LAS files: what are they and how do I open them?
Are you facing difficulties opening unknown files on your computer, or wondering exactly what this file is?
We've got the information and best software solutions for opening these files effortlessly.
.las file type #1: Log ASCII in LAS
las files can be found as speical data files in the LAS Log ASCII standard file format.
Further details:
The LAS file format, or Log ASCII Standard, is a standard file format used in the oil and gas industry for well data.
It is used to store curve and other data from different types of well logs, including geological, geophysical, and drilling. The data is stored in ASCII format, making it easy to read and process with a variety of software applications. The format was developed by the Canadian Well Logging Society (CWLS) to provide a consistent and standardized format for the exchange of well log data.
Open file with:
Well Viewer
Software for viewing data against depth
.las file type #2: LIDAR data exchange
An las file extension is related to the LIDAR data exchange file format used by various GIS programs.
Further details:
The las file extension is associated with the LIDAR data exchange file format.
The files conforming to the ASPRS LIDAR data exchange format standard are named with an LAS extension.
The LAS file is intended to contain LIDAR point data records. The data will generally be put into this format from software (provided by LIDAR hardware vendors) which combines GPS, IMU, and laser pulse range data to produce X, Y, and Z point data. The intention of the data format is to provide an open format which allows different LIDAR vendors to output data into a format which a variety of LIDAR software vendors can use. Software that creates the LAS file will be referred to as “generating software”, and software that reads and writes to the LAS file will be referred to as “user software” within this specification.
The format contains binary data consisting of a header block, variable length records, and point data. All data is in little-endian format. The header block consists of a public block followed by variable length records. The public block contains generic data such as point numbers and coordinate bounds. The variable length records contain variable types of data including projection information, metadata, and user application data.
Open file with:
ArcGIS
A group of GIS (geographic information system) applications
.las file type #3: Light-O-Rama animated sequence
A las file extension is associated with the Light-O-Rama ShowTime and used for its animation files.
Further details:
The las file extension is related to Light-O-Rama ShowTime Software Suite for Microsoft Windows, a program to create and manage computerized shows.
The *.las file contains animated sequence saved in the program.
Open file with:
Light-O-Rama ShowTime Software Suite
A computerized lighting system