Available with 3D Analyst license.
A LAS dataset stores references to one or more LAS files on disk, as well as additional surface features. A LAS file is an industry standard binary format for storing airborne lidar data.LAS optimized (.ZLAS)The files are also compatible with the LAS dataset. The LAS dataset allows you to examine LAS files, in their native format, quickly and easily, and provides detailed statistics and area coverage of the lidar data contained in the LAS files.
A LAS dataset can also store references to feature classes that contain surface constraints.surface restrictionsthey are breaklines, water polygons, area boundaries, or any other type of surface feature applied to the LAS dataset. Surface constraints are stored in geodatabase feature classes or shape files, which are typically derived from some type of remote sensing technique, such as photogrammetry. Surface constraints apply when the LAS dataset is drawn as a TIN surface model.
The LAS dataset does not import point data contained in LAS files. Stores a reference to these LAS files and surface constraints.
The following list includes common examples of how to benefit from using LAS datasets to incorporate handle data intoArcGIS Pro. With LAS datasets, you can do the following:
- Store references to many LAS files and surface data at once for a specific project.
- Quickly display coping data as point clouds or a triangulated surface in 2D or 3D.
- Visually compare handle points to existing GIS data for validating data such as construction data.
- Quickly perform statistical analyzes on LAS files and lidar points.
- Perform initial QA and assurance, such as data coverage assessment and point sample density, for newly acquired lidar data.
- Incorporate additional cut lines or surface features with lidar.
- Create additional surfaces such as DEM and DSM (LAS dice set for rastergeoprocessing tool) or TIN (LAS dice set for TINgeoprocessing tool).
- Create intensity images using theLAS dice set for rastergeoprocessing tool.
- Interactively digitize new features using the LAS dataset as points and ArcGIS editing tools.
- Update with newly acquired LAS or surface data.
- Share your LAS dataset data using Mosaic dataset.
- Examine the spatial distribution of various Lidar point metrics using thePonto LAS Statistics as Rastergeoprocessing tool.
- Manually correct errors in class code using interactive editing techniques available withedit reviewsyProfile view.
You can quickly change the LAS dataset display to a TIN-based surface, similar to the TIN dataset or terrain display. The LAS dataset allows working with points classified into different types of features. There are several point and surface symbology renderers available for LAS datasets. The most common symbology for LAS datasets can be accessed quickly from thesymbologycrystal. Surface constraints apply when the LAS dataset is drawn as a TIN.
The default display of the LAS dataset inArcGIS Proit's like a point cloud with no filter applied. This means that all lidar points are initially displayed if zoomed in to a certain point, where the zoomed-in points are displayed. Also,ArcGIS Proallows you to display and use individual LAS and ZLAS files with the same functionality as a LAS dataset.
ANPyramid structure of the LAS datasetused to improve 3D display performance for a LAS dataset inArcGIS Pro. It does this by organizing and indexing points in order to optimize 3D display queries.
When you add a LAS dataset or a LAS or ZLAS file to a 3D scene inArcGIS Pro, the points are symbolized with an elevation renderer andeye dome lightingapplied by default. Eyedome lighting is a shading technique that improves depth and contour perception when viewing LAS datasets. When adding a LAS dataset or a LAS or ZLAS file to a 2D map inArcGIS Pro, points are drawn with an elevation renderer only.
The LAS dataset is a great addition to terrain dataset and mosaic dataset based workflows. For example, it is common to add newly acquired lidar data to a terrain dataset. The LAS dataset can be quickly generated first to perform an initial quality control and assurance check on the lidar data. This LAS dataset provides all the information needed to know if the lidar data meets the desired quality standards before importing it into the terrain dataset.
Dimensions and size of LAS files
For best performance, keep these dimension and size recommendations for LAS files in mind.
- For best performance, the client machine should have direct access to data on a local internal drive, not over the network or slower external drives.
- Consider optimized LAS files (.zlas) when using LIDAR over a network. For more information, seeLAS optimized (.ZLAS).
- Create a LAS dataset using LAS files from the same project (ie specifications and study area). LAS datasets are not intended to collect data from different sources and study areas. For this, use a mosaic dataset.
- In general, it is beneficial that a LAS dataset is constructed from mosaic LAS files. LAS files must not contain lidar data on large runways or flight lines unless the LAS files have been indexed and contain an auxiliary LAS file (.yourself) for each LAS file.
- CalculateStatisticsto provide theAuxiliary files of LAS datasets(.yourself). These auxiliary files contain a statistical analysis and a calculated spatial index for each LAS file. Spatial index improves the overall performance of a LAS dataset.
