What is a .LAS file?
A .LAS file is a special kind of computer file that stores information collected by LIDAR technology. LIDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging, and it's a way to measure how far away things are on the Earth's surface using light. This technology is often used from airplanes or drones and can create very detailed maps of the ground, including trees, buildings, and other features.
The .LAS file format is a standard way to keep this information so that different people and organizations, like the American military or scientists, can share and use the data easily. This standard was made by a group called the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) because there were too many different ways of storing LIDAR data, which made it hard for people to share and use the information.
To look at or work with a .LAS file, you need special computer programs. Some of these programs include LAStools, Blaze3D, LASUtility, ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop, Safe Software FME Desktop, Geosoft Oasis montaj, and Blue Marble Geographics Global Mapper. These programs let you open, view, and sometimes edit the LIDAR data in the .LAS files.
In simple terms, .LAS files help scientists and others to make very accurate maps and models of places on Earth by storing detailed measurements of those places. This is important for lots of reasons, like understanding how land changes over time, planning buildings or roads, or studying the environment.
Verification
Our goal is to help people find the most up-to-date information about file extensions for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. We researched over 10,000 file extensions and their respective programs that open those files. If you want to suggest edits or updates about .LAS file formats, example files, or programs that are compatible. Please contact us.