documentation;
-
integration with GPS or topographic surveys;
-
professional BIM workflows.
This approach eliminates manual alignment and significantly reduces processing time.
Georeferencing a Matterpack Point Cloud
When working with a Matterpack export, Analist 2026 provides two different workflows.
Georeferencing Using a GPS Survey
If a GPS or topographic survey is available:
-
common points are identified;
-
alignment is performed interactively;
-
the point cloud is transformed into real-world coordinates.
This method ensures high accuracy and is suitable for technical and engineering applications.
Georeferencing Using Google Maps
For faster or urban-scale workflows, Analist 2026 allows users to:
-
position the scan directly on Google Maps;
-
adjust orientation and placement;
-
obtain a georeferenced point cloud ready for use.
This approach is particularly useful for:
-
urban digital twins;
-
advanced real estate presentations;
-
built environment digitization;
-
preliminary territorial analysis.
From Point Cloud to Georeferenced Digital Space
One of the most innovative aspects of the Analist workflow is that georeferencing is applied not only to the point cloud but to the entire Matterport digital space.
This means:
-
every point in the environment is aligned with real-world coordinates;
-
the space becomes part of a broader digital ecosystem;
-
a logical connection is created between survey and design data.
As a result, the Matterport model can be:
-
aligned with AutoCAD drawings;
-
integrated into Revit projects;
-
connected to urban or territorial digital twins.
Supported Platforms and Work Environments
The Analist workflow is designed to operate across multiple platforms:
-
Analist 2026 and AutoCAD, for surveying and technical design;
-
Revit, for BIM workflows;
-
Web, through MatterSales;
-
Android, with Analist Mobile for field operations.
This ensures data consistency from acquisition to final project delivery.
Examples
Georeferencing transforms Matterport from a visualization tool into a technical surveying and design solution.
By combining ProTrack and Analist 2026, professionals can obtain:
-
georeferenced point clouds;
-
models aligned with real-world coordinates;
-
digital twins ready for professional use.
The result is a workflow that remains simple for the operator while delivering high technical reliability.