CloudCompare forum

Hi!
I have a .las point cloud file exported from WebODM. When I open it in CloudCompare (tested with both v2.14 and v2.12.4), the cloud appears cut into vertical slices — like regularly spaced bands or missing sections.

However, when I open the same .las file in Cyclone 3DR, it looks completely fine — all points are there.

The issue is not just visual: when I export the file again from CloudCompare (even after applying Edit > Subsample > Random), the exported file still contains the same slices — as if only partial data was present.

I’ve already tried:

Subsampling (Random, Spatial)

Cropping and saving

Converting to other formats (.ply, .e57)

Using different CloudCompare versions

Nothing solves the issue — it seems like CloudCompare reads the .las file incorrectly or applies some automatic LOD or octree-based filtering that corrupts the displayed and exported data.

Can you help me please? Thank you and have a good day!!!

Ah ah, If I got 1$ every time this question is asked...

This is due to large coordinates. See the warning when you load the LAS file about large coordinates, and why a 'Global shift' should be applied at loading time to reduce the amplitude of the coordinates. You should always apply a shift that's sufficient to reduce the very large coordinate to something < 10^3 or 10^4. Unless you'll lose accuracy.

Mind that this shift is only temporary. Everything is restored when exporting the cloud later.