Efficiently from pointcloud to 3D linework.

I don't use point cloud data to produce topographic surveys as I think it would be slower than actually surveying on the ground with a total station. I do however use point cloud data to produce building survey drawings, floor plans elevations etc.

I usually just import the registered scan data to Autodesk Recap (free unless you need to register the clouds) and then import into AutoCad where i can extract line work, sections, elevations etc. Saves alot of time on complex structures.

If you have never used laser scanning before I would recommend you first try it on test projects or projects that have not specified a scan just to get familiar with it. Also hire and try a scanner to see if it is suitable for your workflow before buying There is a bit of a learning curve.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

I use Topodot which works within Bentley's Microstation or PowerSurvey. I use it in Microstation.
I find it very intuitive and capable and has many various extraction methods.
I originally used Polyworks, but after trying Topodot, made the switch.

Primarily I use it to extract breaklines but also individual site features.

There are so many different ways to extract data that it would take pages to cover. At the end of the day, I export the extracted lines/points etc to C3D where I do my surface modeling and basemaps.

One of the biggest things that sold me on Topodot was how quickly I became productive with it. Hardly any learning curve. But not at any sacrifice as it performs very well.

Topodot and context capture are probably the two leading softwares for extracting linework from point clouds. And they both work exclusively with Bentley microstation. Carlson also has a program that is similar that runs on AutoCAD. I don't think AutoCAD can handle the point clouds as well as microstation.

3dreshaper is another you may want to consider for extracting breaklines and other shapes.