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LAS, LAZ and COPC

A point cloud preserves the individual 3D measurements and their attributes. A DEM/DSM is a raster derived from those points.

LAS​

LAS is the standard binary LiDAR point-cloud format. It can store XYZ, return number, classification, intensity, scan information, GPS time and other point attributes depending on version/point format.

LAZ​

LAZ is losslessly compressed LAS. It is often much smaller and is a practical default for storage/distribution. LINZ national procurement guidance has used LAS/LAZ standards for LiDAR source deliverables.

COPC​

Cloud Optimized Point Cloud is a LAZ-based organisation designed for efficient spatial streaming and range requests from local or remote storage. A COPC client can request only the hierarchy/chunks needed for the current view or analysis instead of downloading an enormous file first.

Use the point cloud when​

  • classification matters
  • you need vegetation/building returns
  • you want to make your own terrain/surface grid
  • you need individual-point quality attributes
  • you are checking a suspicious surface feature

Use the raster when​

  • slope/hillshade/catchment is the task
  • you only need the standard bare-earth/surface model
  • portability and simple GIS display matter more than point detail

Classification caution​

Class numbers are useful only with the dataset's specification/metadata. Do not assume every survey classified buildings or vegetation just because LAS has standard class codes.

Last reviewed: 26 August 2026

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