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Downloading and Exporting
Lidarvisor delivers results in the formats your clients and software expect — LAS, LAZ, COPC, E57, and PLY for point clouds; GeoTIFF for terrain models; DXF, Shapefile, and GeoJSON for vectors; PDF and CSV for reports. This page explains how to download each type.
Downloading from the Project Tree
Every asset in the project tree (left panel) has a download button (a downward arrow icon). Click it to start the download. Depending on the asset type, you may be asked to choose a format.
Point Cloud Downloads
Original Point Cloud
Your original uploaded file is always available for download in its original format (LAS or LAZ).
Classified Point Cloud
After processing, you can download the classified version of your point cloud. Click the download button on the Classified Point Cloud node, and a dialog appears with format options:
| Format | Extension | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAS | .las | Standard LiDAR format, uncompressed | Immediate use — no decompression needed |
| LAZ | .laz | Compressed LAS — same data, much smaller file | Archiving and sharing — saves bandwidth |
| COPC | .copc.laz | Cloud-Optimized Point Cloud — designed for efficient streaming | Web viewers, cloud-based workflows |
| E57 | .e57 | An interoperable format used in BIM and survey workflows | Interoperability with BIM software, Revit, survey instruments |
| PLY | .ply | A 3D modeling format | 3D modeling software (Blender, MeshLab, CloudCompare) |
Note: Downloading the classified point cloud requires a Premium or Advanced subscription. See plans.
Filtered Download (by Class)
You can download a point cloud containing only specific classes. For example, download only Ground points, or only Buildings + Ground.
To do this:
- In the project tree, tick only the classes you want.
- Click the download button.
- Choose to download only the visible (ticked) classes.
This creates a filtered file with only the selected point types — useful when you need to deliver just the ground surface or just the vegetation to a client.
A progress bar shows the filtering progress. When the download is ready, you will receive a notification and can download the file.
Ready Downloads
Some exports (filtered downloads, format conversions) take time to prepare. Lidarvisor keeps them available for a limited time after generation. You will see a "Ready downloads" section showing previously prepared exports with an expiry countdown (in days). Click to download before they expire.
Terrain Model (Raster) Downloads
Terrain models (DTM, DSM, CHM, Slope Map, TIN) are downloaded as GeoTIFF files — the standard raster format for geospatial data.
Click the download button next to any terrain model in the project tree. You will receive a ZIP file containing:
- The elevation raster (the raw data as a GeoTIFF)
- The visualization (hillshade or colorized version as a GeoTIFF with transparency)
TIN Special Formats
The TIN asset also offers vector exports of the triangulated mesh:
- GeoTIFF — the rasterized version (same as other terrain models)
- GeoJSON — triangle polygons with elevation, slope, and aspect attributes
- Shapefile — same data in SHP format
- DXF — same data in CAD format
Vector Downloads
All vector layers (contour lines, building footprints, roads, tree tops, tree crowns, power lines, towers, elevation grid) can be downloaded in three formats:
| Format | Extension | Coordinate System | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoJSON | .geojson | WGS84 (latitude/longitude) | Web applications, JavaScript maps, QGIS |
| Shapefile | .shp (in ZIP) | Original project CRS | ArcGIS, QGIS, traditional GIS workflows |
| DXF | .dxf | Original project CRS | AutoCAD, Civil 3D, CAD software |
Click the download button next to any vector layer, choose your format, and the file downloads.
Understanding the Coordinate Systems
- GeoJSON files are always converted to WGS84 (EPSG:4326) — the standard latitude/longitude system used by web maps and GPS. This ensures they work anywhere.
- Shapefile and DXF files keep the original coordinate system of your LiDAR data (the EPSG code from the upload). This is important for accuracy in local workflows.
Report Downloads
Reports are packaged as ZIP files containing multiple documents:
| Report | Contents |
|---|---|
| Topographic Map | DXF drawing + supporting data files |
| Forest Inventory | PDF visual report + CSV data spreadsheet |
| Vegetation Encroachment | PDF report + vector data files |
Click the download button next to any report in the project tree.
Elevation Profile Exports
Elevation profiles (cross-sections) can be exported from the profile panel at the bottom of the viewer:
- CSV — a spreadsheet with columns for distance, elevation, classification, and optionally RGB and intensity values
- DXF — a CAD drawing of the profile line
See Measurement Tools for details on creating profiles.
Where Do Downloads Go?
Downloads are handled by your web browser's standard download mechanism. Files will appear in your browser's default download folder (typically the "Downloads" folder on your computer).
Large files may take a moment to prepare before the download starts. Lidarvisor generates a temporary download link (valid for several hours) and your browser begins the download automatically.
Format Selection Guide
Not sure which format to choose? Here is a quick guide:
For Point Clouds
| Your Goal | Recommended Format |
|---|---|
| Open in CloudCompare | LAS or LAZ |
| Import into Revit or BIM software | E57 |
| Use in a web-based viewer | COPC |
| Open in Blender or 3D modeling software | PLY |
| Archive with minimal storage | LAZ |
| Share with someone who may not know what LiDAR is | LAZ (smallest) |
For Vectors
| Your Goal | Recommended Format |
|---|---|
| Import into AutoCAD or Civil 3D | DXF |
| Open in QGIS, ArcGIS, or other GIS software | Shapefile |
| Use in a web application or Google Earth | GeoJSON |
| Send to a CAD engineer | DXF |
| Send to a GIS analyst | Shapefile |
For Rasters (Terrain Models)
GeoTIFF is the only format, and it is universally supported by GIS and mapping software (QGIS, ArcGIS, Global Mapper, etc.). It can also be opened in image editors that support geospatial data.
Tips
- ZIP files: Several downloads come as ZIP archives. You will need to extract (unzip) them before opening the files inside.
- Large files: Point cloud downloads can be very large (several GB). Make sure you have enough free disk space and a stable internet connection.
- Browser compatibility: If a download does not start, try disabling your browser's popup blocker for cloud.lidarvisor.com.
- Multiple assets: Download assets individually. There is currently no "download all" button, so you download each result separately.
Next Step
Want to share your project with someone? Head to Sharing Projects.