Since its inception, LiDAR technology has been applied in a variety of industries with an aim of providing holistic solutions in the field of imaging. In order to fully harness the true power of LiDAR, there are several tools that have been developed to help in processing the LiDAR technology across all industries. Below is a list of some of the tools and tutorials associated with LiDAR.
1. Global mapper Lidar module
Global Mapper is the easy to afford GIS software which suits both new and advance user. This software has all the major tools, an extension that is required to do the GIS analysis. It is not only very easy to use but it is also quite intuitive in terms of interface. The module is self-explanatory and any user will find it relatively easy to maneuver.
2. RIEGL RiALITY
It allows users to visualize points cloud acquired through RIEGL laser scanners. It is an iOS application that requires iOS 5.0 or later. It shows the true 3D color of the point cloud. Some of the features of this application are as follows:
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Touch Navigation: This allows you to touch the screen as you navigate the module.
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Augmented Reality: Print a reference image and experience point clouds in Augmented Reality.
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Single color and True color mode for point clouds.
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Adjust point size: You can easily adjust the point size of the modules to enhance their clarity.
3. Lizardtech
This company has a number of interesting tools for the GIS system. One of the most popular tools for the LIDAR data is the LiDAR Compressor. It is designed to compress the LIDAR data which reduces 25 percent of the total size while retaining every return. It compresses the data in MrSID format. In addition to that, it is also very easy to use and very intuitive to maneuver.
4. Lidar in ArcGIS
ArcGIS is a leader in GIS software and it has advance LIDAR tools for the point clouds. Tools help to do advanced GIS analysis, make decisions and use for scientific research. ArcGIS falls under one of the most advanced LiDAR processing tools and helps in getting a clearer analysis of the LiDAR data. Most companies and manufacturers have leveraged the power of ArcGIS to get value for their LiDAR data.
5. LP360
IT is an extension to the ArcMap which turns its LIDAR processing capability to a great extent. It can be used in cases where very large datasets are concerned. LP360 is available in three variations. It has tools from rapid visualization and derived product generation. Also in advanced features, it provides automatic ground classification and building footprint extraction.
6. Feature Manipulation Engine (FME)
FME, also known as Feature Manipulation Engine, has hundreds of tools for data transformation. Some of the tools are used for the LIDAR point cloud data. You can transfer LIDAR data into other formats quickly and easily. The platform makes it possible for users to manipulate the data as they wish and can also represent the data in various formats.
7. Grass GIS
Grass is one of the most popular open-source GIS software which has LIDAR tools for processing of point cloud and uses the output product for the GIS analysis. Its tools support basic and advanced LIDAR data processing and analysis. It can be used in both small-scale and large-scale data situations and the module can also be manipulated.
8. ENVI – LIDAR
ENVI stands for Environment for Visualizing Images. It is one of the most popular software for remote sensing. It is used by most of the remote sensing experts but not for the GIS. ENVI LiDAR lets you create 3D visualizations and easily extract important features and products from raw LiDAR point cloud data. Then you can export data into other your handy GIS software.
9. Bentley Pointless
Bentley Pointless tool is stand-alone software that has the capability to process point cloud data. It creates for point clouds quickly for distribution and reuse.