- In general, it is good practice to keep LAS file sizes around 500 MB when auxiliary LAS files (.yourself) are created. However, there are many situations where the LAS files are much larger and the spatial index in the auxiliary LAS files allowsArcGIS Proto better handle these very large LAS files. A size limit becomes less meaningful inArcGIS Proif a spatial index is present. Size recommendations are for practical data management issues of larger files, for example file or disk fragmentation.
- Consider rearranging the LAS points using theextract thegeoprocessing tool. This sorts point records into space groups that are optimized for reading files and dramatically improves display performance.ArcGIS Pro.
- For best performance, when statistics are not calculated, LAS blocks should be contiguous, non-overlapping, and approximately 500 MB or less in size.
Define projection for LAS data
To design LAS, use theextract thegeoprocessing tool. You can define a filter on the input LAS dataset layer to project only certain points. About itextract thegeoprocessing tool dialog box, go toenvironmentsand specify the output coordinate system information. Every input LAS file, not just the referenced LAS dataset, needs a proper spatial reference when inputting into the tool. If the input LAS files do not have a spatial reference, but the spatial reference is known, use theBreed LAS Dice Settool first and select the option to create.PRJfiles to get this defined spatial information. Dressingextract theto project the LAS files creates new LAS files with the new projection.
Supported LIDAR data types
- Support for LAS datasets with geoprocessing is primarily intended for airborne dealing.
- Use ground or air LIDAR in a scene for a 3D experience.
- Airborne Lidar is most useful if the data has been classified (for example, terrestrial versus non-terrestrial).
- ArcGIS Prosupport everyoneLAS versions.
- Himsort codesdetailed inArcGIS Prothey are based on LAS version 1.1 or later. Consider using theAlter LAS class codesgeoprocessing tool to update classification codes residing in LAS files from outdated LAS versions. The tool can be used to ensure that this data complies with current standards.
related topics
- What is data dealing?
- What is a scene layer?
- Pyramids from the LAS dataset
- Non-ArcGIS Pro Terrain Dice Set
Comments on this topic?
FAQs
How do I use LAS in ArcGIS Pro? ›
Add a LAS dataset to the map view
From the Insert tab, click New Map. There are a few ways to add a LAS dataset to the new map view. You can either connect to a folder or use the Add Data button. When a LAS dataset or LAS or ZLAS file is added to a 2D map in ArcGIS Pro, the points are drawn with an elevation renderer.
To project LAS, use the Extract LAS geoprocessing tool. You can set a filter on the input LAS dataset layer to project only certain points. On the Extract LAS geoprocessing tool dialog box, go to the Environments and specify the output coordinate system information.
How do I use LAS files in ArcGIS? ›- Create a LAS dataset. ...
- Double-click the LAS dataset. ...
- Click the LAS Files tab > Add Files. ...
- Open the LAS File Properties and Statistics window by clicking the button below the Statistics column.
- Click Calculate, and click OK. ...
- In the LAS Dataset Properties dialog box, click OK.
- Open the LAS To Multipoint tool.
Unlike LAS (. las) files, LAZ (. laz) files cannot be opened or added directly to ArcGIS Pro to display point cloud data on a map. However, it is possible to convert the LAZ files to LAS datasets to display on the map.
How do I create a LAS dataset in ArcGIS Pro? ›- On the Analysis tab, in the Geoprocessing group, click the Tools button. ...
- Type Create LAS dataset in the search box, and press the Enter key to search for the tool.
- Double-click Create LAS Dataset to open the tool.
- Specify the Input Files.
- Navigate to File > Open Data File(s)...
- Browse to and select the . las files you want to view. ...
- The projection of the dataset should be detected and loaded in the Select Projection dialog box. Click OK. ...
- The Lidar Load Options dialog box has multiple parameters. ...
- The LAS files will load.
To convert the LAS Dataset to a Bare Earth DEM, select Toolbox → Conversion Tools → LAS Dataset to Raster. Select the LAS Dataset you just created as the Input LAS Dataset. Select the file Geodatabase you created earlier as the location for the Output Raster. In the Value Field, leave the default as ELEVATION.
How do I filter LAS files? ›- Select a LAS dataset layer in the Contents pane.
- On the LAS Dataset Layer tab set, in the Filters group, click the desired LAS dataset filter option or options.
- The user selects the "(1) Load 2 LAS Files" Button to load each file into the Merge LAS File Web App. ...
- The user then selects the "(2) Modify LAS Header" Button to select which digital LAS File Header to start from and to insert any missing data.
A LAS dataset can be visualized in ArcGIS in both 2D and 3D using ArcMap and ArcScene. LAS datasets can be displayed as either points or a triangulated surface.
