OWL Launches "OWLManager LAS File Conversion Plugin" for Automatic Extraction of Forest Resource Information from 3D Data

OWL Inc. (Location: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Representative: Keiko Shiozawa), a developer and provider of the 3D forest measurement system "OWL," will launch the "OWLManager LAS File Conversion Plugin" on June 11, 2026. This plugin will be an add-on feature for the forest analysis software "OWLManager" and will enable automatic extraction of forest stand information, such as tree location, diameter, and height, from 3D data (LAS format point cloud data) acquired by third-party laser measurement devices.

This plugin is the result of joint development with Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd.

Background of Development

In recent years, a wide variety of ground laser measurement devices (TLS), including stationary and handheld types, have been released for forest measurement. Much of the 3D point cloud data acquired by these devices is output in the industry-standard "LAS" format. However, even with this point cloud data, environments capable of consistent analysis at the individual tree level and outputting drawings and attribute data have been limited.

Until now, "OWLManager" has provided automatic analysis functions for stand information for data acquired by our own ground laser measurement device "OWL." With the introduction of this plugin, advanced forest analysis can be performed by importing LAS format 3D point clouds into "OWLManager," regardless of the type of measurement device used, enabling effective utilization of existing point cloud assets.

Product Features

This plugin automatically extracts stand information from 3D point clouds (LAS files) measured by third-party devices and allows users to leverage the analysis, display, and output functions of "OWLManager." The features of this plugin, including "OWLManager," are as follows:

Automatic Extraction of Stand Information

Extracts the position, diameter, and height of individual trees from 3D point clouds and imports them directly into "OWLManager."

Supports Both Coniferous and Broadleaf Trees

Supports not only coniferous trees like cedar and cypress but also broadleaf trees with clumped stems or branching.

Automatic Generation of 2D Location Maps and 3D Overlay Display

Automatically creates location maps of trees and displays them overlaid on the point cloud in 3D, allowing for intuitive understanding of the current forest status.

Versatile Data Output

Outputs analyzed stand information (position coordinates, various attributes, etc.) in CSV and Shape file formats.

Overview of Forest Analysis with This Plugin

Various ground laser point clouds can be analyzed with OWLManager.

The analysis results can be used for creating various reports and for forest management in GIS.

For details on the LAS plugin, please refer to our website: ・OWLManager LAS File Conversion Plugin

https://www.owl-sys.com/owl_spec_list/las_plugin

Release Date, Price, and Operating Environment

Release Date: June 11, 2026

Price: Open Price (Please inquire separately)

Supported Format: LAS format 3D point cloud

Operating Environment: Conforms to the operating environment of "OWLManager Ver2."

For details, please refer to the OWLManager website: https://www.owl-sys.com/owl_spec_list/owlmanager

Representative's Comment

"As measurement devices become more diverse, we developed this plugin with the desire to allow customers to utilize their existing point cloud data as is. Furthermore, through collaboration with Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd., we have established expertise not only in coniferous trees, which are the primary focus in forestry, but also in the analysis of broadleaf trees. We expect this plugin to be used in a wide range of fields." (Keiko Shiozawa, Representative Director, OWL Inc.)

About Joint Development with Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd.

This software was realized through joint development with Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd., which has extensive experience in acquiring and analyzing spatial information. By combining the knowledge of both companies, we aim to provide a practical forest analysis environment that supports diverse measurement methods.

About "OWLManager"

"OWLManager" is forest analysis software that, when combined with the ground laser measurement device "OWL," analyzes 3D point clouds measured by laser to extract information such as tree position, diameter, and height, and displays it as a 2D tree location map or a 3D tree walkthrough. It has been widely adopted in the forestry sector, including by the Forestry Agency's Regional Forest Offices and forest cooperatives, as well as in research and forest management at universities and companies.

It should be noted that the 3D forest measurement system "OWL" and "OWLManager" were previously developed and provided by Ad-In Research Co., Ltd. However, the business was transferred to OWL Inc. on May 1, 2026, and is now developed and provided by our company.

Developer

This product was developed by:

OWL Inc.

Location: Kioicho Park Building 8F, 3-6 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Keiko Shiozawa, Representative Director

Established: March 2, 2026

Business Activities: Development and sales of the 3D forest measurement system "OWL," and others.

URL: https://company.owl-sys.com

Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd.

Location: Shinjuku Green Tower Building 15F, 6-14-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Hitoshi Hatakeyama, President and Representative Director

Established: February 26, 1954

Business Activities: Aerial surveying, and others.

URL: https://www.ajiko.co.jp

Retailers and Distributors

This product can be purchased through retailers and distributors.

* Retailers and distributors are recruited continuously.

* Companies interested should contact OWL Inc.

The following retailers are introduced:

Jitsuta Corporation

Location: 2-8-1 Nakamura, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture

Representative: Keisuke Yamauchi, Representative Director

Established: September 1, 1949

Business Activities: Construction, forestry, and various businesses centered on drones.

URL: https://www.jitsuta.co.jp

Inquiries Regarding This Matter

Inquiries about product features and technology:

OWL Inc. (LAS Plugin Department)

TEL: 03-6823-7138

Mail: [email protected]

HP: https://company.owl-sys.com

Inquiries about sales and pricing:

Jitsuta Corporation (OWL Representative)

TEL: 089-931-7175

Mail: [email protected]

HP: https://www.jitsuta.co.jp