What is MIME type "application/vnd.las"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

The MIME type application/vnd.las identifies files storing 3D point cloud data from LiDAR systems.
It is used for detailed spatial data collected by laser sensors. This data helps in mapping, surveying, and environmental studies.

Main Purpose: To store high-precision coordinate data along with measurements like intensity and classification.
Primary Use Cases: Mapping, geospatial analysis, and surveying projects where accurate 3D data is crucial.
Data Handling: Systems use this MIME type to load specialized tools that can visualize and process LiDAR data.
File Variants: It covers both uncompressed (LAS) and compressed (LAZ) formats.

The format is standardized and trusted by professionals in geospatial fields. For more technical details, you might review resources on platforms like ASPRS.

Associated file extensions

.las, .laz

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: application/vnd.las

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/vnd.las">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/vnd.las');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.las, .laz

FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.