ASTM E2807-11 (2019)e1 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E2807-11 (reapproved 2019) (editorially corrected e1) — "Standard Specification for 3D Imaging Data Exchange, Version 1.0". The document specifies the ASTM E57 3D file format (E57 file) used to exchange three‑dimensional imaging data, including 3D point data, point attributes (for example color and intensity), and associated 2D imagery; the file format combines binary sections with XML metadata and includes an extension mechanism for future features.

Abstract

This standard defines the structure, semantics, and permitted contents of E57 files so that 3D imaging systems and software can write and read interoperable point-cloud data and related imagery. It documents the organization of file-level coordinate systems, data trees and nodes, binary data pages with checksums, and XML metadata describing sensors, images, and dataset organization. The format is designed for archival stability and vendor-neutral exchange of laser-scan/LiDAR and other 3D imaging outputs.

General information

• Status: Reapproved edition (originally approved 2011), reapproved March 1, 2019; editorial correction (e1) recorded November 9, 2022. Some catalogues list the document as historical/withdrawn in their inventories — consult ASTM for official status.
• Publication date: Original approval 2011; current edition approved March 1, 2019 (published March 2019); editorial correction e1 dated November 9, 2022.
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 35.040 (Character sets and information coding) and 35.140 (Computer graphics).
• Edition / version: Designation E2807‑11 (Reapproved 2019), Version 1.0 of the E57 file format; editorial correction e1 applied.
• Number of pages: 26–27 pages depending on publisher print formatting (commonly listed as 27 pages).

Scope

The specification describes a vendor-neutral file exchange format (the E57 file) for storing and exchanging 3D point-cloud data and related 2D images produced by 3D imaging systems (laser scanners, LiDAR, structured light, photogrammetry outputs when packaged with point data). It defines file structure, data types, coordinate systems, camera models for associated images, compression and checksumming at the page level, and an extension mechanism so implementers can add future capabilities while maintaining interoperability. All quantities are expressed in SI units; planar angles are expressed in radians.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of E57 file architecture: XML metadata trees plus binary data pages and page checksums.
• Specification of 3D point data representations, attributes (color, intensity, normals), and indexing.
• Image (2D) storage and calibrated camera models for linking imagery to 3D data.
• File-level coordinate systems and handling of multiple coordinate frames within a single file.
• Extension mechanism for vendor or application‑specific data without breaking core interoperability.
• Requirements for units (SI), data typing, and canonical representations to enable reliable data exchange and archival use.

Typical use and users

Software developers (point‑cloud processing, CAD, GIS, BIM), hardware vendors (laser scanners, LiDAR manufacturers), surveyors, architects, cultural‑heritage specialists, forensic investigators, and researchers use this standard to exchange raw/processed 3D scan data and associated imagery between systems and for long‑term archival of 3D datasets. The format is commonly supported by open libraries (e.g., libE57) and by major scanning and point‑cloud tools.

Related standards

Related and referenced documents include ASTM terminology and test‑method standards for 3D imaging systems (for example ASTM E2544 and other E57 committee outputs), Internet and XML standards that govern XML Schema datatypes, and industry file/metadata standards used alongside E57 in workflows (BIM/IFC, LAS/LAZ for LiDAR, and imaging metadata standards). Implementers commonly consult the E57 committee publications and libE57 developer resources when implementing the format.

Keywords

E57, E2807, 3D imaging, point cloud, LiDAR, laser scan, file format, data exchange, XML metadata, binary pages, libE57, sensor calibration, coordinate systems.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E2807-11 (reapproved 2019, editorial correction e1) is the ASTM International specification that documents the E57 3D file format — a vendor‑neutral format for exchanging and archiving 3D point‑cloud data and associated 2D imagery.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the file structure (XML metadata + binary data pages), data types for 3D points and attributes (color, intensity), image storage with camera models, coordinate systems, checksumming, and an extension mechanism so implementers can add features while preserving interoperability. Quantities are expressed in SI units.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Scanner and LiDAR manufacturers, point‑cloud and BIM/CAD software developers, surveyors, heritage preservation teams, forensic units, researchers, and archivists use E57 to exchange and store 3D datasets. Open toolchains (for example libE57) and several commercial products implement the format.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The original specification was approved in 2011 and was reapproved in 2019 (designation E2807‑11(2019)); an editorial correction (e1) is recorded (Nov 9, 2022). Some catalog listings mark the document as historical or withdrawn in their inventories — for authoritative current status check ASTM International's document page or contact ASTM customer support.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The standard is maintained under ASTM Committee E57 (3D Imaging Systems) and is part of the committee's suite of documents (terminology, test methods and interoperability specifications) that together support 3D imaging system standardization and data exchange.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include E57, E2807, 3D imaging, point cloud, LiDAR, laser scan, data exchange, XML metadata, binary pages, and libE57.