The OpenTopography Tool Registry provides a community populated clearinghouse of software, utilities, and tools oriented towards high-resolution topography data (e.g. collected with lidar technology) handling, processing, and analysis. Tools registered below range from source code to full-featured software applications. We welcome contributions to the registry via the Contribute a Tool page.

	Tool Name	Date	Tool Type	Rating
1	LViz: 3D LiDAR Visualization Tool	19 Nov 2010	Visualization
Keywords: point cloud, lidar, viz, ascii License: GNU General Public License Description: LViz is a tool designed for 3D visualization of LiDAR point cloud and interpolated data, the tool offers import of LiDAR point cloud data (delimited text file) or interpolated surfaces (in ascii or arc ascii grid formats). LViz also offers texture mapping and user control over display settings such as data and background color. LViz was originally written for visualization of outputs from the GEON LiDAR Workflow system and is designed to run on Windows platforms. Although originally conceived for the 3D visualization of LiDAR data, LViz can be used to view any 3D point cloud data such as seismicity or gravity.
2	GRASS GIS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System)	24 Nov 2010	Software Suite
Keywords: grass, gis, osgeo License: GNU General Public License Description: GRASS is free Geographic Information System (GIS) software used for geospatial data management and analysis, image processing, graphics/maps production, spatial modeling, and visualization. GRASS is currently used in academic and commercial settings around the world, as well as by many governmental agencies and environmental consulting companies. GRASS is an official project of the Open Source Geospatial Foundation. GRASS has a number of functions related to lidar and high-resolution DEM processing and analysis. lidar specific elements of GRASS are discussed here: http://grass.osgeo.org/wiki/LIDAR
3	xyzRotatorDH	30 Nov 2010	Point Cloud Analysis
Keywords: rotation, translation, georeferencing, point cloud License: GNU General Public License Description: A MATLAB script that takes an unreferenced 3-column xyz dataset (e.g., a TLS point cloud) and places it in a Cartesian global coordinate system (e.g., UTM) given at least one known global point (e.g. from a hand-held GPS unit).
4	xyzRotatorDH_Linux	30 Nov 2010	Point Cloud Analysis
Keywords: rotation, translation, georeferencing, point cloud License: GNU General Public License Description: A Linux (Korn) shell script that takes an unreferenced 3-column xyz dataset (e.g., a TLS point cloud) and places it in a Cartesian global coordinate system (e.g., UTM) given at least one known global point (e.g. from a hand-held GPS unit).
5	GDAL - Geospatial Data Abstraction Library	3 Dec 2010	Data Management / Handling
Keywords: DEM, osgeo, coordinates, file formats License: MIT license / X11 license Description: GDAL is a translator library for raster geospatial data formats that is released under an X/MIT style Open Source license by the Open Source Geospatial Foundation. As a library, it presents a single abstract data model to the calling application for all supported formats. It also comes with a variety of useful commandline utilities for data translation and processing. GDAL is a powerful tool for converting digital elevation model (DEM) formats, performing coordinate system conversions, and the gdaldem utility provides basic processing functionality such as generation of hillshades and slope maps.
6	SAGA GIS	3 Apr 2011	Software Suite
Keywords: GIS, Terrain Analysis, Visualization, Raster, Vector, Pointcloud, LAS License: GNU General Public License Description: SAGA GIS is a FOSS which is, besides common GIS tasks, specialized on digital terrain analysis. The software provides a lot of analysis tools which you will not find in any other software package, e.g. for morphometric or hydrologic analysis. SAGA supports various raster and vector (including LAS and SAGA point clouds) formats, DEM generation, analysis and visualization (e.g. 3D point cloud viewer, bare earth extraction). One of SAGA's main objectives is to provide scientists an easy to use API to implement own algorithms (C++) but it is also used in commercial environments. SAGA provides a GUI and can be scripted in various ways (e.g. batch/bash, python). SAGA runs on Windows, Linux and FreeBSD, both 32 and 64bit. The software is licensed under the GPL (GUI, most of the modules) and the LGPL (API).
