# PDAL

> Software library

**Wikidata**: [Q134476414](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134476414)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pdal

## Summary
PDAL (Point Data Abstraction Library) is a free software library designed for working with point cloud data in geographic information systems. It operates across multiple platforms and supports various file formats for reading and writing point cloud data.

## Key Facts
- PDAL is a free software library that uses the 3-clause BSD License
- It is cross-platform, capable of running on multiple operating systems
- PDAL is specifically designed for geographic information systems and point cloud data
- The library is used by QGIS, a popular open-source GIS application
- PDAL supports reading and writing multiple file formats including LAS, HDF, Wavefront .obj, and Polygon File Format
- The latest stable version as of the provided data is 2.8.4, released on 2025-02-03
- PDAL is available as a Fedora package called "PDAL" and through MacPorts as "py-pdal-plugins"

## FAQs
### Q: What is PDAL used for?
A: PDAL is a software library designed for working with point cloud data in geographic information systems. It helps users read, process, and write point cloud data in various formats.

### Q: Is PDAL free to use?
A: Yes, PDAL is free software distributed under the 3-clause BSD License, which allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it and modified versions.

### Q: What file formats does PDAL support?
A: PDAL supports reading and writing multiple file formats including LAS file format, Hierarchical Data Format (HDF), Wavefront .obj file, and Polygon File Format.

### Q: Which platforms can PDAL run on?
A: PDAL is cross-platform, meaning it can run on multiple computing platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

## Why It Matters
PDAL plays a crucial role in the geospatial data processing ecosystem by providing a standardized way to handle point cloud data across different platforms and software systems. Its support for multiple file formats makes it an essential tool for professionals working with LiDAR, photogrammetry, and other 3D geospatial data sources. By being free and open-source, PDAL lowers barriers to entry for researchers, developers, and organizations working with geospatial data. Its integration with tools like QGIS extends its reach to a broader user base, facilitating data interoperability and standardization in the geospatial community.

## Notable For
- PDAL provides a unified abstraction layer for handling diverse point cloud data formats, reducing the complexity of data processing workflows
- It is one of the few open-source libraries specifically designed for point cloud data manipulation in geographic information systems
- The library has a long development history with continuous updates since its initial releases, showing sustained community interest
- Its cross-platform nature ensures compatibility with various operating systems, broadening its user base
- PDAL's support for both reading and writing multiple file formats makes it a versatile tool in the geospatial data processing pipeline

## Body
### Overview
PDAL (Point Data Abstraction Library) is a free software library specifically designed for handling point cloud data in geographic information systems. The library is distributed under the 3-clause BSD License, allowing for widespread use and modification. PDAL operates across multiple platforms, making it accessible to users on different operating systems.

### Technical Specifications
- Programming Language: PDAL is programmed in a language indicated by Q2407
- File Format Support:
  - Readable: LAS file format, Hierarchical Data Format, Wavefront .obj file, Polygon File Format
  - Writable: LAS file format, Polygon File Format
- Package Availability:
  - Fedora package: PDAL
  - MacPorts port: py-pdal-plugins
  - Guix variable name: pdal

### Version History
PDAL has had multiple stable releases throughout its development:
- Version 1.1.0 (stable, released 2015-11-25)
- Version 1.2.0 (stable, released 2016-08-22)
- Version 1.3.0 (stable, released 2016-08-29)
- Version 1.4.0 (stable, released 2016-12-15)
- Version 1.5.0 (stable, released 2017-04-06)
- Version 1.7.1 (stable, released 2018-04-06)
- Version 1.7.2 (stable, released 2018-05-13)
- Version 1.8.0 (stable, released 2018-11-05)
- Version 1.9.0 (stable, released 2019-04-09)
- Version 2.8.4 (released 2025-02-03)

### Usage and Integration
PDAL is used by various geospatial applications and tools, including QGIS, a popular open-source geographic information system. Its source code is hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL, allowing for community collaboration and contribution. The library provides a comprehensive set of tools for reading, processing, and writing point cloud data, making it an essential component in the geospatial data processing pipeline.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.8.4)
2. [Release 1.1.0. 2015](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/1.1.0)
3. [Release 1.2.0. 2016](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/1.2.0)
4. [Release 1.3.0. 2016](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/1.3.0)
5. [Release 1.4.0. 2016](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/1.4.0)
6. [Release 1.5.0. 2017](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/1.5.0)
7. [Release 1.7.1. 2018](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/1.7.1)
8. [Release 1.7.2. 2018](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/1.7.2)
9. [Release 1.8.0. 2018](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/1.8.0)
10. [Release 1.9.0. 2019](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/1.9.0)
11. [Release 1.9.1. 2019](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/1.9.1)
12. [Release 2.0.1. 2019](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.0.1)
13. [Release 2.1.0. 2020](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.1.0)
14. [Release 2.2.0. 2020](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.2.0)
15. [Release 2.3.0. 2021](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.3.0)
16. [Release 2.4.0. 2022](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.4.0)
17. [Release 2.4.1. 2022](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.4.1)
18. [Release 2.4.2. 2022](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.4.2)
19. [Release 2.4.3. 2022](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.4.3)
20. [Release 2.5.0. 2023](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.5.0)
21. [Release 2.5.1. 2023](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.5.1)
22. [Release 2.5.2. 2023](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.5.2)
23. [Release 2.5.3. 2023](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.5.3)
24. [Release 2.5.4. 2023](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.5.4)
25. [Release 2.5.5. 2023](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.5.5)
26. [Release 2.5.6. 2023](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.5.6)
27. [Release 2.6.0. 2023](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.6.0)
28. [Release 2.6.1. 2023](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.6.1)
29. [Release 2.6.2. 2023](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.6.2)
30. [Release 2.6.3. 2024](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.6.3)
31. [Release 2.7.0. 2024](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.7.0)
32. [Release 2.7.1. 2024](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.7.1)
33. [Release 2.7.2. 2024](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.7.2)
34. [Release 2.8.0. 2024](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.8.0)
35. [Release 2.8.1. 2024](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.8.1)
36. [Release 2.8.2. 2024](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.8.2)
37. [Release 2.8.3. 2024](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.8.3)
38. [Release 2.9.0. 2025](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.9.0)
39. [Release 2.9.1. 2025](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.9.1)
40. [Release 2.9.2. 2025](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.9.2)
41. [Release 2.9.3. 2025](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.9.3)
42. [Release 2.10.0. 2026](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.10.0)
43. [Release 2.10.1. 2026](https://github.com/PDAL/PDAL/releases/tag/2.10.1)
44. [Source](https://pdal.io/en/stable/stages/readers.html)
45. [Source](https://pdal.io/en/stable/stages/writers.html)