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.

Run the Sample Code from the ENVI Toolbox


  1. Copy the PRO code source file INSTALL_DIR\ENVIxx\examples\lidar\color_point_cloud.pro to a directory that ENVI searches for extensions. See Deploy Extensions for directory information.

  2. Launch ENVI+IDL by clicking ENVI+IDL from the Windows Start menu.
  3. In the ENVI Toolbox, select Extensions > LiDAR > Samples and double-click Color Point Cloud.

Note: Depending on your user account privileges, you may not be able to save changes to the sample extensions. Refer to Toolbox Extensions for information on copying the samples to a user-writeable location.