LiDAR training with Metashape is now part of our online Metashape Professional Edition for Forensics & Surveying Course for professionals working in forensics and surveying. Our hands-on LiDAR training in Metashape will guide you through how to handle real LiDAR data from start to finish — from import and masking to cleaning and visualizing — without needing access to a LiDAR-equipped drone. For existing students access to this content is immediate for we do not expire or time limit course access.
What makes this even more valuable is that students now get access to real-world LiDAR data captured in DJI Terra — a rare opportunity unless you own a LiDAR-capable drone.
The dataset comes courtesy of Tupi Assessoria Florestal and Tupi Drone, based in Brazil. It features a group of refrigerated warehouses used for horticultural products — a great example of industrial-scale scanning in practice. AccuPixel is extremely grateful to Tupi Drone for sharing this material, which brings added realism and complexity to the training.
Why Add LiDAR to Your Metashape Workflow?
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances to the Earth’s surface. By emitting rapid light pulses and measuring the time it takes for them to bounce back, LiDAR generates precise, high-resolution 3D point clouds. These point clouds can be used to create digital elevation models (DEMs), contour maps, and detailed surface models.
In practical terms, LiDAR helps professionals accurately map terrain, detect subtle surface changes, and document built or natural environments — even in areas with dense vegetation or limited visibility.
LiDAR brings precision and depth that photogrammetry alone can’t always deliver.
In fact, when paired with Metashape’s tools, you’ll get cleaner point clouds, improved terrain accuracy, and smoother deliverables. Accordingly, LiDAR training with Metashape gives you practical experience working with point clouds using tools you likely already know.
Get Hands-On with DJI Terra LiDAR Data
We’ve included a full LiDAR dataset in the course — captured by Tupi Drone and Tupi Assessoria Florestal in Brazil. It’s a horticultural site with a lot of detail, so you’ll get to work with data that reflects real-world complexity.
You’ll learn how to:
- Export LAS files from DJI Terra
- Import those files into Metashape
- Align imagery and apply trajectory data
- Manage accuracy and noise at every stage
No LiDAR Drone? No Worries.
Given that not everyone has access to a LiDAR-capable drone — and that’s okay -we’ve included everything you need to get started right away. Therefore, you do not need to own a drone to follow along — everything’s provided in the course download. AccuPixel’s Hands-on LiDAR training in Metashape is designed to be accessible. If you’re curious about what LiDAR adds to your workflow, this is a great way to explore it with no added hardware.
What will we cover in our LiDAR Training?
Hands-on LiDAR Forensics Training in Metashape: From Import to Cleanup
First, you’ll process your LiDAR mission in DJI Terra and export a zipped file.
Then you’ll unpack it, bring it into Metashape, and align your imagery to prepare for the cloud import. Because we load the trajectory file first, the LiDAR data lands in the right place automatically. This step increases spatial accuracy, which is crucial for documentation and site reconstruction.
Make the Most of Your Point Cloud
Once your data is in Metashape, you’ll be able to view it in a few different ways — by elevation, time, or simple flight path. You’ll also apply import settings that help Metashape understand the precision and attributes baked into the LAS file. LiDAR data workflows in Metashape also covers how to mask out low-quality or redundant data using trajectory-based filters.
Clean, Smooth, and Filter Your Cloud
LiDAR often picks up extra noise — from wind-blown leaves, reflections, or even people walking through the scene. Consequently, we show you how to reduce that noise using Metashape’s built-in smoothing tool.
You’ll also learn how to target certain point classes (like road surfaces) while keeping important features like curbs and steps intact. Notably, we always recommend saving an unfiltered version first, just in case you need to go back.
Get Started with LiDAR in Metashape
Whether you’re documenting a site, mapping terrain, or working with dense vegetation, LiDAR forensics training with Metashape gives you the tools and techniques you need. In fact, we encourage you to explore this new module in our Metashape Professional Edition for Forensics & Surveying Course.
It’s now live — and ready for you to dive in.