GeoTIFF, LAS, and DXF: Understanding Drone Mapping Deliverable Formats

Drone mapping produces data. But data is only valuable if your team can open it, analyze it, and integrate it into your existing workflows. The format of the deliverable determines which software tools can use it — and a deliverable in the wrong format is a deliverable that sits unused.

This guide explains the most common drone mapping deliverable formats, what they contain, and which tools they work with.

GeoTIFF is the standard format for georeferenced raster data — orthomosaics, DEMs, and other grid-based datasets. It is a TIFF image file with embedded geographic metadata (coordinate reference system, pixel size, and origin coordinates).

What it contains: A grid of pixel values, each representing a geographic location. For orthomosaics, pixel values are RGB colors. For DEMs, pixel values are elevation.

Compatible software:

• ArcGIS / ArcGIS Pro
• QGIS (free)
• AutoCAD / Civil 3D (via import)
• Global Mapper
• Google Earth Pro
• Most GIS and mapping platforms

GeoTIFF is the most universally compatible format for drone mapping raster data. If you are unsure what format to request, ask for GeoTIFF.

ECW (Enhanced Compression Wavelet) and MrSID (Multi-resolution Seamless Image Database) are compressed raster formats designed for large imagery files. They produce much smaller file sizes than GeoTIFF while maintaining visual quality.

When to use: For very large orthomosaics (hundreds of square miles) where file size is a constraint.

Limitation: These formats require specific software support and are not as universally compatible as GeoTIFF.

LAS is the standard format for point cloud data — the dense 3D point datasets produced by both photogrammetry and LiDAR. LAZ is a compressed version of LAS that produces significantly smaller files with no loss of data.

What it contains: Millions of 3D points, each with X, Y, Z coordinates and additional attributes (color, intensity, classification).

Compatible software:

• Autodesk ReCap
• AutoCAD / Civil 3D
• ArcGIS Pro
• QGIS with point cloud plugins
• CloudCompare (free)
• Trimble RealWorks
• Leica Cyclone

LAS/LAZ is the standard format for point cloud data and is supported by virtually all professional 3D modeling and GIS platforms.

E57 is an alternative point cloud format used primarily with terrestrial laser scanners. It is less common in drone mapping but may be required for integration with specific BIM or facility management platforms.

DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) and DWG are AutoCAD formats for vector data — lines, polylines, points, and text. In drone mapping, they are commonly used for:

• Contour lines — elevation contours derived from the DEM
• Feature extraction — roads, buildings, boundaries, and other features digitized from the orthomosaic
• Survey points — ground control points and check points

Compatible software:

• AutoCAD / Civil 3D
• MicroStation
• Revit (via import)
• Most CAD platforms

DXF/DWG is the standard format for engineering and construction workflows. If your team uses AutoCAD or Civil 3D, request contours and features in DXF format.

Shapefile is the standard vector format for GIS data. It stores geographic features (points, lines, polygons) with associated attribute data.

Compatible software:

• ArcGIS
• QGIS
• Google Earth Pro
• Most GIS platforms

Shapefiles are appropriate for GIS workflows — property boundaries, land use polygons, drainage features, and other spatial data that will be analyzed in a GIS environment.

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) and KMZ (compressed KML) are formats used by Google Earth and other web mapping platforms. They are useful for sharing data with stakeholders who do not have GIS software.

Every georeferenced deliverable has a coordinate reference system (CRS) that defines how the data relates to the Earth's surface. Common CRS options include:

• WGS84 (EPSG:4326) — geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude), used by GPS and Google Maps
• UTM zones — projected coordinates in meters, appropriate for most engineering and GIS work
• State Plane — a US-specific projected coordinate system used for high-accuracy surveying
• NAD83 — the standard horizontal datum for US surveying

When requesting deliverables, specify the CRS that matches your existing data. Mixing CRS without proper reprojection causes data misalignment.

The format of your drone mapping deliverables determines whether your team can actually use the data. Before commissioning a survey, confirm that the deliverables will be provided in formats compatible with your software and workflows.

At Blackridge Geospatial, we deliver data in the formats your team already uses. Contact us to discuss your deliverable requirements.