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Where to find software for compressing LiDAR point cloud data?

  • Writer: Anvita Shrivastava
    Anvita Shrivastava
  • 2 days ago
  • 3 min read

LiDAR technology plays an important role in many sectors, such as geospatial mapping, forestry, urban planning, and autonomous systems. One of the main challenges for these professionals using lidar point cloud datasets is that they can be extremely large. Thus, they need to use compression, as this aids in how to store, send, and maintain strong performance out of the box.


In this article, we will discuss where to find reliable hiding spots. We will also look at desirable features in a piece of compression software and how these choices will have long-lasting effects on your ability to perform your duties.


Why LiDAR Point Cloud Compression Matters


LiDAR Data can consume large storage (GBs, TBs). If you don't have compression as an option, you will experience:


  • Costs related to expensive storage media

  • Slow file transfers

  • Less efficient processing

  • Unable to share your datasets with others.


Compression software compresses file sizes and retains data integrity, making your workflows go faster and expand more easily.


LiDAR point cloud data
LiDAR point cloud data

Key Features to Look for in LiDAR Compression Software


These are some of the technical capabilities to consider when evaluating software solutions.



  • Lossless compression ensures no data is lost—ideal for engineering and scientific applications.

  • Lossy compression reduces file size further but may sacrifice some precision—useful for visualization.


  1. Support for Industry Formats


Your solution must be compatible with the following formats in order to achieve success: LAS/LAZ, E57, and ASCII Point Clouds.


  1. Batch Processing


A good compression software program must have the ability to perform bulk compression of large datasets within the same session; this will enable you to save time.


  1. Metadata Preservation


A software product must maintain its coordinate systems, classification information, and other attributes throughout the GIS workflow.


  1. Quick Decompression


As much as your compressed data is important to you, your ability to access that data quickly is as important to you as well.


Where to Find LiDAR Compression Software


There are several reputable sources for high-quality software:


  1. Commercial Software Providers


High-end solutions deliver exceptional value and have the technical support to back them up.


An example of this type of solution is Lizardtech's Enterprise-Class Geospatial Data Solutions.


GeoExpress by LizardTech


GeoExpress is one of the most widely used applications for managing and compressing geospatial imagery and LiDAR datasets — some of the primary advantages include:


  • Compression performance that is appropriate for large data sets

  • Compatible with LiDAR processing workflows

  • Support of the MrSID compression file format for optimized storage and streaming

  • Workflow-compatible processing capabilities that can be scaled to the enterprise level


GeoExpress is particularly useful for organizations that need reliable, production-grade tools.


  1. Open-Source Software


If you're looking for open-source software, available open-source software includes:


  • LASzip is a software program that is commonly used to convert LAS to LAZ files.

  • PDAL (Point Data Abstraction Library) is a great library for point cloud processing and compressing point clouds.


These tools are very flexible; however, they require technical expertise to implement properly.


  1. Cloud-Based Solutions


Many cloud vendors have developed integrated geospatial processing solutions that include:


  • On-demand compression and storage capabilities;

  • Scalable infrastructure; and

  • Integration with analytics pipelines.


These platforms would be an excellent choice for teams that need to work with distributed systems and/or large datasets.


  1. GIS and Remote Sensing Software Suites


Many GIS applications have both native and supplemental compressing ability. Examples of this include:


  • Esri ArcGIS family of products

  • QGIS with supporting plugins

  • Remote Sensing products with LiDAR


If you're already using a GIS Application, these are probably the simplest way to compress your LiDAR dataset.


Best Practices for LiDAR Data Compression


To make the most of LiDAR data compression, you should do the following:


  • Use lossless compression for data that is critical to your project.

  • Structure your datasets before compressing them.

  • Use tiling strategies to compress large areas (greater than 50 acres)

  • Compare compression ratios to performance.

  • Keep a copy of the original dataset before you compress it.


The best software for compressing LiDAR point cloud data will be based on your technical requirements and preferences, and what kind of budget you have, as well as the degree of complexity in your workflows. There are many possible solutions out there, such as: GeoExpress – enterprise-level and commercially supported programs, through to open source libraries and applications that can run in the cloud.


If you want a reliable, scalable, and well-established solution for managing and compressing large amounts of spatial data, LizardTech’s GeoExpress would be a good option for you to consider.


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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