How to Download Free LiDAR Data from Denmark Dataforsyningen

Denmark’s Dataforsyningen (Datafordeler) provides free access to Danmarks Højdemodel (DHM) — one of Europe’s most detailed national elevation datasets. This guide shows you how to download high-resolution LiDAR point clouds and derived products covering all of Denmark.

Dataforsyningen (also known as Datafordeler) is Denmark’s national open data portal, operated by Klimadatastyrelsen. It provides free access to authoritative geographic data including the comprehensive Danmarks Højdemodel (DHM) — a detailed elevation model covering all of Denmark with ~5cm vertical accuracy.

From the homepage, you’ll see data categories including:

• Landkort og geografi — Maps and Geography (where LiDAR data lives)
• Vand og klima — Water and Climate data
• Fast ejendom — Real Estate data

Click on “Landkort og geografi” to access elevation data.

The DHM includes 50+ data services:

• DHM Fildownload (Punktsky) — LAZ point cloud tiles
• DHM Fildownload (Raster) — GeoTIFF terrain/surface models
• DHM Højdekurver — Contour line data
• DHM WMS/WMTS — Web map services for visualization

Click on the DHM category to expand and see all available download options.

Choose your account type:

• Datafordeler Administration — Create an IT system with API keys for programmatic access (recommended for developers)
• Web Bruger — Simple web login for interactive downloads

Note: Web user accounts will be phased out by June 2026. For long-term access, set up an Administration account with API keys or OAuth authentication.

Map-based Selection:
Use the Kortvisning (Map View) to visually select an area and download tiles. Hold Shift and drag to create a bounding box — maximum 10 km² per request.

REST API:
For larger areas, use the REST API with your API key. Data is organized in 1×1 km LAZ tiles grouped into 10×10 km ZIP files following the Danish Square Grid (DDKN).

Pre-generated Files:
Download complete national datasets directly from FTP or via the web interface after logging in.

Available datasets include:

• Punktsky — Current nationwide point cloud (~4.5 pts/m²)
• Punktsky2015 — Historic 2015 dataset
• Punktsky2007 — Historic 2007 dataset

Data is delivered as 1×1 km LAZ tiles grouped into 10×10 km ZIP files. Each file follows the Danish Square Grid naming convention (DDKN).

API Example:
https://api.datafordeler.dk/rest/dhm/punktsky/{dataset}?bbox=...

Use DDKN Grid Names

Data follows the Danish Square Grid (DDKN). Tiles are named like “10km_623_56” — the first number is cell size, followed by easting and northing. Use the grid index to locate your area.

Set Up API Access

Web user access ends June 2026. Set up an IT system with API keys through Datafordeler Administration for long-term programmatic access to all datasets.

EPSG:25832 Coordinate System

All Danish data uses ETRS89 / UTM zone 32N (EPSG:25832). Heights are referenced to DVR90 (Danish Vertical Reference 1990). Transform coordinates before analysis if needed.

Large File Sizes

Nationwide datasets are massive — the 0.25m contour file alone is ~400 GB. Plan storage accordingly and consider using the REST API to download specific tiles rather than full datasets.