top of page
Search

LiDAR Data Compression Made Easy with LizardTech GeoExpress

The advent of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology has changed the way we capture high-resolution 3D spatial data. Topographic mapping, forestry stewardship, and urban planning will create significant amounts of data that can be burdensome to store, transmit and process. That is where LizardTech GeoExpress provides a solution to LiDAR data compression, without the loss of data quality.


LiDAR Compression with LizardTech GeoExpress
LiDAR Compression with LizardTech GeoExpress

Understanding LiDAR Data Challenges


LiDAR data is stored as a point cloud or as a collection of millions (or billions) of 3D points. Each point has spatial coordinates (X, Y, Z) along with further attributes like intensity or classification. This rich dataset, which can be analysed, creates great difficulty about the challenges that come with:


  • Storage - Large datasets take up terabytes of storage.

  • Transmission - The transmission of raw LiDAR data will be slow and very expensive over any network.

  • Processing - The higher volume of data requires higher specifications for processors and longer processing.


Data compression is necessary to manoeuvre through these challenges.


Reasons to Use LizardTech GeoExpress for LiDAR Compression


LizardTech GeoExpress is a respected leader in the compression of large geospatial datasets, such as LiDAR point clouds, with fidelity to the original dataset. Here are reasons it's an attractive option:


  1. High Compression Ratios


GeoExpress offers advanced algorithms to condense datasets to as small as 5% of their original size. This makes data more manageable for storage and sharing unnecessary large geospatial datasets demonstrates that compression ratios benefit organisations working in LiDAR surveys, particularly with data collected from aerial surveys or mobile mapping systems.


  1. Preserved Data Quality


Unlike lossy compression processes, GeoExpress is lossless. As such, GeoExpress creates spatially accurate and attribute-preserving data that can be used for critical applications such as flood modelling, infrastructure planning, and autonomous navigation.


  1. Rapid Data Access


With GeoExpress, divergent data can be streamed directly to GIS and 3D software that can handle massive files. This eliminates the need to decompress all the large data files before analysis, and opens the door to real-time analysis and lessens workflow delays.


  1. Seamless Integration


GeoExpress features easy compatibility with established GIS packages, including Esri ArcGIS and QGIS, making this product a flexible platform for the geospatial professional looking to manage LiDAR in an efficient manner.


How GeoExpress Works for LiDAR Compression


LizardTech GeoExpress uses wavelet-based compression algorithms specifically designed to work well with multidimensional geospatial data sets. To simplify, consider this workflow:


Step 1 - Input LiDAR Data: You can import a point cloud into GeoExpress in standard formats like LAS or LAZ.

Step 2 - Set Compression Parameters: You select the degree of the trade-off you require between file size and quality.

Step 3 - Compress: Once you hit the "compress" button, GeoExpress processes the LiDAR dataset while maintaining the spatial integrity of the points to reduce the dataset size.

Step 4 - Export or Stream: Operating at high speed, you then save or stream the compressed data to a GIS application.


This process dramatically simplifies LiDAR data management, especially for organisations handling continuous survey projects or large-scale environmental monitoring.


Benefits for Geospatial Professionals


LiDAR data compression using GeoExpress provides real advantages, such as:


  • Lower storage costs: Smaller datasets mean fewer storage expenses.

  • Speed of data transfer: Share huge point clouds over your network quickly.

  • Better performance: Smaller datasets improve the processing speed in GIS or modelling software.

  • Scalable solutions: Useful in single projects or at an enterprise level of geospatial data management.


Managing LiDAR data doesn't need to be a burdensome experience. With LizardTech GeoExpress, geospatial professionals will be able to efficiently compress, store, and share massive amounts of LiDAR datasets without compromising crucial information. Its highest compression ratios, ease of integration, and ability to retain a high-quality dataset make it a relevant and integral tool for use with 3D spatial data.


For more information or any questions regarding the LiDAR Data, please don't hesitate to contact us at


USA (HQ): (720) 702–4849

India: 98260-76466 - Pradeep Shrivastava

Canada: (519) 590 9999

Mexico: 55 5941 3755

UK & Spain: +44 12358 56710


Comments

bottom of page