This sample shows how per-point color information can be added to a LAS file from a co-registered satellite image. To run this extension requires a full IDL license.

Use the sample code to become familiar with extensions. This sample provides information on how to:

  • Retrieve the current ENVIPointCloudViewer instance, or a launch a new ENVIPointCloudViewer instance.
  • Prompt for input LAS and raster filenames, and for output LAS filename.
  • Verify that LAS and raster data overlap.
  • Get points within a specified range.
  • Look up the pixel color for each point.
  • Write points that fall within the extents of the raster to a new LAS file using RGB.

View the Sample Code

  1. Start the IDL Workbench.
  2. Select File > Open and navigate to the PRO Code file INSTALL_DIR\ENVIxx\examples\lidar\color_point_cloud.pro. The file opens in the IDL Workbench.
  3. Close IDL.

Run the Sample Code from the ENVI Toolbox

For these steps, you will need a LAS file and a corresponding raster file.

  1. Copy the PRO code source file INSTALL_DIR\ENVIxx\examples\lidar\color_point_cloud.pro to your user_home/.idl/envi/extensionsx_x folder.
  2. Launch ENVI x.x +IDL x.x from the Windows Start menu.
  3. In the ENVI Toolbox, select Extensions > LiDAR > Samples and double-click Color Point Cloud. The Select Input Files dialog appears.