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Best Practices for Compressing Large LiDAR & Aerial Datasets Using GeoExpress

  • Writer: Anvita Shrivastava
    Anvita Shrivastava
  • Jan 6
  • 3 min read

The management of vast volumes of LiDAR data and very high resolution (VHR) aerial imagery is rapidly becoming a challenge for professionals in the Geospatial Community. The capabilities of sensors continue to grow, and therefore, Organizations are being confronted with the need to develop more cost-effective ways to store, manage, and distribute disparate data in an accurate manner while not negatively impacting data performance.


GeoExpress® by LizardTech is a trusted solution for compressing and optimizing LiDAR and raster imagery while preserving data integrity. In this article, we’ll explore best practices for compressing large LiDAR and aerial datasets using GeoExpress, helping you reduce storage costs, improve workflows, and streamline data delivery.


Compressing LiDAR & Aerial Datasets Using GeoExpress
Compressing LiDAR & Aerial Datasets Using GeoExpress

Why Compression Matters for LiDAR and Aerial Data


LiDAR and aerial datasets typically are hundreds of gigabytes and upwards to terabytes in size; this can lead to several challenges without effective compression:


  • Strain on storage infrastructure

  • Excess time required for processing and analysis

  • Longer data transfer times

  • Increased difficulty in data sharing and archiving


GeoExpress provides a solution to these problems by allowing for both lossless and controlled lossy compression, which can be used to drastically reduce the size of files while still keeping them usable.


Choose the Right Compression Type


Lossless Compression for Critical Accuracy


When exact data fidelity is required—such as engineering, flood modeling, or regulatory applications—lossless compression is essential. GeoExpress ensures:


  • No changes to point coordinates or pixel values

  • Full preservation of classification, metadata, and attributes

  • Smaller file sizes with zero data loss


Best practice: Use lossless compression for master datasets, archives, and authoritative data products.


Controlled Lossy Compression for Performance and Delivery


For visualization, web streaming, or large-scale analytics, controlled lossy compression can dramatically reduce file sizes while maintaining practical accuracy.

GeoExpress allows you to:


  • Define error thresholds

  • Balance file size reduction with precision needs

  • Maintain visual and analytical quality.


Best practice: Test compression levels on sample datasets to determine acceptable tolerances before full production runs.


Optimize LiDAR Compression with MrSID® Generation 4


GeoExpress supports MrSID Generation 4 (MG4) for LiDAR, designed specifically for massive point cloud datasets.


Best Practices for LiDAR Compression:


  • Compress LAS or LAZ files into SID format for faster access.

  • Preserve classifications, intensity, GPS time, and return information.

  • Enable multi-resolution access for efficient streaming.


Result: Smaller files, faster load times, and seamless integration with GIS and remote sensing workflows.


Use Batch Processing for Large Projects


Handling hundreds or thousands of files individually is inefficient. GeoExpress includes robust batch processing tools that allow you to:


  • Compress entire directories at once

  • Apply consistent settings across datasets.

  • Automate repetitive workflows


Best practice: Standardize compression profiles to ensure consistency across projects and teams.


Maintain Metadata and Spatial Reference Integrity


Metadata is just as important as the data itself. GeoExpress preserves:


  • Coordinate reference systems

  • Projection information

  • GeoTIFF tags and LiDAR attributes


Best practice: Always verify spatial reference settings before compression to avoid downstream alignment issues.


Balance Compression with Downstream Use Cases


Before compressing your data, consider how it will be used:

Use Case

Recommended Compression

Engineering & Surveying

Lossless

Archiving

Lossless

Web Streaming

Controlled Lossy

Visualization

Controlled Lossy

Analytics

Depends on tolerance

Best practice: Create multiple outputs from the same source data when different accuracy requirements exist.


Validate and Test Your Output


After compression, GeoExpress provides tools to inspect and validate results.

Best practices include:


  • Comparing file sizes and point counts

  • Verifying spatial alignment

  • Testing performance in target GIS or LiDAR applications


This ensures confidence before data distribution or publication.


Benefits of Using GeoExpress for LiDAR & Aerial Data Compression


By following best practices and leveraging GeoExpress, organizations can achieve:


  • Up to 80–90% reduction in file size

  • Faster data access and visualization

  • Lower storage and bandwidth costs

  • Secure, reliable long-term archiving


GeoExpress is trusted worldwide by government agencies, commercial mapping firms, and geospatial professionals for mission-critical data management.


As LiDAR means Light Detection and Ranging, and aerial data grow exponentially, compression must no longer be just an option, but a necessity. With the right methodologies in place, coupled with the advantage of being able to process all types of Geospatial data using GeoExpress by LizardTech, users have everything they need to manage this vast amount of data effectively, accurately, and efficiently.


GeoExpress will help you manage your national LiDAR archives and provide users with the ability to access high-definition images, be able to intelligently compress the data so that there are no compromises.


For more information or any questions regarding the LizardTech suite of products, please don't hesitate to contact us at:



USA (HQ): (720) 702–4849


(A GeoWGS84 Corp Company)

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