Fast, Scriptable Tools for Massive Point Cloud Data
LAStools is a suite of 50+ command-line tools purpose-built for processing lidar and point cloud data — built for speed and memory efficiency even when a dataset runs into the billions of points. The University holds a site license for academic and research use.
What LAStools Does
LAStools handles the heavy lifting of point cloud processing: classifying ground versus vegetation versus buildings, generating elevation models (DEMs, DTMs, DSMs), thinning oversized datasets, and converting between lidar formats. Every tool is batch-scriptable and multicore by design, so it's built for processing entire project areas, not just single tiles.
Software Benefits
A Real Toolkit, Not Just the Basics
The University's license covers dozens of individual LAStools utilities, from ground classification and canopy metrics to elevation model generation and format conversion.
Command-Line Speed, GUI Simplicity
Run tools individually from the command line for maximum control and scriptability, or use the free laslook/lasview GUI if you'd rather work visually.
Plugs Into the Tools You Already Use
LAStools is available as a plugin for QGIS and as a toolbox inside ArcGIS Pro, so lidar processing can happen inside your existing GIS workflow rather than a separate application.
Getting Licensed
LAStools is currently licensed for University of Minnesota computers only — not personal machines — for academic, non-commercial use.
Steps
- Email U-Spatial at [email protected] to request your license file.
- You'll receive a text file called lastoolslicense.txt containing your license key.
- Download LAStools (version 170313 or newer) from rapidlasso's downloads page, then unzip the distribution.
- Place lastoolslicense.txt inside the lastools\bin directory — it must always live in the same folder as the LAStools binaries you're running.
- Confirm your license is active by running lascopy64 -license from the command line inside that directory.
Software Resources
Learn To Use LAStools
Find installation guides and tutorials via the website.
View Installation Guides →Training opportunities
Find workshops and tutorials designed to help you build, share and manage spatial data.
External & Vendor Training
Hosted outside of the UMNHow to use Lastools and Lasview to Visualize Point Clouds
Download, install, and use Lastools (specifically Lasview) to visualize point cloud data sets.
LAStools FAQs
Quick answers to what people ask us most about accessing and using LAStools.
Can I install LAStools on my personal computer?
Not currently — University computers only
At this time, U-Spatial's license only permits installation on University of Minnesota computers, not personal machines.
How do I get my license file?
Email U-Spatial directly
Send a request to [email protected] and you'll receive a lastoolslicense.txt file containing your license key. Each researcher or student using LAStools needs their own copy of this file.
Where does the license file go?
In the same folder as the LAStools binaries
After downloading and unzipping LAStools, place lastoolslicense.txt inside the lastools\bin directory. It needs to stay in the same directory as whichever LAStools binary you're running, or the license won't be recognized.
Can I use LAStools for commercial or client work?
No — academic use only
The University's license is explicitly for academic, non-commercial use. It isn't licensed for commercial or production purposes, and it isn't transferable for activities outside your department.
What happens when my license is about to expire?
You'll get a warning — renew through U-Spatial
LAStools shows a warning message in the control window starting 30 days before your license expires, giving you time to request a renewal from U-Spatial before it lapses.
Which specific tools are covered?
A broad set — from classification to elevation models
The University's license covers tools including lasground, lasclassify, lasheight, lascanopy, las2dem, blast2dem, lastile, lasnoise, and dozens more. Contact U-Spatial if you need to confirm a specific tool is included.
Licensed
What It Costs
Covered by the University's site license for academic and research use on University-owned computers, at no direct cost to students, faculty, or staff. Review the full terms of use for the specifics of what's licensed.
Ready to Process Your Point Cloud Data?
Get LAStools installed on a University-owned computer and start turning raw lidar into usable elevation models.