term-pcl displays point-cloud data directly inside your command prompt. It processes complex spatial information and represents it as visual shapes on your screen. This tool removes the need for heavy graphics software. It works well for engineers, robotics hobbyists, and map creators who need quick access to data.
Many 3D viewers require powerful hardware and complex setups. This application focuses on speed and simplicity. It allows you to inspect maps or sensor output files without managing heavy graphical user interfaces. You gain insight into your spatial data using standard text-based output.
This application requires a Windows system. Ensure your computer runs Windows 10 or 11. You need at least 4GB of RAM to handle standard point-cloud files. Keep your graphics drivers updated to ensure the terminal renders the shapes correctly. Your screen must support a console window size of at least 80 characters by 24 lines.
- Go to the official release page.
- Look for the latest version listed at the top of the page.
- Choose the file ending in .exe for your Windows system.
- Save the file to your desktop or downloads folder.
- Open your File Explorer and navigate to the folder where you saved the application.
- Double-click the term-pcl executable file.
- A terminal window will open automatically.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select a data file from your computer.
- Provide the file path when the application requests it.
- Press the Enter key to start the visualization process.
The application uses keyboard shortcuts to help you manage your view.
- Use the W, A, S, and D keys to rotate the 3D model.
- Use the Plus (+) and Minus (-) keys to change the zoom level.
- Press the Q key to close the program and return to your desktop.
- Press the R key to reset your view to the original starting position.
This tool accepts common point-cloud formats. Ensure your files use the standard structure. If the application struggles to load a file, check that the file is not corrupted. Large files may take a few seconds to load upon startup. Close other programs if you notice the terminal window responding slowly during rendering.
You can adjust how the terminal displays the points. Open the configuration file located in the same directory as the executable. You can change colors for different groups of points. You can also adjust the point density to improve performance on older machines. Save the file after you make changes and then restart the application.
If the window closes immediately, ensure you have sufficient disk space. If characters appear distorted, verify your terminal font settings. Use a monospaced font like Consolas or Courier New. If the program fails to find your data file, copy the file address as text and paste it directly into the prompt. Ensure you do not leave spaces at the beginning of the file path.
The terminal displays an axis indicator in the bottom corner of the screen. This helps you track the orientation of your model. The coordinate values for the center of your view appear at the top. The software updates these values in real-time as you move the camera. Use this information to navigate precise points within your spatial data.
Check the releases page once a month for updates. New versions often include performance improvements for larger maps. When you download a new version, simply replace the old file with the new one. Your custom configuration file will stay in place, so your settings remain saved.
The software grows through active community feedback. If you find a bug, report it on the GitHub issues page. Describe the steps you took before the problem occurred. Include information about your Windows version and the size of the file you attempted to load. Do not share private data files. Use sample files instead to show the issue.