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Libby vs PDAL

Libby logo

Libby

Libraries

Free ebook and audiobook app from OverDrive, gated entirely on an active public library card

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: Libby popular and new titles are frequently unavailable for weeks or months due to holds queues, which makes it unreliable for reading something the day you want to start it.; 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: Libby covers Library card authentication, PDAL covers Format translation.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Libby and PDAL actually diverge.

Attributes where Libby and PDAL differ
AttributeLibbyPDAL
Pricing modelFree with a participating library card, no subscriptionOpen source, no licence fee
PlatformsiOS, Android, Web, Kindle (for ebooks)Linux, Windows, macOS

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 Libby

  • Library card authentication
  • Holds queues
  • Multi-library support
  • OverDrive Read and Listen
  • Send to Kindle
  • Tags and shelves

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.

Libby

  • A reader who wants free access to bestsellers and is willing to wait weeks in a holds queue for popular new releasesnot PDAL
  • Someone who holds cards for multiple library systems and wants to widen their available catalogue in one appnot PDAL
  • A reader who wants ebooks sent directly to a Kindle without buying themnot PDAL
  • A budget-conscious reader who already pays library taxes and wants to use the benefit fully instead of also paying for Everand or Storytelnot PDAL

PDAL

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

Where each one falls short

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

Libby

  • Popular and new titles are frequently unavailable for weeks or months due to holds queues, which makes it unreliable for reading something the day you want to start it.
  • Borrow and hold limits are set per library, so the experience is inconsistent between library systems and can change without notice.
  • Not every library subscribes to OverDrive, and even those that do vary hugely in how many digital copies of any given title they can afford to licence.
  • It requires a real library card tied to residency or another eligibility rule in most systems, so it is not available to everyone regardless of willingness to pay.
  • There is no offline bulk downloading beyond what is borrowed, and loan periods expire automatically, returning the book whether or not you finished it.

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

Libby

Free
  • LibbyFree
    • Free with an eligible library card
    • Borrow limits set by your library, not Libby
    • Holds queues on licensed copies

PDAL

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Libby if

  • You need library card authentication.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, Kindle (for ebooks).
  • You also want holds queues.
Libby 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 Libby or PDAL better?
Neither clearly leads. Libby 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, Libby or PDAL?
Libby starts at Free and PDAL at Free.
Does Libby or PDAL run on more platforms?
Libby runs on iOS, Android, Web, Kindle (for ebooks). PDAL runs on Linux, Windows, macOS.
Can I use Libby for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Libby best used for?
Libby is most often used for a reader who wants free access to bestsellers and is willing to wait weeks in a holds queue for popular new releases, someone who holds cards for multiple library systems and wants to widen their available catalogue in one app, a reader who wants ebooks sent directly to a kindle without buying them, a budget-conscious reader who already pays library taxes and wants to use the benefit fully instead of also paying for everand or storytel. Of those, a reader who wants free access to bestsellers and is willing to wait weeks in a holds queue for popular new releases and someone who holds cards for multiple library systems and wants to widen their available catalogue in one app are not what PDAL is typically brought in for.
What can Libby do that PDAL cannot?
Libby covers Library card authentication, Holds queues, Multi-library support, OverDrive Read and Listen. PDAL covers Format translation, JSON pipelines, Ground classification filters, Reprojection.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Libby: Do I pay for Libby?

No, it is free, but you need an active card from a library that uses the OverDrive/Libby system.

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.

Libby: Why is the book I want unavailable?

Libraries licence a limited number of digital copies, so popular titles go into a holds queue just like physical books.

PDAL: Who maintains it?

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

Libby: Can I use Libby without a library card?

No, a valid card and PIN from a participating library are required for every feature.

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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