All Links Verified & Working
Why Free LiDAR Data Matters
LiDAR data acquisition is expensive. Airborne surveys can cost thousands of dollars per square kilometer. Fortunately, government agencies and research institutions have made vast amounts of LiDAR data freely available to the public.
Pro tip: Already have data you need to process?
Upload it to Lidarvisor and get automatic classification in minutes.
Top Free LiDAR Data Sources
🇺🇸
1. USGS 3DEP LidarExplorer
The U.S. Geological Survey operates the most comprehensive free LiDAR repository in the world through the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP). Their goal is to collect LiDAR data for the entire continental United States.
What you get:
- Point cloud data (LAZ format)
- Derived DEMs and DSMs
- Vertical accuracy typically 10 cm
- Coverage expanding annually
Best for: US-based projects, terrain modeling, flood analysis, forestry applications.
🌊
2. NOAA Digital Coast
NOAA Digital Coast specializes in coastal LiDAR data across the United States. If your project involves shorelines, coastal erosion, or marine environments, this is your primary source.
What you get:
- Bathymetric and topographic LiDAR
- Coastal elevation data
- Historical datasets for change analysis
Best for: Coastal engineering, sea-level rise studies, wetland mapping.
🌍
3. OpenTopography
OpenTopography hosts high-resolution topographic data from around the world. Note: Full access now requires a subscription, but EDU and K-12 users can access data for free.
What you get:
- Global LiDAR datasets
- Community-contributed data
- Processing tools and APIs
Best for: Academic research, international projects, high-resolution terrain studies.
🇬🇧
4. UK Environment Agency
The UK Environment Agency provides free LiDAR data covering much of England. Data is available at multiple resolutions (25cm to 2m).
What you get:
- DTM and DSM tiles
- Point cloud data for some areas
- Multiple resolution options
Best for: UK-based projects, flood risk assessment, archaeological surveys.
🇫🇷
5. IGN LiDAR HD
IGN (Institut national de l’information géographique et forestière) is the French national mapping agency. Their LiDAR HD program is capturing high-density point cloud data (10 pts/m²) covering all of France, freely available for download.
What you get:
- High-density classified point clouds
- Full coverage of France (ongoing)
- Point cloud visualization
Best for: Quick data discovery, visualizing available coverage, exporting specific areas.
🇪🇺
6. Other Country-Specific Sources
Many countries now provide free national LiDAR datasets:
- Netherlands: AHN (Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland) — complete country coverage
- Sweden: Lantmäteriet national elevation data
- Finland: National Land Survey open LiDAR
- Spain: PNOA LiDAR via CNIG
- Switzerland: swisstopo LiDAR data
What to Do After Downloading LiDAR Data
Once you have downloaded your free LiDAR data, you will need to process it. Raw point clouds require classification, filtering, and product generation before they become useful deliverables.
01
Point Cloud Classification
Separating ground, vegetation, buildings
02
Ground Filtering
Creating a clean bare-earth model
03
DTM/DSM Generation
Producing raster elevation products
04
Contour Extraction
Creating vector contour lines for CAD
05
Feature Extraction
Identifying buildings, trees, infrastructure
Traditional LiDAR processing software can be complex and expensive. Lidarvisor simplifies this workflow with AI-powered automation. Upload your point cloud, and Lidarvisor automatically classifies it into 12 classes including ground, vegetation, buildings, wires, poles, and more.
Process Your Downloaded Data with Lidarvisor
Lidarvisor is designed for surveyors and GIS professionals who need fast, accurate results without the steep learning curve of traditional software. Here is what you can produce from your free LiDAR data:
Tips for Working with Free LiDAR Data
Free datasets vary in quality, point density, and age. Always review the collection date and accuracy specifications before using data in production projects.
LiDAR data comes in various projections. Confirm the CRS matches your project requirements, or be prepared to reproject.
Download a test tile first to evaluate data quality before downloading large datasets.
Older datasets may have lower point density (1-2 points/m²) while newer surveys often exceed 8 points/m². Higher density enables more detailed analysis.
Conclusion
Free LiDAR data is more accessible than ever. Government agencies worldwide are releasing high-quality point cloud datasets that enable projects previously limited by budget constraints. Whether you need terrain data for flood modeling, forestry analysis, or infrastructure planning, these sources provide a solid starting point.
Once you have your data, let Lidarvisor handle the processing. Our AI-powered classification and product generation tools turn raw point clouds into professional deliverables in minutes, not hours.
Ready to Process Your Data?
Create a FREE account now and start processing your point cloud. Get 2 GB of storage space and classify up to 10 hectares for free.