Best LiDAR Software for Linux

CloudCompare is an open source 3D point cloud and triangular mesh processing software. Originally developed for comparing dense 3D point clouds, it has evolved into a comprehensive tool for various 3D data processing tasks. The software offers functionalities such as projections, registration (e.g., ICP), distance computation between clouds or meshes, statistical analysis, segmentation, and geometric feature estimation. Users can handle multiple scalar fields per point cloud, apply algorithms like smoothing and gradient evaluation, and visualize data through dynamic color rendering. Interactive tools enable segmentation, rotation, translation, and measurement of 3D entities. CloudCompare supports numerous input/output formats and it is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. The software also features a plugin mechanism for extending its capabilities.

SenseAi uses artificial intelligence to monitor and analyze the performance of a machine based on its vibration and acoustics data. This allows manufacturers to identify issues or inefficiencies in the production process and make data-driven decisions to improve performance. Unlock the full potential of your manufacturing operations with SenseAi's plug-and-play, AI-powered monitoring solution. SenseAi is designed to easily stick to your machines with its magnetic design, allowing you to monitor and analyze their performance with minimal disruption to your operations. Vibration, acoustics, and LIDAR sensors provide comprehensive machine performance analysis. Real-time monitoring and data analysis with 4G cellular connectivity. Real-time notifications of machine downtime. Monitor multiple facilities or production lines. Improve your manufacturing operations with real-time machine utilization monitoring.

LidarView is an open source platform developed by Kitware for real-time visualization, recording, and processing of 3D LiDAR data. Built atop ParaView, it efficiently renders large point clouds and offers features such as 3D visualization of time-stamped LiDAR returns, a spreadsheet inspector for attributes like timestamp and azimuth, and the ability to display multiple data frames simultaneously. Users can input data from live sensor streams or recorded .pcap files, apply 3D transformations to point clouds and manage subsets of laser data. LidarView supports various sensors, including models from Velodyne, Hesai, Robosense, Livox, and Leishen, enabling visualization of live streams and replaying of recorded data. The platform integrates advanced algorithms for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), facilitating accurate environmental reconstruction and sensor localization. It also incorporates AI and machine learning capabilities for scene classification.

GRASS GIS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System) is a free and open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) software suite utilized for geospatial data management and analysis, image processing, graphics and map production, spatial modeling, and visualization. It supports raster, vector, and geospatial processing, enabling advanced modeling, data management, imagery processing, and time series analysis with a Python API, optimized for large-scale analysis. GRASS GIS is compatible with multiple operating systems, including OS X, Windows, and Linux, and can be accessed through a graphical user interface or integrated with other software such as QGIS. The software includes over 350 modules for rendering maps and images, manipulating raster and vector data, processing multispectral image data, and creating, managing, and storing spatial data. GRASS GIS is widely used in academic and commercial settings, as well as by governmental agencies.

Whitebox Geospatial Inc. offers innovative geospatial software built on open-source platforms, providing a suite of tools for advanced geospatial data analysis. Their flagship product, WhiteboxTools Open Core (WbT), contains over 475 tools for processing various types of geospatial data, including raster, vector, and LiDAR datasets. WbT is designed for seamless integration with other GIS software, such as QGIS and ArcGIS, enhancing their analytical capabilities. It features extensive use of parallel computing, operates without the need for additional libraries like GDAL, and can be utilized from scripting environments, making it a versatile choice for geospatial professionals. For users seeking advanced functionalities, Whitebox offers the Whitebox Toolset Extension (WTE), a paid extension that adds more than 75 tools for sophisticated geospatial data processing. Additionally, Whitebox Workflows for Python (WbW) provides geospatial professionals with next-level geoprocessing.

Create, edit, visualize, analyze and publish geospatial information on Windows, Mac, Linux, BSD and mobile devices. For your desktop, server, in your web browser and as developer libraries. QGIS is a user-friendly open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) licensed under the GNU General Public License. QGIS is an official project of the Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo). It runs on Linux, Unix, Mac OSX, Windows and Android and supports numerous vector, raster, and database formats and functionalities. QGIS provides a continously growing number of capabilities provided by core functions and plugins. You can visualize, manage, edit, analyze data, and compose printable maps. We also collect case studies of how people all over the world use QGIS for their GIS work. You can view combinations of vector and raster data (in 2D or 3D) in different formats and projections without conversion to an internal or common format.

VeloView is an open-source application designed for real-time visualization and processing of 3D LiDAR data captured from Velodyne's HDL sensors, including models such as HDL-64E, HDL-32E, VLP-32, VLP-16, Puck, Puck LITE, Puck Hi-Res, Ultra Alpha, Alpha Prime, Velarray, Velabit, and Veladome. It enables users to visualize live data streams or playback pre-recorded data stored in .pcap files, with the capability to record live streams for subsequent analysis. The software provides tools to display, select, and measure information from captured points, supporting custom color maps based on variables like intensity-of-return, time, distance, azimuth, dual return type, and laser ID. Users can export data as XYZ in CSV format or capture screenshots of the point cloud display. Recent updates have introduced features such as support for Velarray sensors, simultaneous operation of multiple sensors, independent live data transformation for each sensor.