Files
Introduction
In this article, we'll learn how to view and inspect point cloud data using the FME Data Inspector and FME Workbench Data Preview. This article uses both LAS and XYZ point cloud data. Once we inspect the data, we will create a workspace using this data in the next article.
The source data can be downloaded from the Files section.
Video
This video was recorded using FME 2015.1. The interface may be different, but the concepts are the same.
Step-by-Step Instructions
We will cover two methods of viewing point cloud data in FME. The first method is to view a LAS file in FME Workbench using the Data Preview window. The second method is to view a Point Cloud XYZ file in FME Data Inspector. Both methods work for either format, so it is personal preference which one you use.
Viewing Data in FME Workbench Using Data Preview
In FME Workbench, data can be viewed directly in the application with Data Preview.
1. Open FME Workbench and Add Reader
In a new FME Workbench canvas, add a reader and set the following parameters:
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In a new FME Workbench canvas, add a reader and set the following parameters:
• Format: ASPRS Lidar Data Exchange Format (LAS)
• Dataset: /GranvilleIsland.laz
◦ Browse to the downloaded data file
Click the Parameters button to set the coordinate system:
• Coordinate System: LL84
Click OK to add the reader to the workspace.
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In a new FME Workbench canvas, add a reader and set the following parameters:
• Format: ASPRS Lidar Data Exchange Format (LAS)
• Dataset: /GranvilleIsland.laz
◦ Browse to the downloaded data file
• Coordinate System: LL84
Click OK to add the reader to the workspace.
As of FME 2025.2, the Coordinate System parameter is now configured within the Parameters dialog of each reader/writer format. For more information, including details about the change and affected transformers, please see Coordinate System Parameter Location Change.
2. Open Data Preview
Once the reader feature type has been added to the canvas, click on it to open the popup menu. On the popup menu, click on the View Source Data button to open Data Preview.
The dataset properties are displayed in the Record Information window.
If no information or only one point’s information is displayed, drag your cursor to select the full extent of the area and the Record Information window will populate.
To move the point cloud around and see the individual points. Use the Orbit tool to rotate the point cloud from a top-down view to an angled view. You can also use the Pan and Zoom tools to view the points better.
Finally, you can click on a single point to get the properties for that specific point. (Click on the Select tool to do this)
Viewing Data in FME Data Inspector
This section will demonstrate how to view a Point Cloud XYZ file in the FME Data Inspector.
1. Open FME Data Inspector and Add Data
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Open FME Data Inspector, and in the top left corner, click Open. In the Select Dataset to View dialog, set the following:
• Format: Point Cloud XYZ
• Dataset: /XYZ.zip
◦ Browse to the downloaded data file
Click the Parameters button to set the coordinate system:
• Coordinate System: UTM83-10
Double-check that the data is being read correctly by ensuring File Preview is populated. If not, adjust the Separator Character to what your .xyz file contains. Additionally, you can modify the data type. Everything looks correct for this dataset, so click OK twice to add the data.
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Open FME Data Inspector, and in the top left corner, click Open. In the Select Dataset to View dialog, set the following:
• Format: Point Cloud XYZ
• Dataset: /XYZ.zip
◦ Browse to the downloaded data file
• Coordinate System: UTM83-10
Click the Parameters button to double-check that the data is being read correctly by ensuring File Preview is populated. If not, adjust the Separator Character to what your .xyz file contains. Additionally, you can modify the data type. Everything looks correct for this dataset, so click OK twice to add the data.
2. View Data
Now you can explore your data., You can find out more information about the point cloud in the Record Information window. You can use the Orbit, Pan, and Zoom tools on the point cloud in the Display window o get a different view as done in the previous section.
If you would like to view the point cloud with a background map, switch to 2D mode, then right click the point cloud and choose Background Map.
If there is no coordinate system or the view is in 3D, the background map will not show up.
Data Attribution
The data used here originates from open data made available by the City of Vancouver, British Columbia. It contains information licensed under the Open Government License - Vancouver.
The data shown in the FME Data Inspector section originates from open data made available by the USGS.