Evolution and Emerging Frontiers in Point Cloud Technology

Point cloud intelligence integrates advanced technologies such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), photogrammetry, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform transportation infrastructure management. This review highlights state-of-the-art advancements in denoising, registration, segmentation, and surface reconstruction. A detailed case study on three-dimensional (3D) mesh generation for railway fastener monitoring showcases how these techniques address challenges like noise and computational complexity while enabling precise and efficient infrastructure maintenance. By demonstrating practical applications and identifying future research directions, this work underscores the transformative potential of point cloud intelligence in supporting predictive maintenance, digital twins, and sustainable transportation systems.