static linking exception added to LASzip compressor

[Martin Isenburg]

Hello,

The standard LGPL license means that you can use LASzip via a DLL in *any* software (open or closed, free or comercial) without anything but a description to how this is linked (if you change the interface of the DLL) and maybe an acknowledgment. Lots of software include the LASzip library or DLL to offer native LAZ and LAS read/write support:

http://laszip.org/#software-with-native-laz-support

In order to allow LASzip to be used on mobile devices and operating systems that do not allow dynamic linking we have always given those who asked permission to link statically provided they did not alter the format. Recently we have officially added this "static linking exception" to the LASzip library.

http://github.com/LAStools/LAStools/blob/master/LASzip/LICENSE.txt

It reads:

As a special exception, the copyright holders of this library give you permission to link this library with independent modules to produce an executable, regardless of the license terms of these independent modules, and to copy and distribute the resulting executable under terms of your choice, provided that you also meet, for each linked independent module, the terms and conditions of the license of that module. An independent module is a module which is not derived from or based on this library. If you modify this library, you may extend this exception to your version of the library, but you are not obliged to do so. If you do not wish to do so, delete this exception statement from your version.

To download the current version of the LASzip DLL go to

http://github.com/LAStools/LAStools/blob/master/LASzip

or use this link to download the entire LAStools\LASlib\LASzip distribution. You find the entirely independent LASzip code and DLL in the subdirectory ".\LAStools\LASzip"

http://github.com/LAStools/LAStools/archive/master.zip

Regards,

Martin @rapidlasso

--

http://rapidlasso.com - fast tools to zip your LiDARs

[Mike Windham]

Thanks Martin!  This is Windows only still right?  Any plans to port to a true Linux version?  

--
Download LAStools at
http://lastools.org
http://rapidlasso.com
Be social with LAStools at
http://facebook.com/LAStools
http://twitter.com/LAStools
http://linkedin.com/groups/LAStools-4408378
Manage your settings at
http://groups.google.com/group/lastools/subscribe

--
Mike Windham | Inventor, US Marine & CEO | New Spin

755 Research Pwy. Ste. 540 Oklahoma City, OK 73104

p. 405-200-1880 Ext. 11  f. 800-360-6949
e. mi...@newspin.com  w. newspin.com

---

The information contained in this transmission may contain privileged and confidential information, including client information protected by federal and state privacy laws. It is intended only for the use of the person(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution, or duplication of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

---

[Martin Isenburg]

Hello,

a "true Linux version" of LASzip is currently available in one of these ways

(1) used via the LGPL-licensed LASlib (http://laslib.org) library but you will have to create your own hooks to turn it into a DLL.

(2) used via the BSD-licensed libLAS (http://liblas.org) compiled with the code on http://laszip.org that already contains the DLL hooks needed by libLAS 

(3) used via the DLL stubs that are in the LASzip subfolder in the LAStools distribution but you will have to create your own Linux-style hooks to turn it into a DLL.

for option (3) you could (a) create the hooks yourself and maybe contribute them back, (b) sponsor (USD 2000) this particular feature for LASzip and then be listed as a bronze sponsor on http://laszip.org, or (c) wait until someone else does (a) or (b).

Regards,

Martin @rapidlasso