How do I Create a LAS Shape File Index of my LAS Files?

Managing large collections of LAS files can be challenging without an efficient way to organize and visualize them. A LAS Shape File Index provides a spatial overview of your LAS datasets, making it easier to locate, manage, and process point cloud data. This guide walks you through the steps to generate a LAS Shape File Index using LP360, ensuring streamlined workflows and improved project management.

For LP360 versions 2018.2.59.5 or later:

The LDExport tool provides a quick means of generating a shapefile index of your LAS files and no longer requires a settings file. Execute the following in a command line, where the LAS files are located in "D:\Training_Data\Davidson_TN_2016\LAS" and the index file is to be generated in "D:\Training_Data\Davidson_TN_2016\LAS".

"C:\Program Files\Common Files\LP360\LDExport.exe" -v -i D:\Training_Data\Davidson_TN_2016\LAS -n -sidx -o D:\Training_Data\Davidson_TN_2016\LAS

To generate a prj for the generated index, use LP360's Coordinate System Utility (File - Coordinate System Utility) to "Save PRJ..." as ProjectIndex.prj.

For LP360 versions prior to 2018.2:

The new LDExport tool provides a quick means of generating a shapefile index of your LAS files. Download Export_sidx_settings.xml, and modify the HorizontalEPSGCode, and HorizontalUnitsEPSGCode to match the LAS files. Then execute the following in a command line, where the LAS files are located in "D:\Training_Data\Davidson_TN_2016\LAS" and the settings file was saved to "D:\Training_Data\Davidson_TN_2016".

"C:\Program Files\Common Files\LP360\LDExport.exe" -v -i D:\Training_Data\Davidson_TN_2016\LAS -n -s D:\Training_Data\Davidson_TN_2016\Export_sidx_settings.xml -sidx -o D:\Training_Data\Davidson_TN_2016\LAS

Error messages:

Failed to create file .shp file. ERROR: Failed to Export Shape Index file

Indicates that the output folder does not exist or the user does not have permissions to write in the folder specified by the "-o" parameter.