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A point cloud measurement is primarily a collection of 3D spatial data points that represent the external surface of an object or terrain. When using technologies like LiDAR or 3D laser scanning, the measurement captures the x, y, and z coordinates of points that define the shape and features of the scanned environment. This dense data set is essential for creating accurate 3D models and can be used for various applications in land surveying, construction, and geographic information systems (GIS).

While horizontal and vertical coordinates can be derived from point clouds, they are not the only elements contained within the measurement. Photographs may accompany point cloud data in some applications, providing visual context but are not part of the point cloud itself. Thus, the definition of a point cloud measurement specifically focuses on the spatial data points that enable detailed analysis and representation of physical spaces.