Open point cloud formats

There is currently no general-purpose, open standard for storing data produced by three dimensional (3D) imaging systems, such as laser scanners. As a result, producers and consumers of such data rely on proprietary or ad-hoc formats to store and exchange data. There is a critical need in the imaging industry for open standards that promote data interoperability among imaging hardware and software systems.

Summary

The website https://openpointcloudformats.org/ is the home of the Open Point Cloud Formats (OPC) initiative, a community-driven effort advocating for open, standardized formats for 3D point cloud data.

1. Mission:

   • Promote openness and interoperability in point cloud data.
   • Reduce fragmentation caused by numerous proprietary formats.
   • Establish robust, standardized formats suitable for large-scale and complex point cloud datasets (common in surveying, LiDAR, photogrammetry, drone mapping, autonomous vehicles, etc.).
   • Ensure long-term accessibility of point cloud data.

2. Core initiative: The Open Point Cloud Format (OPC)

   • This is the flagship project promoted by the initiative.
   • OPC is not a single format, but a concept built upon existing open standards:
     • Core container: Relies heavily on the LAZ/LAS file format (specifically LAS 1.4 with WKT CRS and LAZ compression), which is the de facto industry standard for LiDAR point clouds.
     • Metadata & Structure: Uses E57 (ASTM E2807 standard) for storing rich metadata, sensor information, and organizing multiple scans or point clouds within a single container.
     • Point Cloud Sequences (PCS): Defines a structure using E57 to store sequences of point clouds (e.g., from moving sensors like drones or cars).
   • Goal: Combine the strengths of LAS/LAZ (efficient point storage) and E57 (rich metadata, multi-scan support) into a cohesive, open framework.

3. Key principles:

   • Open source & open standards: All specifications and reference implementations are freely available.
   • Interoperability: Designed to work seamlessly across different software and hardware platforms.
   • Scalability: Handles massive datasets efficiently.
   • Extensibility: Allows for future enhancements and specialized data.
   • Backward compatibility: Respects and builds upon the existing LAS/LAZ ecosystem.

4. Drivers & supporters:

   • Who signed the petition
   • Supported by numerous other companies and organizations in the geospatial and AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) industries.

5. Why it matters:

   • Enables data exchange between different software tools and platforms without vendor lock-in.
   • Reliance on open standards ensures data remains accessible long-term.
   • Simplifies workflows by reducing format conversion needs.
   • Provides a stable foundation for developers to build new tools and applications.
   • Addresses LAS limitations: While LAS/LAZ is excellent for static points, OPC (using E57) better handles complex metadata, multiple scans, and sequences from mobile platforms.

Resources

Open point cloud formats / interview with Dr. Daniel Wujanz

Author: LaserscanningEurope/Daniel Wujanz, Expertise level: 🌟🌟🌟☆☆, Our score: 🌟🌟🌟🌟☆