COPC Converter
A lightweight desktop utility for converting large point cloud files to COPC format
The COPC Converter is a free, lightweight desktop utility for converting LAS and LAZ files to COPC format. Quantiscan can convert files directly in the browser, but this standalone tool is useful when working with very large files that exceed browser memory or WASM limits.
Most users don't need this tool. Quantiscan handles COPC conversion directly in the browser via Add Data → Point Cloud → Convert LAZ to COPC. Use this desktop utility only for very large files (typically several gigabytes) where browser memory is a constraint.
Download
Download the COPC Converter for macOS (Apple Silicon & Intel) and Windows from the downloads page.
Point Cloud Conversion
The converter takes standard point cloud files (.las, .laz) and produces COPC format (.copc.laz). COPC files can be streamed efficiently in Quantiscan, enabling smooth visualization of very large datasets without loading the entire file into memory. Conversion runs entirely on your machine — no account required, no data uploaded.
During conversion, you can also:
- Override CRS — Correct files that have a wrong or missing EPSG coordinate reference system
- Reproject coordinates — Transform point cloud data between different coordinate systems
- Assign vertical datums — Tag files with vertical reference systems like NAVD88, NGVD29, or EGM2008
Converting Files
Add Files
Drag and drop your .las or .laz files onto the drop zone, or click Browse to select files from your computer. You can add multiple files for batch conversion.
Configure CRS (Optional)
If your files have an incorrect or missing coordinate system, expand the CRS Settings panel to:
- Override EPSG — Enter the correct EPSG code for your data
- Reproject — Transform coordinates to a different coordinate system
- Vertical Datum — Assign a vertical reference system (NAVD88, NGVD29, etc.)
The converter will auto-detect the EPSG code from your first file when possible.
Convert
Click Convert to begin. Each file shows a progress bar with the number of points processed. Output files are saved alongside the originals with a .copc.laz extension.
Load in Quantiscan
Open Quantiscan and select Add Data → Point Cloud → Add Local COPC to load your converted files. COPC files stream progressively, so even multi-gigabyte datasets will start rendering immediately.
Files that are already in COPC format will be detected automatically and skipped during conversion.
Supported Formats
| Format | Extension | Support |
|---|---|---|
| LAS (uncompressed) | .las | Input |
| LAZ (compressed) | .laz | Input |
| COPC | .copc.laz | Output |
Troubleshooting
File won't convert
Ensure the file is a valid LAS or LAZ point cloud. The converter validates files on import and will report if a file can't be read.
Data appears in the wrong location in Quantiscan
The source file likely has an incorrect or missing coordinate reference system. Use the Override EPSG option in CRS Settings to specify the correct EPSG code for your data.
macOS security warning
On first launch, macOS may block the app because it was downloaded from the internet. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and click Open Anyway next to the message.