decimate_points function

Decimate a LAS object

Reduce the number of points using several possible algorithms.

decimate_points(las, algorithm)

Arguments

• las: An object of class LAS or LAScatalog .
• algorithm: function. An algorithm of point decimation. lidR have: random , homogenize , highest , lowest and random_per_voxel .

Returns

If the input is a LAS object, returns a LAS object. If the input is a LAScatalog, returns a LAScatalog.

Non-supported LAScatalog options

The option select is not supported and not respected because it always preserves the file format and all the attributes. select = "*" is imposed internally.

The options chunk buffer is not supported and not respected because it is not needed.

Examples

LASfile <- system.file("extdata", "Megaplot.laz", package="lidR")
las <- readLAS(LASfile, select = "xyz")

# Select points randomly to reach an overall density of 1
thinned1 <- decimate_points(las, random(1))
#plot(rasterize_density(las))
#plot(rasterize_density(thinned1))

# Select points randomly to reach an homogeneous density of 1
thinned2 <- decimate_points(las, homogenize(1,5))
#plot(rasterize_density(thinned2))

# Select the highest point within each pixel of an overlayed grid
thinned3 = decimate_points(las, highest(5))
#plot(thinned3)