7	MCC-LIDAR	9 Jun 2011	Point Cloud Analysis
Keywords: classification, filter, curvature, ground, interpolation License: GNU General Public License Description: Multiscale Curvature Classification of ground returns in 3-D lidar point clouds (las files), designed for forested environments
8	FME	9 Nov 2011	Data Management / Handling
Keywords: transform, convert, translate, extract, integrate, automated, repeatable License: Commercial License Description: FME empowers users at leading organizations worldwide to transform spatial data so that they can use and share it wherever, whenever, and however its needed. FMEs unmatched capabilities and support for 250+ spatial and non-spatial formats enable you to quickly overcome any challenge related to the use and sharing of spatial data, so you can focus your energies on your objectives, instead. Specifically, FME supports LiDAR data formats, enabling you to leverage the wealth of information in your LiDAR assets by enabling you to quickly prepare your LiDAR data to suit your specific needs. Safe Software, the maker of FME, is the pioneering global leader in the spatial data transformation technology market.
9	LAStools	6 May 2012	Software Suite
Keywords: filtering, clipping, reprojecting, compression, classification, DSM, DTM, TIN, contours, bare-earth License: Other Description: LAStools are a collection of highly-efficient, batch scriptable, multi-core command line tools for processing LiDAR that is built upon LASlib (with LASzip). lasground.exe extracts the bare-earth by classifying all ground points lasoverlap.exe checks overlap & vertical/horizontal alignment of flight lines lascontrol.exe quality checks elevations for a list of control points lasclassify.exe find buildings and the trees above the ground lasgrid.exe rasters very large LAS files into elevation or intensity grids lasboundary.exe extracts a boundary polygon that encloses the points lasheight.exe computes for each point its height above the ground lasclip.exe clips points against building footprints / swath boundaries lastile.exe tiles huge amounts of LAS points into square tiles laszip.exe compresses the LAS files in a completely lossless manner lasinfo.exe prints out a quick overview of the contents of a LAS FILE lasindex.exe creates a spatial index LAX file for fast spatial queries txt2las.exe converts LIDAR data from ASCII text to binary LAS format las2txt.exe turns LAS into human-readable and easy-to-parse ASCII lasmerge.exe merges several LAS files into one lassplit.exe splits points of one (or many) LAS files into flight lines lassort.exe sorts points by gps_time, point_source, or into spatial proximity las2las.exe extracts last returns, clips, subsamples, translate
10	Geomorphic Change Detection Software	4 Sep 2014	DEM Analysis
Keywords: DEM error modelling, change detection, DEM uncertainty, geomorphic interpretation License: Other Description: The GCD software was developed primarily for morphological sediment budgeting in rivers. The volumetric change in storage is calculated from the difference in surface elevations from digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from repeat topographic surveys. As each DEM has an uncertain surface representation (which might vary in space and time), our ability to detect changes between surveys is highly dependent on surface representation uncertainties inherent in the individual DEMs. The fundamental problem is separating out the changes between the surveys that are due to geomorphic change as opposed to noise in the survey data. GCD provides a suite of tools for quantifying those uncertainties independently in each DEM and propagating them through to the DEM of difference. The program also provides ways for segregating the best estimates of change spatially using different types of masks. The overall suite of tools is more generically applicable to many different spatial raster-based change detection problems.
11	PointCloudViz Free Edition	25 Nov 2014	Visualization, DEM generation
Keywords: 3D, LiDAR, DEM, orthoimage, WMS, LiDAR server License: Free to use/Unspecified Description: PointCloudViz is a free 3D LiDAR display and processing tool supporting input LAS, LAZ and ASCII formats. It provides very interactive visualization and attribute symbology without data size limits, as well as single or multiple orthoimage draping and grid DEM export. LiDAR data can be imported from multiple files, and also multiple processed datasets can be displayed simultaneously. PointCloudViz FE is available for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. Version 2.0 includes linear measurement and information tools, Web Map Service image draping and connection to Mirage's Web LiDAR server.
12	Global Mapper	26 Jan 2015	Visualization, Point Cloud Analysis, DEM generation, DEM Analysis
Keywords: GIS, LiDAR, file format translation, data analysis, 3D, Vector Raster, image rectification, contour License: Commercial License Description: Global Mapper is an affordable and easy-to-use GIS application that offers access to an unparalleled variety of spatial datasets and provides just the right level of functionality to satisfy both experienced GIS professionals and beginning users. Equally well suited as a standalone spatial data management tool and as an integral component of an enterprise-wide GIS, Global Mapper is a must-have for anyone who deals with maps or spatial data. Global Mapper is more than just a utility; it has built in functionality for distance and area calculations, raster blending, feathering, spectral analysis, elevation querying, line of sight calculations, cut-and-fill volume calculations, as well as advanced capabilities like image rectification, contour generation from surface data, view shed analysis, watershed delineation, sea level rise modeling, terrain layer comparison, and triangulation and gridding of 3D point data. Users can now simulate fly-through recordings in high-definition with various sky models in the 3D viewer. This new Skybox tool enables users to choose from a handful of existing sky templates or custom designs. Support for 3D textures and meshes have also been added to give data a more realistic look, including support for a host of new 3D formats. Live GPS data can also now be viewed and tracked in the 3D Viewer. Version 16 features dramatically faster processing speeds for analyzing large amounts of data.
