LiDAR Data Gets Squeezed by LizardTech’s LiDAR Image Compressor (#esriuc)

Light Imaging Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data collection provides an interesting dilemma for geospatial professionals who know the value of the information but find the huge file sizes (100’s megabits to gigabits) difficult to store and manage. Most users have typically used either the first and or last returns, these derivative data sets of LiDAR, which, for example, can yield tree canopy profiles or elevation model data, respectively. However, using all (multiple returns) of the LiDAR, the entire “point cloud,” has proven hard, again, because of file sizes. With the decrease cost of data acquisition and market growth, LizardTech saw an opportunity to use it’s expertise in data compression technology to exploit this opportunity for LiDAR data management.

LizarTech’s new LiDAR Compressor (See image at right; click for larger image) product can compress LAS and ASCII files to MrSID 4 format with approximately a 4:1 lossless result. It’s a simple compression utility and includes a simple “viewer” of point clouds.  Once compressed, the product allows the user to selectively decode an entire image by a bounding cube with geographic bounds. The product will sell for $2995 for a single user license. The product is considered so revolutionary that the company has applied for a patent for the technology behind the product.