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	libLAS	20 Nov 2010	Data Management / Handling
Keywords: LAS, point cloud, libLAS License: BSD license Description: libLAS is a C/C++ library for reading and writing the very common LAS LiDAR format. The ASPRS LAS format is a sequential binary format used to store data from LiDAR sensors and by LiDAR processing software for data interchange and archival. First, libLAS focuses almost completely on providing an easy-to-program-with library for software developers wishing to implement the LAS specification in their own software. Second, libLAS exists to provide a truly open source library. Third, libLAS exists to provide advanced functionality and concentrate almost solely on the specification  not LiDAR data processing in general. libLAS a building block for developers to use to implement their own LiDAR data processing when working with ASPRS LAS data.
3	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
4	BCAL LiDAR Tools	8 Mar 2011	Software Suite
Keywords: lidar, visualization, filtering, value-added products License: GNU General Public License Description: BCAL LiDAR Tools are open-source tools developed by Idaho State University, Boise Center Aerospace Laboratory (BCAL). These tools can be used for processing, analyzing and visualizing LiDAR data. They are written in IDL programming language and is intended to be used as add-on in the ENVI remote sensing software package.
5	VRMesh Survey: LiDAR Point Cloud Classification Tool	30 Mar 2011	Software Suite
Keywords: lidar, bare earth, point cloud, classification License: Commercial License Description: Vrmesh Survey is an intelligent solution for automatic point cloud classification and bare-earth extraction. It automatically and accurately classifies LIDAR point clouds into ground, vegetation, building, and others. More than 90% identification jobs will be done in a one-click process. Manual adjustments can be easily performed in a cross section view. It also provides comprehensive functionalities to generate accurate triangle meshes.
6	DielmoOpenLidar	7 May 2011	Point Cloud Analysis
Keywords: pointcloud, visualization, data management analysis License: GNU General Public License Description: DielmoOpenLiDAR is an open source software with GNU GPL license based in gvSIG for the management of LiDAR data. It allows access, visualization and analysis of the original LiDAR data, toguether with the possibility of visualizing at the same time big volumes (hundreds of GigaBytes) of original LiDAR data (irregular points in formats LAS and BIN) along with other geographic data. In the near future, it will also generate basic final products such as (DSM, DTM, intensity images, etc) and new added value final products. Developing open source software for the management of LiDAR data, we hope to make this technology more accessible to standard GIS users and scientific communities, having as final objective increase the use of LiDAR data. For developing this application, we had the collaboration of the Regional Valencia Council for Infrastructures and Transportation - CIT and National Geographic Institute of Spain - IGN
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	Makai Voyager	18 Aug 2011	Visualization
Keywords: visualization, terrain, lidar, volume License: Commercial License Description: Makai Voyager is an advanced 3D/4D visualization platform that allows you to fly anwhere in the world to view geospatial data, including: terrain imagery, elevation, LIDAR, volumetric and flow data, and more.
9	CloudCompare	3 Nov 2011	Point Cloud Analysis
Keywords: 3D point cloud mesh comparison editing processing lidar laser scanner License: GNU General Public License Description: CloudCompare is a 3D point cloud and triangular mesh processing software. It has been originally designed to perform fast cloud/cloud or cloud/mesh comparison on huge datasets such as those acquired by laser scanners). Afterwards, it has been extended to a more generic 3D data editing and processing software.
10	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.
11	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
12	LIDAR Analyst	20 Mar 2014	Software Suite
Keywords: LIDAR, Automated Feature Extraction License: Commercial License Description: LIDAR Analyst® software is the premier feature extraction solution for airborne LIDAR data, allowing geospatial analysts to unlock the value of LIDAR by automatically extracting 3D objects such as bare earth, trees or buildings. Now the software has been upgraded with a major enhancement: an integrated 3D Viewer that delivers mission-critical high-resolution 3D exploitation and further establishes LIDAR Analyst as the Gold Standard. Enjoy the performance of viewing and manipulating LIDAR data containing over a billion points. LIDAR Analyst has eight years of proven heritage as one of the first commercially released LIDAR applications. The power, speed, accuracy and broad selection of tools enable users to get real work accomplished. Thats why LIDAR Analyst is so widely respected and used daily by military forces, federal agencies, local governments, academic universities and GIS services providers around the globe. Since LIDAR Analyst is an extension for Esri ArcGIS®, the products familiar environment makes it easy to install and learn. Use the 3D Viewer to manipulate, filter and edit LIDAR point clouds displayed in stunning color. Rapidly inventory all the buildings across a city or area of interest by using LIDAR Analysts advanced algorithms to detect, recognize, and extract complex 3D building shapes. Count the trees in a forest or scattered throughout a neighborhood. Strip away the buildings and shrubbery to reveal the true ground level for detailed terrain.