13	Global Mapper LiDAR Module	5 Mar 2015	Visualization, Point Cloud Analysis
Keywords: automatic point cloud classification, feature extraction, cross-sectional viewing and editing, drama License: Commercial License Description: The Global Mapper LiDAR Module is an optional enhancement to the software that provides numerous advanced LiDAR processing tools, including automatic point cloud classification, feature extraction, cross-sectional viewing and editing, dramatically faster surface generation, and much more. At a fraction of the cost of comparable applications, it is a must-have for anyone using or managing LiDAR data.
14	Geographic Calculator	5 Mar 2015	DEM Analysis, Data Management / Handling
Keywords: vertical datum transformation, horizontal datum, image resampling, geoid support, HTDP License: Commercial License Description: The Geographic Calculator is THE Global Coordinate Transformation tool for any coordinate or geomatic challenge. A powerful windows solution with particular strength in survey, seismic and energy exploration, it is available in 32 or 64 bit versions. This highly accurate transformation software includes tools such as Canadian DLS (Dominion Land Survey) Land Grid tools, Seismic Survey Conversion tools, Area of Use tools for guiding users, and much more. The Geographic Calculator supports a wide range of file formats with support from the largest geodetic parameter database available anywhere. Display and reproject your DEMs into the right coordinate systems.
15	lidar2dems	29 Jul 2015	DEM generation
Keywords: DEM, DSM, DTM, CHM, PDAL, points2grid, gridding License: BSD license Description: The lidar2dems project is a collection open-source (FreeBSD license) command line utilities for supporting the easy creation of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from LiDAR data. lidar2dems uses the PDAL library (and associated dependencies) for doing the actual point processing and gridding of point clouds into raster data.
16	FUSION	4 Aug 2015	Visualization, Point Cloud Analysis, DEM generation, DEM Analysis, Software Suite
Keywords: LIDAR, visualization, processing License: Free to use/Unspecified Description: The FUSION/LDV analysis and visualization system consists of two main programs, FUSION and LDV (LIDAR data viewer), and a collection of task-specific command line programs. The primary interface, provided by FUSION, consists of a graphical display window and a control window. The FUSION display presents all project data using a 2D display typical of geographic information systems. It supports a variety of data types and formats including shapefiles, images, digital terrain models, canopy surface models, and LIDAR return data. LDV provides the 3D visualization environment for the examination and measurement of spatially-explicit data subsets. Command line programs provide specific analysis and data processing capabilities designed to make FUSION suitable for processing large LIDAR acquisitions. Command line utilities and processing programs, called the FUSION LIDAR Toolkit or FUSION-LTK, provide extensive processing capabilities including bare-earth point filtering, surface fitting, data conversion, and quality assessment for large LIDAR acquisitions. These programs are designed to run from a command prompt or using batch programs. FUSION runs on all current versions of Windows and has been successfully used on LINUX systems using WINE. The FUSION/LDV visualization system is GUI based. The command line tools require the use of batch files to be most effective.
17	Points2Grid	23 Jun 2011	DEM generation
Keywords: gridding, P2G, point cloud, binning, local gridding, DEM License: BSD license Description: Points2Grid is a robust and scalable tool for gridding LIDAR point cloud data to generate Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). Points2Grid uses a local gridding method to compute grid cell elevation using a neighborhood defined around each cell based on a search radius provided by the user (see image below). Points2Grid offers two processing modes - in-core and out-of-core - to allow it to handle generation of rasters larger than available memory.
