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Libraries · head to head

Koha vs PDAL

Koha logo

Koha

Libraries

The world's first free and open source library system

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PDAL logo

PDAL

Libraries

Open source C++ library and command line tool for point cloud translation and processing

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Koha no pricing published; Koha is free and open source with no commercial licensing fee; PDAL it is a library and command line tool with no graphical interface, so anyone expecting to inspect, edit or visualise a point cloud needs entirely separate software.
  • They diverge on capability: Koha covers Circulation management, PDAL covers Format translation.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Koha and PDAL actually diverge.

Attributes where Koha and PDAL differ
AttributeKohaPDAL
Pricing modelopen-sourceOpen source, no licence fee
PlatformsWeb, ApiLinux, Windows, macOS
Founded1999Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Libraries).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Koha

  • Circulation management
  • MARC21/UNIMARC cataloging
  • Acquisitions
  • Serials management
  • Patron management
  • OPAC with faceted search
  • Reports and statistics
  • Z39.50 support

Only in PDAL

  • Format translation
  • JSON pipelines
  • Ground classification filters
  • Reprojection
  • Rasterisation
  • Python bindings
  • Streaming mode
  • Cloud-native output

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Koha

  • Libraries self-hosting an open source integrated library system for cataloging and circulation without vendor licensing feesnot PDAL

PDAL

  • A mapping agency building a repeatable pipeline that reprojects, classifies ground and tiles a national lidar datasetnot Koha
  • A developer converting client-delivered LAS files into cloud-optimised COPC for streaming to a web viewernot Koha
  • A researcher scripting outlier removal and DEM generation from drone lidar inside a Python notebooknot Koha
  • A survey firm automating quality checks on incoming point cloud deliveries rather than opening each file by handnot Koha

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Koha

  • No pricing published; Koha is free and open source with no commercial licensing fee

PDAL

  • It is a library and command line tool with no graphical interface, so anyone expecting to inspect, edit or visualise a point cloud needs entirely separate software.
  • Pipelines are written as JSON with filter-specific parameters, and getting classification results right requires understanding the underlying algorithms rather than tuning a slider.
  • Development depends heavily on a small contributor base and on public sector contract funding, which is a concentration risk for an organisation making it load-bearing.
  • There is no vendor support tier to purchase; paid help means a consulting engagement, which suits an agency with a procurement process and suits a small firm poorly.
  • Error messages and documentation assume geospatial and command line fluency, so the practical adoption cost is staff capability rather than licence fees.

Pricing, plan by plan

Koha

Free
  • Self-HostedFree
    • Full ILS functionality
    • Circulation management
    • Cataloging (MARC21/UNIMARC)
  • Hosted (via partners)$150/month
    • Everything in Self-Hosted
    • Managed hosting
    • Professional support

PDAL

Free
  • PDALFree
    • BSD licence
    • Library, command line tool and Python bindings
    • No usage or seat limits

Which should you pick?

Choose Koha if

  • You need circulation management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want marc21/unimarc cataloging.
Koha review

Choose PDAL if

  • You need format translation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, macOS.
  • You also want json pipelines.
PDAL review

Questions people ask

Is Koha or PDAL better?
Neither clearly leads. Koha starts at Free and PDAL at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Koha or PDAL?
Koha starts at Free and PDAL at Free.
Does Koha or PDAL run on more platforms?
Koha runs on Web, Api. PDAL runs on Linux, Windows, macOS.
Can I use Koha for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Koha best used for?
Koha is most often used for libraries self-hosting an open source integrated library system for cataloging and circulation without vendor licensing fees. Of those, libraries self-hosting an open source integrated library system for cataloging and circulation without vendor licensing fees is not what PDAL is typically brought in for.
What can Koha do that PDAL cannot?
Koha covers Circulation management, MARC21/UNIMARC cataloging, Acquisitions, Serials management. PDAL covers Format translation, JSON pipelines, Ground classification filters, Reprojection.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Koha: How much does Koha cost?

Koha is free and open source. There is no software licensing fee. Development is sponsored by libraries, volunteers, and support companies worldwide.

Source
PDAL: Is PDAL a product I can buy?

No. It is a free BSD-licensed library and command line tool. There is nothing to purchase.

Koha: Are there paid support options available?

While no specific pricing is detailed on the main site, Koha mentions paid support options available from support companies, but exact costs require contacting providers directly.

Source
PDAL: Who maintains it?

An open contributor community with development led substantially by Hobu Inc, funded largely through US public sector contracts.

PDAL: Can I get commercial support?

Only by contracting Hobu or an independent consultancy. There is no support subscription.

PDAL: Does it have a viewer?

No. Use QGIS, CloudCompare or a web viewer for visualisation; PDAL handles the processing.

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