Point Cloud Library vs Terrasolid TerraScan

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.

Terrasolid TerraScan is Windows desktop software for managing, processing, and visualizing point clouds, including tools for creating 3D vector data from laser points. Automatic classification routines can be refined with semi-automatic and manual tools. It can generate 3D building vector models up to LOD2 over large areas and vectorize power lines. Classification routines can be combined into macros for batch processing, and TerraBatch can run macros on other workstations over a LAN. Import and export formats include LAS, LAZ, TerraScan Binary, TerraScan Fast Binary, and user-defined ASCII formats. TerraScan supports point-cloud registration, E57, point classification, and geospatial analysis. The available editions are Full, UAV, and Lite, with network or node-locked licenses. A network license allows multiple users on the same network to share product licenses. Use cases listed by the maker include urban planning, asset management, emergency response, mapping, powerline, road, railway, water resources, forestry, and mining. Paid plans include subscriptions and perpetual licenses; a free trial is available, and no free plan is listed.