Best LiDAR Map Viewer
- Anvita Shrivastava
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 23
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) has revolutionized the way that geospatial specialists collect, process, and represent data about Earth's surface and terrain. With high-resolution point cloud datasets increasingly used in urban planning, forestry, and flood modelling, professionals rely on powerful visualisation tools to efficiently extract actionable insights from their data by selecting appropriate LiDAR map viewers.
What Does a LiDAR Map Viewer Do?
A LiDAR Map Viewer is a specialised software package that enables professionals to represent, process, and analyse point cloud datasets generated using LiDAR-based technology. These datasets may include formats such as LAS, LAZ, and E57, and consist of millions or billions of three-dimensional (3D) points that represent terrain, vegetation, buildings, and additional objects.
Key Features of the Best LiDAR Map Viewers
When evaluating tools for viewing LiDAR, the following technical capabilities are important:
High Performance Rendering
The best LiDAR viewing tools will have the ability to efficiently handle very large point clouds, using GPU acceleration and optimized data streaming, so that all points can be rendered smoothly, with little to no lag.
Multi-Format Support
It is important that the best LiDAR map viewers provide the ability to work in a variety of industry-standard formats, such as LAS, LAZ, E57, and GeoTIFF, as this will allow them to be used easily and seamlessly throughout different workflows.
Advanced Visualization Modes
The best LiDAR viewing tools will provide advanced visualizations such as:
Intensity, color, and elevation color.
Ability to view classified point clouds.
Ability to overlay hillshades and contours.
2D and 3D viewing modes.
Measurement and Analysis Tools
The most common analytical tools will include:
Measurement of distances, areas, and volumes.
Generating profile sections and cross-sections.
Surface modeling and creating DEM/DSM.
Scalability & Cloud Integration
The modern workflow requires compatibility with cloud storage for storing, processing, and sharing large datasets.
Easy to Use
The best LiDAR view tools will provide a user-friendly UI with the ability to customize layers, filters, and navigation so that both tech-savvy and non-tech-savvy users will be able to be productive using their LiDAR viewer.
Best LiDAR Mapping Viewer Tools
GeoViewer
GeoViewer is an advanced LiDAR visualization solution for maximizing the efficiency of high-performance geospatial workflows.
Key Utilities
Rapid rendering of very large datasets containing LiDAR.
Support for both LAS/LAZ and raster file formats.
Ability to smoothly zoom in and navigate very large areas.
Easy-to-use & lightweight user interface to allow very fast analysis.
Able to integrate with enterprise geospatial workflows.
GeoViewer is best suited for users who require a simple-to-use, reliable LiDAR viewer, focused on increased speed and clarity.
CloudCompare
CloudCompare is a popular free, open-source software used for point cloud processing and analysis.
Pros:
Ability to perform advanced editing and segmentation of point clouds
An extensive library of plugins allows for enhanced functionality.
Strong community support
Cons:
Limited learning resources
Less efficient at processing extremely large datasets compared with other commercial products
QGIS with LiDAR Plugins
QGIS has LiDAR functionality via various plugins such as PDAL and LAStools.
Pros:
Inference and unlimited data capacity
GIS Features Built-in
Flexible and customizable processing of data
Cons:
Requires setup of configuration and installation of plugins to work with LiDAR data
The performance depends on the capabilities and resources of the computer used.
Global Mapper
The Commercial Geographic Information System (GIS) platform provides extensive Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) functionality.
Advantages:
Wide range of analytical capabilities
Includes terrain modelling capabilities
Has a user-friendly interface
Disadvantages:
Cost of license
Heavier software footprint
Potree
Web-based LiDAR viewer allows for sharing point clouds online.
Advantages:
Easy to view in a web browser
Can display very large data; uses streaming.
Great for sharing and working together
Disadvantages:
Requires a lot of preprocessing
Analytical capabilities are limited compared with Desktop software.
Why GeoViewer Stands Out
When comparing different GIS programs, GeoViewer provides great performance and is designed specifically for simplicity. GeoViewer does not require the use of a heavy or complex GIS platform, and therefore can provide a much more efficient experience when using LiDAR data. It is lightweight, easy to use, and provides rapid access to large datasets without requiring extensive configuration or a steep learning curve.
LiDAR viewers have many applications across different industries:
Urban Planning: 3D modeling of cities and studying infrastructure.
Forestry: Estimation of canopy height and biomass.
Flood Analysis: Evaluating risk by analyzing the terrain.
Mining: Evaluating the amount of minerals in a given area, as well as monitoring the site.
Transportation: Corridor mapping and managing assets.
Choosing a LiDAR map viewer is based on your workflow needs, the size of your datasets, and the level of technical expertise. GeoViewer is worth considering if you are looking for a fast, easy-to-use, well-performing solution to visualize large amounts of LiDAR data with little overhead.
For more information or any questions regarding the LizardTech suite of products, please don't hesitate to contact us at:
Email: info@geowgs84.com
USA (HQ): (720) 702–4849
(A GeoWGS84 Corp Company)
Comments