Changing LAS file version using LASTools

There are a few formats for .las files. My LiDAR arrived in the version 1.4 format. Some of the tools I want to use cannot read that format. They require the version 1.2 format. Conversion is required.

• Open the Windows command prompt:Win + X then select Command prompt
• Navigate to the project folder: CD C:\GossanHill
• My project folder contains these items:

las2las.exe
las2txt.exe
lasinfo.exe
laszip.exe
Merged.las

• Enter a command like this: las2las -i Merged.las -set_version 1.2 -o Merged12.las
• las2las is the program to run
• Merged.las is the file to act upon
• -set_version 1.2 is the command option.
• -o Merged12.las indicates that we wish to create a new output file with the name mentioned
• The program responds:

WARNING: downgrading point_data_format from 6 to 1
         and point_data_record_length from 30 to 28

The program runs for a moment, and then the process is complete.

Checking

You can use the lasinfo.exe program to inspect the version of a .las file. Before the conversion, lasinfo.exe Merged.las reported version major.minor: 1.4 . After, lasinfo.exe Merged12.las reported version major.minor: 1.2 .

This article is part of the Orienteering Mapping with LiDAR, Smartphones and Free Tools series.

Polite and constructive responses are always welcome.