# Expression Syntax¶

The PDAL expression syntax is a subset of that found in a great many programming languages. Specifically, it uses a limited set of operators from the C language. Dimension names can be used where a variable or constant would be used. Double-precision constants are supported.

All mathematical operations are done with double-precision floating point. There is no automatic conversion of numeric values to logical values. For example, the following is not permitted:

((Intensity > 0) && Classification)


((Intensity > 0) && (Classification != 0))


## Mathematical Operators¶

Operator

Function

Example

*

Multiplication

Intensity * 64.0

/

Division

Green / 255

+

Classification + 255

-

Subtraction

X - 64215.2

## Logical Operators¶

Operator

Function

Example

!

Not

!(X < 25)

>

Greater

X > 52.523

>=

Greater Than or Equal

X >= 52.523

<

Less

Y < -28.456

<=

Less Than or Equal

X <= 0

==

Equal

Classification == 7

!=

Not Equal

Classification != 7

&&

And

Classification == 7 && Intensity > 64

||

Or

Classification == 7 || Classification == 8

The order or operations is as listed, which matches that of the C language. Parentheses are supported to alter the order of operations.

## Examples¶

((Classification == 7 || Classification == 8) && NumberOfReturns == 1)


Selects points with a classification of 7 or 8 and number of returns equal to 1. Note that in this case the parentheses are necessary.

X > 2500 && X < 4700 && Y > 0


Selects points with an X between 2500 and 4700 and a positive Y value.

(NumberOfReturns > 1 && ReturnNumber == 1)


Selects “first” returns from a laser pulse.

!(NumberOfReturns == 1)


Selects only those points where the laser pulse generated multiple returns.