13	SPD Software Library (SPDLib)	24 May 2012	Software Suite
Keywords: SPD, SPDLib, LiDAR, TLS, ALS, Full, waveform, Discrete, return, points License: GNU General Public License Description: SPDLib is a set of open source software tools for processing laser scanning data (i.e., LiDAR), including both discrete return and waveform data captured from airborne and terrestrial platforms. The aim of the software is provide you, the user, with the tools you need to process these data. The software has grown from research carried out at Aberystwyth University and Queensland University concerning the processing of LiDAR data for vegetation analysis and has continued to grow. One of the key features which differentiates this software from other LiDAR software is the ability to process and store full waveform datasets alongside traditional discrete return data
14	ENVI LiDAR	17 Dec 2012	Software Suite
Keywords: LiDAR, Point Cloud, DSm, DTM, Feature Extraction License: Commercial License Description: ENVI LiDAR is an interactive geospatial software environment that allows you to create realistic 3D visualizations and easily extract important features (trees, powerlines, buildings) from LiDAR point cloud data. Elevation information contained within LiDAR can be included in your geospatial analysis projects such as viewshed and line-of-sight studies, forest inventories, right-of-way analyses, and urban planning applications. With ENVI LiDAR, you have the software tool to quickly prepare LiDAR data, accurately extract 3D features, fine-tune results, and export your results to your existing tools, such as ENVI or ArcMap, for further analysis or inclusion in your geospatial products.
15	Optimized Pit Removal	18 Feb 2013	DEM Analysis
Keywords: Pit Removal, Sink Removal, Fill, Cut, Hydrologic Conditioning, Flow Direction, Flow Accumulation License: BSD license Description: ArcGIS (version 10.1) geoprocessing script tools for removing pits (or sinks) from Digital Elevation Models using a combination of cut and fill. This alternative to the standard Fill tool provides more realistic flow paths with less required manual adjustment. Ideal for high-resolution datasets such as LiDAR. The tool also allows users to mark specific depressions to be left unmodified by setting the lowest cell to have a value of No Data. This feature can be used to establish reservoirs as well as known drainage features such as storm sewer inlets. Also contains a C++ executable that can be run via command line inputs independent of ArcGIS, and which operates on ASCII grid files.
16	LiForest(LiDAR Forest Software)	9 Mar 2014	Point Cloud Analysis
Keywords: Forest metrics, regression models, individual tree segmentation, point cloud segmentation License: Commercial License Description: LiForest (LiDAR software for forestry applications) provides a platform that enables users to freely manipulate the LiDAR point cloud and extract useful information specially for forest studies. It consists of several primary modules for LiDAR point cloud data processing, including point cloud I/O, LiDAR-based forest metric calculation, digital model generation, regression models and individual tree segmentation.
17	Whitebox Geospatial Analysis Tools	27 May 2014	Software Suite
Keywords: GIS, LAS file reader, interpolation, geospatial analysis License: GNU General Public License Description: Whitebox GAT is a full-blown GIS with extensive analysis capabilities for handling LiDAR data, including specialized interpolation algorithms for LAS data, removal of off-terrain objects, and plenty of tools for processing DEMs, e.g. hydrological tools, geomorphometry, etc. Here is a description for handling LiDAR: http://whiteboxgeospatial.wordpress.com/2014/03/16/working-with-lidar-data-in-whitebox-gat/
18	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.
19	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.
20	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.
21	LiVoxGen	28 May 2015	Data Management / Handling
Keywords: LiDAR, voxels, free and open source software (FOSS) License: MIT license / X11 license Description: LiVoxGen is a C++ program that voxelizes LiDAR data. It outputs a flat file containing voxel (volumetric pixel) information based on the user's parameters and may also output a flat file of metric information for the voxel column centroids. LiVoxGen's purpose is to analyze point densities and forest structure by dividing LiDAR data into voxels.
22	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.
23	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.
24	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.
25	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.
26	Lidar360	5 Jul 2018	Visualization, Point Cloud Analysis, DEM generation, DEM Analysis, Data Management / Handling, Software Suite
Keywords: Point Cloud Processing, Terrain Classification, ALS Forestry, TLS Forestry, Lidar Power line Survey License: Commercial License Description: Lidar360 is a comprehensive point cloud post-processing software suite developed by GreenValley International Inc (GVI). It offers a huge collection of tools and functions, from basic point cloud management tools like outlier removal, normalization, projection, and extraction, to advanced algorithms for industry-specific applications, e.g. Terrain, ALS/TLS Forestry, and Powerline Survey. The Lidar360 suite consists of 5 modules (as of June 2018): 1. Framework -- contains a number of core toolsets to effectively visualize and interact with lidar point cloud including display modes, statistics, data management, classification tools, vector editing and strip adjustment; 2. Terrain -- a suite of GIS tools for calculating slope, roughness, aspect & contours from surface models. Additionally, it contains tools for repairing surface models, i.e., spikes, holes and extraneous values; 3 & 4. ALS/TLS Forestry -- The ALS Forestry functions allow users to calculate essential forest metrics including elevation, intensity, canopy cover, LAI etc., and provides regression models and segmentation algorithms such as CHM Segmentation & Point Cloud Segmentation. The TLS Forestry tools are specifically designed to work with terrestrial lidar data. It offers a wealth of tools including Gaussian Mixture Model Classification and TLS Point Cloud segmentation, enabling the users to better classify ground, leaf and trunk points and segment individual trees from TLS point cloud data; and, 5. Power
27	SCIMAP	23 Jul 2018	DEM Analysis
Keywords: diffuse pollution, non-point source pollution, connectivity, critical source areas License: Other Description: SCIMAP is a diffuse / non-point pollution risk mapping tool design to identify where within a catchment the pollutants are most likely to be come from. The tool work for sediment, nutrients and microbial pollution and enables the effective targeting of mitigation measures. SCIMAP identifies the critical source areas for the pollutant by the joint consideration of the mobilisation and hydrological connectivity patterns across the landscape. The tool can use both LiDAR and drone derived detailed topographic data.
