Working with LiDAR Data and FME

Introduction

LiDAR is changing how we model our world in 3D, bringing with it new data transformation challenges and huge data volumes. For a high-level overview of how FME can help you with LiDAR, see our website.

rtaImage (2).png

Content Overview

LiDAR Terminology
Tutorials
Format Documentation
Top Questions and Answers
Additional Resources
- Blogs
- Presentations
- Templates
- Videos
- Webinars
Troubleshooting
Known Issues
Support

LiDAR Terminology

LiDAR stands for “Light Detection and Ranging”. This remote sensing technology can be mounted on aerial vehicles to send laser pulses to the Earth’s surface; once the laser returns to the sensor, it records the returned data. A LiDAR system usually comprises a laser, a scanner, a GPS receiver, an inertial measurement unit, and an onboard computer.

Point Cloud: commonly the product of a LiDAR system, it is a collection of points useful for storing large amounts of data. Each point in the point cloud can hold information, called components, that describe the point. Components may include X, Y, and Z coordinates as well as information about the intensity, color, time, and many more not listed here.

Returns: when a laser pulse bounces off an object, the system processes it to determine what it bounced off of. I.e., bare earth, trees, cars, buildings. These are called returns. Up to five returns can be captured per laser pulse.

Classification: returns can be classified to define the type of object that has reflected the laser pulse. The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing has developed standard classifications for LiDAR-derived data.

LAS: a common LiDAR Data Exchange Format that contains LiDAR point records. It is used to interchange 3-dimensional point cloud data. It has less volume and is more easily transferred than the ASCII format.