Compare
LAS vs LAZ
LAS stores point records without compression; LAZ losslessly compresses supported LAS data. Reader compatibility matters as well as size.
Which format should you choose?
Use LAS for workflows that read LAS directly; consider LAZ to reduce storage and transfer when recipients support it.
Good fit for LAS
Exchange classified and attributed 3D point clouds from LiDAR and other surveys · Inspect and process uncompressed point data in a widely used format
- Representing coordinates, intensity, returns, classification, time, color, and extra attributes
- Identifying the LAS version and point data record format when handing data off
Good fit for LAZ
Reduce LAS 1.4 point-cloud size losslessly for storage or transfer · Use chunk decompression and direct access in compatible software
- Shrink LAS point data while retaining the source records
- Interchange using the defined LAZ 1.4 and LAS 1.4 combination
Basic information
| Field | LAS | LAZ |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .las | .laz |
| MIME type | ||
| Common uses | Exchange classified and attributed 3D point clouds from LiDAR and other surveys · Inspect and process uncompressed point data in a widely used format | Reduce LAS 1.4 point-cloud size losslessly for storage or transfer · Use chunk decompression and direct access in compatible software |
| How to open | Use point-cloud or GIS software supporting the file's LAS version and point record format. Check version, point count, bounds, scale and offset, CRS/WKT, VLRs/EVLRs, classifications, and returns. LAS 1.5 changed CRS requirements, so verify reader support. | Use point-cloud software or a LASzip-compatible tool supporting LAZ 1.4 and the point record format. Check software support, header, count, CRS, VLRs/EVLRs, and source LAS version. If needed, decompress and compare counts, statistics, or hashes. |
| Export or convert | Converting LAS to LAZ usually compresses point data losslessly, but compare metadata and any companion files too. When changing LAS versions, validate point record formats, CRS representation, waveform data, and extra bytes; do not just rename the extension. | Compatible tools can decompress LAZ to LAS and restore point records. Retain the original and compare point count, attributes, CRS, VLRs/EVLRs, and waveform data. When compressing LAS to LAZ, confirm the point record format is supported by the LAS 1.4-based LAZ version and tool. |
Choose by use case
Representing coordinates, intensity, returns, classification, time, color, and extra attributes
Exchange classified and attributed 3D point clouds from LiDAR and other surveys · Inspect and process uncompressed point data in a widely used format
LASIdentifying the LAS version and point data record format when handing data off
Exchange classified and attributed 3D point clouds from LiDAR and other surveys · Inspect and process uncompressed point data in a widely used format
LASShrink LAS point data while retaining the source records
Reduce LAS 1.4 point-cloud size losslessly for storage or transfer · Use chunk decompression and direct access in compatible software
LAZInterchange using the defined LAZ 1.4 and LAS 1.4 combination
Reduce LAS 1.4 point-cloud size losslessly for storage or transfer · Use chunk decompression and direct access in compatible software
LAZKey point 1
LAS exposes uncompressed point records.
More on the differencesKey point 2
LAZ requires a compatible decompressor.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Compare point counts, attributes, CRS, and VLR/EVLR metadata after conversion. Lossless compression does not prevent losses caused by conversion settings.
- Do not equate LAS 1.5 support with LAZ 1.4 support: the LAZ 1.4 specification is based on LAS 1.4.
- Compression ratio and processing time depend on data and implementation; test representative clouds with actual readers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert by changing the extension?
No. Compress or decompress with a compatible tool and verify preservation of the LAS version and point-record format.