18	CHaMP Topo Processing Toolbar	4 Sep 2014	DEM generation
Keywords: total station surveys, topographic License: GNU General Public License Description: The CHaMP Topo Processing Toolbar exists to take raw data from CHaMP ground-based topographic surveys and run these through steps of 1) survey data evaluation, 2) generating topographic surfaces, 3) DEM derived products and metrics (including, detrending, derivation of cross sections, profiles, thalwegs, bankfull, etc.), 4) QA/QC. Although the overall workflow of the tool is focused on CHaMP topographic data, many of the individual commands and steps will be more generically useful to some.
19	River Bathymetry Toolkit (RBT)	18 Mar 2011	Software Suite
Keywords: LiDAR, bathymetry, river, raster, detrending, water, RBT License: Free to use/Unspecified Description: The (RBT) is available for free and is under active development. Tools exist for cutting cross sections and longitudinal profiles into high resolution DEMs to extract hydrologic parameters such as wetted area, bankfull width, hydraulic radius, gradient and sinuosity. It is possible to save the cross section properties as a ShapeFile and then add them to a map. Using an automated detrending algorithm we are able to remove the overall valley slope. Tools are being created that use the detrended raster to investigate flooding outside a main channel at any prescribed discharge or flow stage.
20	Points2Grid Utility (winP2G)	20 Nov 2010	DEM generation
Keywords: point cloud, lidar, DEM, gridding, binning License: Free to use/Unspecified Description: The Points2Grid Utility is a simple tool for the generation of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from lidar point cloud data. The Points2Grid Utility is a Windows application that utilizes the same local binning algorithm deployed in the OpenTopography lidar system to offer rapid generation of DEMs from large volumes of LiDAR point return data. Note that winP2G is no longer supported - information about newer implementations of the algorithm can be found here: https://opentopography.org/otsoftware/points2grid
21	fleurdelas	21 Nov 2014	Visualization, Point Cloud Analysis, Data Management / Handling
Keywords: las, idl, envi, waveform, point License: GNU General Public License Description: The fleurdelas class is an IDL/ENVI implementation of a LAS file reader/writer. The class object can read, write and manipulate points and/or full waveforms contained in the binary LAS file format. It can handle any LAS 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 with point format from 0 to 10. This class object therefore is very well suited to access the point structure information or the waveform information for further process. It can also filter the point cloud and generate new LAS file. However, if you need to manipulate; the Variable Length Records or the Coordinates System we will recommend you to use LAStools as it is more adapted for this purpose.
22	TopoRivBlender	24 Sep 2025	Visualization
Keywords: blender, topography, hydrography, render, 3D, remote-sensing License: Other Description: TopoRivBlender contains Python functions and workflows that allow for reproducible, automated generation of 3-dimensional images. The workflow is coded using a snakemake workflow that will programmatically (a) download geospatial data, (b) create 3-dimensional (3D) objects in Blender, and (c) generate the rendered image, all in just a few minutes. Rendering is the process of using your computer’s CPU or GPU to predict how light bounces off 3D objects into a simulated camera to make an image. The topo part of this workflow’s name stands for topography. Topographic data tells us the height (or elevation) of the Earth’s surface. When this data is recorded in a digital form, it is often referred to as a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). DEMs are commonly saved as raster files, which is a gridded dataset. The riv part of this workflow’s name stands for river network. River network data tells us where streams and rivers flow and connect. The locations of river and surface water are commonly saved as vector files. In these vector files, river pathways are represented as a series of lines that connect to one other on the Earth’s surface. Blender is a free and open-source 3D graphics software that you can use to create photorealistic images. In this workflow, we use Python to process the geospatial data for Blender to create the 3D images. We also utilize the Blender Python API to render images with code. See more infor here: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/topo-riv-blender/
23	Sediment Transport Estimator	25 Sep 2025	Visualization, DEM Analysis, Data Management / Handling, Software Suite
Keywords: STE, STEGIS, STELAB License: Free to use/Unspecified Description: STE is a sophisticated software solution designed to model sediment transport and flood dynamics with precision. By integrating advanced modeling capabilities, an intuitive interface, fast simulations, and seamless GIS integration, STE enables professionals and researchers to perform accurate and efficient analyses. Whether you are assessing flood risks, managing sediment transport, or conducting hydrological studies, STE is built to improve the speed, ease, and accuracy of your work. STE delivers accurate and easy sediment estimations, suggests the best solutions for case studies, and streamlines GIS for hydraulic and hydrologic purposes. With unparalleled speed, precision, and convenience, STE makes simulations faster, easier, and more effective.