External Resources

This page provides links to external resources and reference documents that may help users trying to understand how to use the LAS specification in their application.

Standards vs File Formats

The LAS specification intentionally allows adaptation to the user's application and technologies. One example adaptation is that not all LAS files will have all point classifications and the precise distinction between some classifications remains vague in the LAS specification. Specifically, some LAS users will want buildings classified and others will not, but if they are classified then they should be classified as Class 6 in accordance with the LAS specification.

Those clarifying details vary by application and are often defined in tender documents or referenced standards such as the ones linked below.

1. USGS Lidar Base Specification (LBS): https://www.usgs.gov/ngp-standards-and-specifications/lidar-base-specification-online
2. 2014 ASPRS Accuracy Standards: http://www.asprs.org/a/society/committees/standards/Positional_Accuracy_Standards.pdf
3. 2016 FEMA Guidance for Flood Risk Analysis and Mapping: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-02/Elevation_Guidance_May_2016.pdf

These links should not be construed as endorsements. Rather, they are provided as examples to help users better understand the difference between a file format definition and a standard or specification.

Recall that the LWG also maintains Lidar Domain Profiles that can be leveraged in standards across entire domains.