FLS (Faro Laser Scan file format)

FLS is a proprietary file format developed by Faro Technologies for storing the raw data of individual laser scans. It is used primarily in reality capture, surveying, and 3D documentation workflows involving Faro laser scanners.

An FLS file contains 3D point cloud data enriched with attributes such as:

• Intensity values – reflecting the strength of the returned laser signal
• Colour information – if captured with integrated camera systems
• Metadata – including scanner location, orientation, timestamp, and device settings

FLS files act as base-level scan data that can be processed, aligned, and merged into larger composite models within Faro’s SCENE software environment. They are often integrated into LSP (Laser Scan Project) files for multi-scan projects.

The FLS format supports precision in modelling, spatial analysis, and as-built documentation, particularly in construction, plant design, heritage preservation, and forensic applications. It enables efficient handling of detailed scan data within Faro’s ecosystem and can also be exported or converted for use in third-party point cloud processing tools.

See also: Laser scanning, Point cloud, E57