PDAL

PDAL, the Point Data Abstraction Library, is a powerful open-source C++ library specifically engineered for managing and processing point cloud data. It offers a unified framework to abstract away the complexities of diverse point cloud formats, allowing users to interact with data consistently. PDAL includes a comprehensive set of applications for common tasks such as merging, tiling, and translating point clouds, alongside detailed stages for reading and writing various formats like LAS, EPT, COPC, and E57. This makes it an essential tooling for tasks involving LiDAR data and other large geospatial point datasets.

Its pipeline architecture enables users to define complex processing workflows, chaining together different stages and filters to achieve specific data analysis objectives. The library's focus on abstraction and efficient handling of big data point clouds positions it as a critical component in software development for geospatial applications, particularly those requiring advanced terrain analysis and digital elevation model generation.