28	GeoSync - Z tools	5 Feb 2020	Visualization, DEM generation, Data Management / Handling, Software Suite
Keywords: Find, Download, Colorize, Visualize, Extract and Filter Point Cloud and public domain lidar data License: Commercial License Description: Easy to use 3D toolbox for finding, filtering, clipping and visualizing point cloud data. Designed by surveying professionals to streamline point cloud workflows and reduce processing time, often by 50% or more. Find, Download, Colorize, Visualize, Extract and Filter Point Cloud and public domain lidar data for all 50 states
29	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
30	uniDEM	29 May 2019	Visualization, Point Cloud Analysis, DEM generation, DEM Analysis, Data Management / Handling
Keywords: DEM editing, automated workflows, Point Cloud Classification and DEM generation, DTM creation, QC License: Commercial License Description: uniDEM specializes in post-processing DEMs of all resolutions. This release includes the capability to automate workflows based on graphical programming (scripting), the automated “Bare Ground Classification” tool and the “LiDAR Point Cloud Classification” tool. uniDEM is an efficient but comprehensive solution for standardized large-area DEM creation as well as for generating customer tailored DEMs over small areas. Creates DEMs from LIDAR (las, laz, e57) and completes a DSM or DTM in minutes.
31	LP360 for ArcGIS, LP360 for Windows	9 Apr 2013	Visualization, Point Cloud Analysis, DEM generation, DEM Analysis, Software Suite
Keywords: LIDAR, Classification, Breaklines, Visualization, Automatic Extraction, Volumetric Analysis License: Commercial License Description: LP360 for ArcGIS is an extension to ArcMap that allows visualizing and processing of very large point clouds (LIDAR and dense image matching) in a familiar GIS desktop environment. Available in three levels of capability, LP360 provides tools from rapid visualization and derived product generation through advanced features such as automatic ground classification and building footprint extraction. LP360 adds to the native viewing capabilities of ArcGIS 10.1 by providing the capability to work with very large projects such as county-wide aerial LIDAR data sets. From Quality Check to advanced feature extractions, LP360 is the tool of choice for LIDAR professionals throughout the world.
32	uniTank	4 Nov 2019	Visualization, Point Cloud Analysis, Data Management / Handling
Keywords: laser scan data, LIDAR, point cloud, data registration, classification, storage tank analysis, tank License: Commercial License Description: uniTank is a comprehensive, highly automated software solution for near real-time 3D storage tank analysis and reporting based on 3D LiDAR data. The data registration tool is robust and versatile and does not rely on targets in field. uniTank‘s in-depth structural tank analysis includes precise data classification and feature extraction, manway and nozzle detection for tank calibration and all features to perform the analysis of shell roundness, verticality, peaking and bending, shell and edge settlement, roof, floor and floating roof settlement, floating roof rim space, girder, rafter and column deflection as well as tank calibration and berm survey. The graphic and textual reports are generated instantly and offer rapid access to critical decision making information the same day.
33	LIDAR Widgets	6 May 2016	Visualization, Point Cloud Analysis, DEM generation, DEM Analysis, Data Management / Handling, Software Suite
Keywords: contour map, mesh, grid, DXF, AutoCAD, ArcInfo, ESRI, point cloud, terrain, LAS, LAZ License: Commercial License Description: LIDAR Widgets is a suite of programs that will process LAS/LAZ point files and generate 3D terrain models and contour maps. Output formats include AutoCAD DXF, ESRI ArcInfo grids, and QwtPlot3D viewable meshes with real-time pan, zoom and rotation. Converts LAS/LAZ point clouds into DXF point clouds. Also batch converts LAS/LAZ files into viewable mesh files, contour maps, 3D models, DXF point clouds or ArcInfo meshes.
34	MCC-LIDAR GUI	23 May 2017	Data Management / Handling
Keywords: Classification, Ground License: Commercial License Description: This is a GUI version of the MCC LIDAR ground classification tool. It has been compiled for 64-bit editions of Windows and has successfully classified LAS files with over 83 million points successfully. This version includes all the necessary binaries and DLL files. The original MCC LIDAR homepage (non-gui) can be found here: https://sourceforge.net/projects/mcclidar/ The installer is 880KB in size. Installed binaries are 2.29MB in size.