How to Handle Point Clouds in QGIS 3.18

Technical Guide: Point Cloud Support in QGIS

I authored this technical guide and originally published it on the Gispo Finland Ltd. blog as part of our QGIS expertise documentation.


QGIS 3.18 introduced native point cloud support, marking a significant advancement in open source GIS capabilities for handling LiDAR and other 3D point data. This development brings professional-grade point cloud processing to the open source GIS community.

Point Cloud Integration in QGIS

New Features in QGIS 3.18

The release included several key improvements for point cloud data handling:

  • Native Point Cloud Support: Direct loading and visualization of point cloud formats
  • Performance Optimizations: Efficient handling of large point cloud datasets
  • Visualization Options: Multiple rendering modes for point cloud display
  • Integration with Processing Tools: Point cloud processing within the QGIS framework

Supported Formats

QGIS 3.18 supports various point cloud formats commonly used in surveying and remote sensing applications, enabling users to work with data from different sources and platforms.

Workflow Improvements

The integration of point cloud support into QGIS streamlines workflows for professionals working with LiDAR data and other 3D spatial datasets. Users can now perform point cloud analysis within the familiar QGIS environment alongside traditional vector and raster data.

Processing Capabilities

The new functionality includes tools for point cloud filtering, classification, and analysis, making QGIS a more comprehensive solution for 3D spatial data processing.


About This Technical Guide

This guide was developed as part of Gispo Finland Ltd.’s commitment to documenting and sharing knowledge about QGIS developments, helping the community adopt new features effectively.

Read the complete original article on the Gispo Finland Ltd. blog

  • QGIS 3.18 new features
  • Point cloud data processing
  • LiDAR workflows in open source GIS

Need help implementing point cloud workflows? Contact me to discuss QGIS training and consulting for 3D spatial data.