Smoothing, Point Cloud

Requires an LP360 Geospatial Advanced, LP360 Drone, or LP360 Land Standard license.

The Smoothing, Point Cloud Point Cloud Task (PCT) is used for smoothing noisy point cloud (LAS) data. This PCT is a moving least square smoothing algorithm that reduces “noise” in high density, noisy point cloud data such as that produced by automotive grade LIDAR scanners (e.g. Velodyne, Quanergy).  This smoothing algorithm is notable in that it can be applied to unfiltered data (e.g. non-ground classified data).  While it causes a bit of smoothing of sharp edges, it will not destroy complex vertical objects such as trees. This means that, in many cases, it can simply run across the entire input data set. 

Figure 1: Smoothing, Point Cloud PCT Properties

• Input Dataset - Select the data to use in the LAS Smoothing process.
  • Feature Geometry - Defines the area to apply the smoothing.
  • Source Points - Select the points within the dataset to use in the processing.
    • • Input Points Filter - Opens the Live View to allow filtering of which points to use from the input LAS Layer.
• Las Output Location - Select an Output location.

Tip: Using the <> icon found on the right hand side of the I/O Manager will add the LP360 Project Path Variable (<LP360_PROJECT_PATH>) which will automatically output into the currently open Project folder.

• Output Structure
  • • Tiled Files - Recommended. Automatically generate LAS files of no more than 256MB. 
    • Single File - Will generate only a single LAS File. Not Recommended unless working with small datasets and LPLAS pyramids.
    • Separately Process Source Files - When this option is used, the source files are processed independently of one another.  This means that, in overlap regions, the data from different flight lines (if it is in flight line structure) will be independently processed.  In general, this exacerbates any vertical shift between flight lines.  On the other hand, if this option is not checked, the data are processed as mixed tiles.  In this case, the separation between flight lines is reduced.  
• Output Points
  • • Output All Points - Output all points from the input LAS layer even if they don't satisfy the Input Points Filter and therefor did not get smoothed.
    • Output Only Smoothed Points - Outputs only the points which satisfy the Input Points Filter. 

See example point clouds below:

Figure 2: Before Smoothing

Figure 3: After Smoothing

How to use Smoothing, Point Cloud PCT

For more background details and explanation on how the Smoothing, Point Cloud PCT works, see Data Smoothing in LP360.