What is the format of a .LAS file? ›
The LAS file format is a binary file format that maintains information specific to the lidar nature of the data while not being overly complex." Numbers in LAS are stored in binary form to save space and to eliminate the processing time needed to convert numbers in ASCII to a form usable for calculation.
What software opens LAS files? ›- LASUtility.
- LAStools.
- ESRI ArcGIS Pro.
- Safe Software FME Desktop.
- Geosoft Oasis montaj.
- Blue Marble Geographics Global Mapper.
- Blaze3D.
Does this mean that ArcMap is going away? No. Even after ArcMap is retired in 2026, customers can continue to use ArcMap as long as their license is valid. However, all desktop development efforts are focused on ArcGIS Pro, and customers are encouraged to migrate to ArcGIS Pro.
What are the 2 main types of data structure used in ArcGIS? ›There are two different types of GIS data, vector data and raster data. Each type of data has its own format.
Can ArcGIS open .LAZ files? ›LAZ files are frequently encountered. This is a great format as it compressed LAS files with no loss to the data itself. However, LAZ files cannot be read directly by ArcGIS but need to be converted first into LAS files.
How do I convert a shapefile to a network dataset? ›- On the menu bar, click Geoprocessing > Search For Tools. ...
- In the list of toolboxes in the Search window, click Conversion Tools. ...
- Click the To Geodatabase toolset link. ...
- Click Feature Class To Feature Class.
To interactively select and edit LAS points, do the following: Select a LAS dataset or LAS file layer in the Contents pane. Browse to the location to select and edit LAS points. Confirm that the points are drawing at full resolution.
What formats does ArcGIS Pro use for lidar? ›ArcGIS Pro supports lidar data provided as LAS or Optimized LAS (. ZLAS) files. There are different formats (datasets) that can be used to manage and work with your lidar data in ArcGIS Pro depending on your needs, which include the LAS dataset, the mosaic dataset, and the point cloud scene layer.
What is the difference between a LAS file and a LAS dataset? ›A LAS dataset stores reference to one or more LAS files on disk, as well as to additional surface features. A LAS file is an industry-standard binary format for storing airborne lidar data.
Can AutoCad open LAS files? ›You can easily download your the point cloud file from your Skycatch account and import it into AutoCad Civil 3D in a few easy steps! 1. Download your LAS by clicking the Download button while viewing your map of interest and selecting the . LAS file format.
How do I edit a LAS file? ›
Launch the LAS Dataset Profile View tool based on the area you are interested in working with. Use the Point Selection tool on the Profile View toolbar to select points to edit. Use the Change Class Code dialog box to manually edit the selected LAS points.
How to derive DEM from lidar data? ›A high-resolution DEM can be derived from lidar point-cloud data by stripping away the surface features and sampling the ground elevation in uniform increments to produce a bare earth model. The USGS is in the process of replacing all of our legacy DEMs with DEMs derived from lidar and IfSAR (Alaska only) data.
How do I convert Excel to LAS? ›Go to File | Export, choose to export as an LAS file, give the file a name, choose where you want to save it to, and click Save. In the LAS Export dialog box, on the Curve Info tab, set the Start Depth, Ending Depth, and Step values. Be sure to specify the correct ID fields in the Curve Settings section.
What is the difference between LAZ and LAS files? ›The LAS file format is an industry-standard binary format for storing lidar data, developed and maintained by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS). The LAZ file format is a compressed version of the LAS file format.
How do I view lidar data in ArcGIS? ›A common way to visualize, analyze, and edit lidar data is to use a 2D cross-sectional view. A selected set of lidar points from a LAS dataset can be displayed and edited using the LAS dataset Profile Viewwindow accessed from the LAS Dataset toolbar in ArcMap.
How do I filter specific data? ›- Select any cell within the range.
- Select Data > Filter.
- Select the column header arrow .
- Select Text Filters or Number Filters, and then select a comparison, like Between.
- Enter the filter criteria and select OK.
- Open Recap 360, and select the Import option from the top menu:
- Click your preferred import option, either individual files or a . las folder, then select the files/folder:
- Click import files:
- Click index scans:
- Click launch project:
- The LAS file is converted to an .
las Click Open 3. Input the Source File System code E.g. {UTM83-15} Press Enter 4. Using the value of the drawing coordinate system, input the Target File System code E.g. {UTM83-15IF} Press Enter An LAZ file with the target code included will be created. 5.
How do I open a LAS file in Windows? ›- Unzip the file. The program files are located under a directory called 'VIEWER' so it is safe to unzip where ever you like.
- Run LAS File Viewer. On Windows, simply run 'Run. bat' in the VIEWER directory (double click on 'Run. bat script').
