File extension .LAS
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| LIDAR Data Exchange Format | ASPRS | Data Files |
The .LAS file is a data type developed by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS). Its purpose is to allow for the exchange and storage of data gathered by airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) systems. This file type is specifically used to store data collected from the sensor, aerial imagery, or digital terrain elevation models. The data stored in the.LAS file is typically in the form of points or messages which are arranged in a three-dimensional coordinate system.
Structure of a LAS File
The LAS format is composed of a series of headers, followed by data records. The first header defines the version number and global information such as the creation date. It also contains information about all the points that are stored in the file. The rest of the headers contain records describing each different point type, such as ground points, topographic points, power lines, areas of water, and other attributes. Each header contains information related to a particular point type.
The data records follow the file headers and contain all the points themselves. The coordinates of these points will be in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projected in meters from a datum or ellipsoid reference plane known as the “WGS 84” datum. The data record for each point describes its type (e.g., ground point, building point or vegetation point) its colour, whether it is last seen through spot anomalies and other attributes.
Similar File Extensions
The.LAS file format is widely used for point cloud data and closely related file extensions include .FLT, .TXT, .XYZ, LAZ, .PLY, .QPT, and .OBJ, which all follow similar structures with headers and data records.
Programs for WINDOWS system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .LAS) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .LAS extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .LAS file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .LAS extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .LAS extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .LAS file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .LAS file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .LAS file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .LAS file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .LAS file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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