About LIDAR format

LIDAR files (*.las and *.laz) contain LIDAR point data records (X, Y, and Z point data). Long values within the point records can be scaled and offset. Prior to exporting in this format, you should be familiar with scale factor and offset values specific to LIDAR.

See Also
Exporting a Terrain File

The LIDAR format contains binary data consisting of a header block, variable length records, and point data. All data is in little-endian format. The header block comprises a public block. The public block contains generic data such as point numbers and coordinate bounds. It lists items along with their format, size, and specifies whether the item is required or not.

X, Y, and Z scale factors
The scale factor fields contain a double floating point value that is used to scale the corresponding X, Y, and Z long values within the point records. The corresponding X, Y, and Z scale factor must be multiplied by the X, Y, or Z point record value to get the actual X, Y, or Z coordinate. For example, if the X, Y, and Z coordinates are intended to have two decimal point values, then each scale factor will contain the number 0.01.
X, Y, and Z offset
The offset fields should be used to set the overall offset for the point records. In general these numbers will be zero, but in specific cases the resolution of the point data may not be large enough for a given projection system. However, it should always be assumed that these numbers are used. Therefore, to scale a given X from the point record, take the point record X multiplied by the X scale factor, and then add the X offset.