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I have .las (lidar data) file, now I wanted to know the size of it, for example how long it's width and height in kilometers.

How is it possible to retrieve these kind of info?

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you want to know the size of "it"? it sounds like you want to know the size of the file but I'm sure thats not what you're asking. Please clatify. –  Neil N Aug 27 '09 at 18:27
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3 Answers

You best bet is to use a specific software to find out the extent of this lidar file.

Another way you can probably do it is to look at the header section of the file (if you have the raw file), which must state the extent as well.

Otherwise, talk to the data provider (if you can´t find out the extent any other way). He probably has the software and knows the extension of your dataset.


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You can use the lasinfo utility from lastools which will return the .las header information (including the extent):


The lasinfo module in SAGA GIS will provide the same information:


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Use the free software for LiDAR processing and visualization: Fusion Lidar Tool Kit.


Suppose Fusion is installed under the directory c:\fusion, and that the point_cloud.las file is stored in c:\lidar\point_cloud.las

Use the command Catalog to retrieve the descriptive statistics:

c:\fusion\catalog c:\lidar\point_cloud.las c:\lidar\point_cloud


Below is the Catalog's output retrieved from one of Fusion's lidar data samples:

enter image description here

Extra advice:

Add switches to Catalog command to obtain more information or to adapt the command to specific needs (e.g.; switch "coverage" show nominal coverage area of the entire lidar cloud).

The software also comes with tutorial, practicing exercises and also a manual which explain all the command line programs (including Catalog).

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