How to use LAS / LAZ Point Cloud Viewer: a practical file-check workflow
Open a real file with LAS / LAZ Point Cloud Viewer and check important fields, output, format boundaries, and local privacy.
When to use it
Use this read-only tool when you need to confirm that a drone or laser-scan deliverable is not empty and that bounds, classifications, and elevation look plausible. LAS and LAZ are common lidar and photogrammetry exchange formats. This tool provides a visual sanity check, not survey certification or reprojection.
Practical example
Open a LAS 1.4 file, compare the header point count and XYZ bounds, then switch to classification colors. Ground is commonly class 2, but that is a convention; all-zero classes may simply mean unclassified data.
Steps
- Choose a .las or .laz point cloud.
- Wait while headers and point records load in batches.
- Switch among RGB, elevation, and classification coloring.
- Check point count, bounds, scale, gaps, and obvious outliers.
Result checklist
- Header point count is nonzero and XYZ minima are below maxima
- Scale/offset match the coordinate magnitude without overflow
- When RGB exists, points are not all rendered black
- Sampling ratio is visible so displayed count is not confused with source count
First troubleshooting checks
LAZ decompression fails
Confirm it is not a renamed ZIP and re-export standard LAZ from the source application; private compression extensions may be incompatible.
The cloud looks like a line or single point
Check scale/offset, units, and extreme outliers; one bad coordinate can distort automatic fit.
Real limitations
- Large files may be sampled; displayed points can be fewer than source records
- Custom VLR/EVLR records may not be interpreted
- No reprojection, accuracy assessment, or ground classification
Privacy and file safety
Parsing runs in the current browser tab and the file is not uploaded to FreeTool to use this tool. Still use a trusted device for customer, engineering, research, or medical material. Keep the original unchanged and clear downloads, screenshots, and browser data after a shared device.