LAS File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
Format Name LIDAR Data Exchange File
Extension .las
MIME Type application/octet-stream
Developed by ASPRS (American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing)
Initial Release 2003
Latest version 1.4
Description Standard format for storing LIDAR point cloud data
Used for Storing and exchanging 3D point cloud data from LIDAR surveys
Data Types Point data, including X, Y, Z coordinates and intensity
Point Classes Includes ground, low vegetation, medium vegetation, high vegetation, building, low point(noise), water, railway, road surface, etc.
File Signature LASF
Compression None in standard LAS; LAZ for compressed
Coordinate System Georeferenced; supports global coordinate systems
Metadata Includes information like version, system identifier, generating software, creation date, etc.
Advantages Widely supported, interoperable, and contains precise point cloud data
Disadvantages File size can be very large; lacks built-in compression
Applications Geospatial analysis, forestry, mining, urban planning, archaeology, and more
Binary/Text Binary
Scalability Can handle large volumes of data efficiently
Interoperability High; supported by various software and platforms
Customizable Limited; but extendable via the use of VLRs (Variable Length Records)