Point Cloud Library vs Quick Terrain Modeler

Point Cloud Library (PCL) is a free, open-source project for processing 2D and 3D images and point clouds. Its algorithms cover filtering, feature estimation, surface reconstruction, registration, model fitting, and segmentation. They can be used to reduce noise, join point clouds, divide scenes into segments, find keypoints, calculate descriptors, create surfaces, and visualize point data.

PCL is divided into smaller code libraries that can be compiled separately, supporting distribution on systems with limited computing capacity or storage. Prebuilt binaries are available for Linux, Windows, and macOS, and the project recommends package managers to distribute PCL and simplify installation of its third-party dependencies. It supports OpenNI 3D interfaces for acquiring and processing data from devices such as PrimeSensor cameras, Microsoft Kinect, and Asus XTionPro. The API reference includes public methods and classes, code snippets, and links to scientific publications. PCL uses the 3-clause BSD license and is free for commercial and research use.

Quick Terrain Modeler is 64-bit Windows desktop software for exploiting 3D point clouds and terrain data from LiDAR and other sources. It displays point clouds and surface models in 3D scenes and can drape file-based or WMS imagery over them. Analysis tools cover 3D measurement, slope, flood, volumetric, communications, and helicopter landing zones. Classification and extraction can produce building footprints, roof vectors, centroids, DSMs, and DTMs. The software accepts LiDAR, radar, photogrammetry or imagery, and sonar, including multiple sensor types in one scene. Exports support GIS, imagery, CAD, PowerPoint, and Google Earth; WMS imagery and NGA GRID access are available for DoD users. It can operate without a network, although some integrations and data access need one. Node Lock, Portable, and Floating licenses serve different workstation and network arrangements. Pricing is on request, and a free trial requires an organizational email address.