How to Grid LAS Point Cloud Data with LP360

Watch this tutorial to see how to use the Grid Generator PCT

In this LP360 Tips and Tricks video, we demonstrate the process and benefits of gridding LAS point cloud data. This feature can be used for anyone involved in large-scale mapping projects or those needing to enhance data manageability and performance. Watch the video below to learn about the comprehensive gridding capabilities of LP360 and see how it can transform your point cloud data management.

What is Gridding and Why Use It?

Gridding point cloud data in LP360 involves organizing unstructured point cloud data files into a structured, regular grid of orthogonal tiles with one data file per tile. This technique is beneficial for several reasons:

Compatibility and Workflow Efficiency: Some downstream applications, especially those involving AI for ground classification, often require data in a gridded format to function correctly.

Enhanced Data Management: Particularly useful for large projects where data is divided among multiple technicians for processing tasks such as feature extraction or classification.

Improved Performance: Gridding can significantly boost both the viewing and editing performance of your datasets.

How to Grid Your Data in LP360

Here’s a brief rundown of the process as shown in the video:

1. Create a Tiling Scheme: You can create a new tiling scheme directly within LP360 using the gridding tool, or import an existing scheme (like a shape or CAD file) provided by a client or used in previous projects.
2. Configure the Grid Generator: The grid generator tool in LP360, found in the point cloud tasks library, allows you to specify the tile size — starting with a suggested 300 meters for drone data, adjustable based on your specific needs.
3. Run the Gridding Task: Apply the grid to your entire LAS layer or clip it to fit within a specific project boundary.
4. Edit and Export Your Grid: After creating the grid, you can edit out unnecessary tiles and use the export wizard to convert your single LAS file into multiple tiled LAS files based on your grid.

Summary of Benefits

Gridding your LAS data with LP360 not only organizes your point cloud into manageable chunks but also enhances your workflow by allowing for:

• Segmented Workflows: By dividing your point cloud into tiles, different team members can work on different tiles simultaneously, increasing efficiency.
• Flexible Data Handling: You can load and work with individual tiles or groups of tiles, making it easier to manage large datasets.
• Optimized for Various Use Cases: Whether for drone data or other point cloud datasets, the flexibility to adjust grid sizes allows customization to fit the project’s specific needs.

Whether for large-scale mapping projects or detailed feature extraction, the gridding feature in LP360 can be be an invaluable tool for geospatial professionals aiming to maximize the potential of their LiDAR data.