Data Formatting

After LiDAR acquisition and calibration, LiDAR data are typically processed in order to deliver bare earth classified, LAS files in version 1.2 (formatted to Point Record Format 1) adhering to a specific tiling schema (e.g. US National Tiling Grid) at a specified interval (usually 1,000 m x 1,000 m). Tiles which are fully within the project boundary contain data to the full extent of each tile. Tiles which lie on the project boundary are not filled to the full extent of the tile, unless specified in the scope of work. No over edge data are required but gaps in the data at the project boundary are considered unacceptable. Each LiDAR LAS file (per tile) produced should contain the following elements, as a minimum, for each return:

1. The return number for each signal
2. Horizontal and Vertical Position (x,y,z) in the specified horizontal and vertical datum
3. Intensity return values for each return signal
4. GPS Timestamp of capture for each point (the timestamp should be unique for each laserpulse)
5. Georeference information included in the LAS header