Understanding Data Formats
This guide explains common formats used with AVAG and the types of information they contain. Some are source files, while others describe processed outputs or measurement geometry.
JPG / JPEG
Section titled “JPG / JPEG”Drone photographs commonly use JPG/JPEG. Upload source photos for photogrammetric processing to produce outputs such as orthophotos, elevation models, and point clouds.
GeoTIFF — .tif / .tiff
Section titled “GeoTIFF — .tif / .tiff”GeoTIFF combines raster data with geographic referencing. Common uses include orthophotos and digital surface models. Data processed in other software may be supplied in this format.
DSM — Digital Surface Model
Section titled “DSM — Digital Surface Model”A DSM is an elevation dataset, commonly stored as GeoTIFF. It represents the surface, including buildings, vegetation, stockpiles, and ground. AVAG uses elevation data for volume calculations, profiles, and surface analysis.
LAS / LAZ
Section titled “LAS / LAZ”LAS and its compressed counterpart LAZ store point clouds: collections of three-dimensional points produced by photogrammetry or laser scanning. AVAG supports both for point cloud data.
A point cloud and a DSM are different representations. The ability to view a point cloud does not itself establish that a DSM is available for a calculation.
Mesh — OBJ / MTL / JPG in a ZIP
Section titled “Mesh — OBJ / MTL / JPG in a ZIP”A mesh represents a surface using triangles, often with photographic textures. A packaged mesh can include OBJ geometry, MTL material definitions, and JPG textures. Meshes provide a 3D representation for site inspection.
LandXML — .xml
Section titled “LandXML — .xml”LandXML is used in civil engineering to exchange design surfaces, alignments, and related data. In AVAG, imported design surfaces can be viewed alongside survey data for comparison.
DXF stores CAD drawing information. Use supported DXF imports to bring reference drawings and linework into AVAG alongside aerial data. DXF is also an export option for measurements and elevation profiles.
GeoJSON
Section titled “GeoJSON”GeoJSON represents geographic features such as points, lines, and polygons with associated coordinates and properties. It is commonly used in GIS and web mapping.
JSON-FG
Section titled “JSON-FG”JSON-FG is a measurement export option with support for arcs and coordinate reference system information. Check that the receiving application supports the data you export.
Shapefile — .shp
Section titled “Shapefile — .shp”Shapefile stores vector features and their attributes across a set of associated files. AVAG’s Shapefile export is packaged in a ZIP archive.
TXT is plain text, often used for point coordinate rows. TXT import and export include options for separators and headers. See Importing Points From a TXT File for the import workflow and Data Export for export precision and spreadsheet-safe text settings.
IFC — coming soon
Section titled “IFC — coming soon”IFC is used to exchange building information models. General IFC uploads are coming to AVAG, but no release date has been announced yet.
Frequently asked questions
Section titled “Frequently asked questions”Can I export just part of a point cloud?
Section titled “Can I export just part of a point cloud?”Direct export of a clipped subset is not currently available. A clipbox changes the visible area; it does not create an export file. Contact support to discuss arranging a cropped export.