Efficient LiDAR Compression Using GeoExpress
- Anvita Shrivastava
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology is an important tool in the fast-changing world of geospatial data management, when it comes to mapping, surveying, and environmental monitoring. One of the hardest hurdles encountered by LiDAR users is the enormous data created during acquisition. Here is where GeoExpress by LizardTech comes in, with sophisticated tools for the compression and optimisation of LiDAR data, and to make storing, sharing, and analysing those data easier, while also maintaining accuracy.
The Problem of LiDAR Data Management
LiDAR systems can record millions of points a second, leading to very large datasets, which can range in size from several gigabytes for a particular project to hundreds of gigabytes. While these dense point clouds are necessary for modelling accuracy, massive liabilities in terms of storage, sharing, and processing capability have corresponding costs and take time.
Conventional compressing methods (like zip files or lossless LAS compression) help but are limited in balancing data integrity, accessibility and file size. If an organisation performs many extensive terrain models, or large projects of urban scale, they need a comprehensive workflow like we describe above.
GeoExpress: The Standard for Raster and LiDAR Compression in the Industry
GeoExpress is widely recognised for its compression of raster imagery using MrSID (Multi-Resolution Seamless Image Database); however, it's also a function for processing LiDAR datasets, allowing users to better store large point clouds.
With GeoExpress, you can compress LiDAR data into MrSID Generation 4 (MG4) format, which is a specialised format for 3D and multispectral datasets. MG4 maintains complete data fidelity while significantly compressing file size.
Characteristics of LiDAR compression with GeoExpress
Significant Compression Ratio
GeoExpress has compression ratios of up to 20:1 with negligible data loss, which allows organisations to store and transfer LiDAR data much more efficiently.
Lossless and lossy options
Depending on the use case, users have the option of lossless compression (which retains data points for analysis) or lossy compression (to achieve a smaller file size for visualisation or sharing).
Selective compression
GeoExpress allows you to select compression attributes — for example, compressing intensity and RGB values differently from elevation information. This allows you to be as efficient as possible for the needs of the project.
Native support for common LiDAR formats
The software supports common input formats such as LAS and LAZ to help ease integration into the workflow.
Fast decompression and streaming
The multi-resolution structure of the MrSID MG4 allows for compressed LiDAR data to stream quickly over the network, so you can visualise data quickly in GIS tools such as ArcGIS, Global Mapper, and QGIS.
How GeoExpress Improves LiDAR Workflows
GeoExpress is about more than space-saving: it improves the overall LiDAR data lifecycle.
Storage: Compress terabytes of LiDAR into manageable, portable files.
Data Sharing: Use cloud sharing capabilities to share compressed datasets with stakeholders.
Visualisation: Stream data directly into mapping applications without fully decompressing files.
Integration: Use Express Server in a high-performance environment for data delivery integrated into enterprise GIS.
This efficiency decreases bandwidth costs, increases project delivery time and supports collaboration and real-time sharing among distributed colleagues.
Scenario: Large-Scale Terrain Mapping
Imagine a national mapping agency endowed with the responsibility for the management of multi-terabyte LiDAR scans of hilly/mountainous terrain. They can use GeoExpress to compress the raw LAS data files into MG4 files with a file size reduction of 95%. With these compressed files, they can stream the data directly in an enterprise GIS environment, enabling an analyst to zoom, pan and scrutinise terrain conditions immediately without waiting on downloads of huge 12 or 15 gigabyte files.
Reasons To Use GeoExpress To Compress Your LiDAR
Trusted Technology: MrSID has been a geospatial standard for over 20 years.
Scalability: Can easily handle a small project to the largest datasets that span a nationwide area.
Interoperable: Works with popular GIS and remote sensing software vendors seamlessly.
Efficient: Reduces storage costs and network traffic.
Data Integrity: Keeps necessary accuracy and metadata for analysis.
Efficiently compressing your LiDAR data is no longer an optional part of your organisation's workflow; it is now an integral part of normal geospatial or mapping short and long-term business operations. With GeoExpress, your organisation can ensure you are maximising your LiDAR dataset offerings, utilising smart compression and efficiency with performance and ease of use.
Whether your organisation is managing a large-scale city-wide 3D model or evaluating and studying a large-scale environmental survey. GeoExpress will ensure your LiDAR data remains easy to access, efficient while in storage and usable for GIS analysis.
For more information or any questions regarding GeoExpress, please don't hesitate to contact us at:
Email: info@geowgs84.com
USA (HQ): (720) 702–4849
Comments