SurveyPro Tools

• Load Las file – opens File Explorer to allow the user to select the las file that’s being used for processing. This is necessary for running any of the SurveyorPro features.
• Ground Classifications Options – checkbox to enable/disable SMRF ground classification. When enabled, points are classified as ground (Classification = 2) or non-ground (Classification = 1) using the Simple Morphological Filter algorithm, which iteratively applies morphological opening operations on an elevation grid to detect bare earth.
  • Presets – contains 3 preset profiles for different cloud sceneries or custom option for user defined settings.
  • Cell Size – defines the cell size (in meters) of the elevation grid used for morphological operations. Smaller values preserve more terrain detail but require higher-resolution input data and significantly increase computation time. This is a fundamental parameter that controls the spatial resolution at which the algorithm analyzes terrain. Typical range: 0.5–5.0 meters depending on data density and terrain detail required.
  • Max Window Size – the maximum search radius (in meters) for morphological opening operations. The algorithm grows the window size linearly through successive iterations until reaching this maximum. This parameter must be larger than the largest non-ground feature you want to remove (e.g., building footprint or tall vegetation canopy). If set too small, flat-roofed buildings may be misclassified as ground because the window doesn’t expand enough to “see over” them. Typical range: 12–30 meters.
  • Slope – dimensionless scaling factor (rise/run ratio) that controls maximum terrain steepness the algorithm permits during morphological comparisons. A slope of 0.2 means the algorithm permits approximately 1 meter of elevation rise over 5 meters of horizontal distance. In rugged terrain with steep slopes, use higher values (0.3–0.5); on flat terrain, use lower values (0.1–0.2) to aggressively remove vegetation and structures. Typical range: 0.1–0.5.
  • Elevation Threshold – maximum vertical distance (in meters) a point can be above the morphologically-smoothed ground surface to still be classified as ground. This is the primary parameter controlling classification sensitivity. Smaller values create stricter classification—the algorithm requires points to closely match the smoothed surface. Larger values are more permissive, accepting points from low vegetation or terrain undulations. This parameter directly controls how many points are classified as ground. Typical range: 0.3–1.0 meters.
  • Elevation Scalar – scale factor for the elevation
• Accuracy Assessment – checkbox for accuracy assessment
  • Load GCPs – this button opens File Explorer for the selection of GCP coordinates
• Registration/Debiasing – checkbox for registration and debiasing in relation to local values or GCPs
• DEM/DSM/DTM Generation – checkbox for generation of elevation, surface and terrain models
  • Resolution Size – defines the size of each pixel in the generated DEM, DSM, or DTM. A smaller resolution creates a more detailed model, while a larger one results in a more generalized representation of the terrain.
  • DEM Type – choose between a DSM or DTM
• Save – saves the current configuration to allow the user to close the window and return at a later time. Saving this window and closing out of PCMasterPro software will result in a lost save. This save is local to memory until the closing of the program.
• Run – Runs all selected processes and shows current progress in the status window of PCMasterPro
• Cancel – closes the window without saving or running

Example Outputs #

As previously explained, this feature set allows for access to ground/non-ground classification, accuracy assessments, debiasing, and DEM generation. Below are examples of these outputs that are currently supported.