Pointcloud from .las file

[kylehalchin]

Im trying to create a point cloud (and then surface) from "20090316_246901.laz" here:

https://coast.noaa.gov/htdata/lidar1_z/geoid12a/data/3654/

I used the laszip/lastools program to extract it from .laz to .las

When I bring the .las file into GIS and create a .lasd data set, the point cloud comes in just fine (in the right spot and at the right scale)

But when I try to create a point cloud out of the .las file in autocad it comes on at 0,0 and at a tiny scale. I have my cad file in NAD83 us feet coordinates and I'm choosing NAD83 when I try to create the point cloud. 

Im guessing that this has something to do with the .las coords being different. Attached is a pic of the .las properties in GIS. 

Any suggestions?

[tcorey]

Based on the numbers I see, -80.### and 33.###, your point cloud appears to be in Lat/Lon.

[kylehalchin]

How would one convert that? Pardon my ignorance

[AllenJessup]

Can you provide a few lines from the .LAS file so we can see the format? Also. How many points does it contain?

[tcorey · Accepted solution]

When you go to create the point cloud:

Go to the second page and change the Point cloud database coordinate system to LL83

Which changes the Source Data page so it looks like this:

Press finish and wait. Once you zoom to the point cloud, you will have coordinates in your So Carolina State Plane NAD 83 US Foot system.

[kylehalchin]

Ah jeez thank you very much! That was very helpful

[TerryDotson]

The LAS file format is binary so you can't simply view it in an editor like notepad.