Bar Charts and Pie Charts are used to visualize categorical data. Both types of graphs contain variations as displayed in the visual.
What format is raw lidar data? ›
LiDAR File Formats
The commonly used file format to store LIDAR point cloud data is called . las which is a format supported by the American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS).
It is now possible to open an . las or . laz file directly in QGIS to view a point cloud in 2D or 3D. When a point cloud is added to QGIS, it uses entwine to create an index of the point cloud in a directory beside the point cloud file you want to use.
What is a .LAS file in AutoCAD? ›What's This LAS File? If you've been using AutoCAD for a while, you've probably encountered files with a . las extension. AutoCAD uses this extension for its layer state files, which contain saved layer state information exported from a drawing.
What software is used in LiDAR project? ›QGIS 3 – LiDAR software for 3D point cloud viewing. This software uses LAS and LAZ, so you don't have to transform data to an intermediate format. QGIS 3 can handle the raw point cloud format. It symbolizes point clouds based on class, height and RGB attributes.
Does NASA use ArcGIS? ›NASA also utilizes Esri's ArcGIS Online —a collaborative web GIS that allows users to use, create, and share data, layers, maps, applications, and analytic products. NASA's publicly available content includes web services, dashboards, notebooks, and StoryMaps.
Why ArcGIS Pro is better than ArcMap? ›ArcGIS Pro has the ability to edit feature services on the fly, on other hand ArcMap allow to services in a read-only format.
Is ArcGIS Pro replacing ArcMap? ›ESRI Desktop Software
ArcGIS Pro is a newer, next gen application designed to replace ArcMap, which has been the industry standard for many years. ArcMap will eventually be discontinued, but for the time being both programs are available and supported by ESRI.
- File Geodatabases—Stored as folders in a file system. ...
- Personal Geodatabases—All datasets are stored within a Microsoft Access data file, which is limited in size to 2 GB.
- ArcSDE Geodatabases—Stored in a relational database using Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2, or IBM Informix.
Attribute data are the information linked to the geographic features (spatial data) that describe features. That is, attribute data are the “[n]on- graphic information associated with a point, line, or area elements in a GIS.” Labels affixed to data points, lines, or polygons.
How do I open a LAS file in ArcGIS Pro? ›On the Map tab, click the Add Data button. On the Add Data dialog box, browse to the LAS dataset and click Open. The LAS dataset opens in the map view.
How do I import a .LAZ file into ArcMap? ›
- Create a new toolbox to create the spatial ETL tool. In Catalog, navigate to a folder or geodatabase to create a new toolbox. ...
- In the Generate ETL Tool dialog box, convert the LAZ file to LAS using the created spatial ETL tool. ...
- Create a LAS dataset from the LAS file to view in ArcMap.
LASzip is completely lossless. It compresses bulky LAS files into compact LAZ files that are only 7-20 percent of the original size, accurately preserving every single bit. For example, compressing and decompressing the LAS file lidar. las with laszip.exe as shown below results in lidar_copy.
How do I set a relative path in ArcGIS Pro? ›If you want all your new maps to be stored with relative paths you will need to specify relative paths as the default. Click Customize > ArcMap Options to open the ArcMap Options dialog box, then click the General tab. Check the option to Make relative paths the default for new map documents.
How to convert LAS to dem? ›To convert the LAS Dataset to a Bare Earth DEM, select Toolbox → Conversion Tools → LAS Dataset to Raster. Select the LAS Dataset you just created as the Input LAS Dataset. Select the file Geodatabase you created earlier as the location for the Output Raster. In the Value Field, leave the default as ELEVATION.
What software can open a LAS file? ›- LASUtility.
- LAStools.
- ESRI ArcGIS Pro.
- Safe Software FME Desktop.
- Geosoft Oasis montaj.
- Blue Marble Geographics Global Mapper.
- Blaze3D.
- Open Recap 360, and select the Import option from the top menu:
- Click your preferred import option, either individual files or a . las folder, then select the files/folder:
- Click import files:
- Click index scans:
- Click launch project:
- The LAS file is converted to an .
A relative path is a way to specify the location of a directory relative to another directory. For example, suppose your documents are in C:\Sample\Documents and your index is in C:\Sample\Index. The absolute path for the documents would be C:\Sample\Documents.
How do I store relative Pathnames to data sources in ArcGIS? ›To set relative pathways in ArcMap, from the Main menu, select File, and then Document Properties. Click Data Source Options, and then select Store relative path names. UITS recommends that you also check Make relative paths the defaults for new map documents I create, so that you will not have to repeat this process.
What is UNC path vs local path? ›A local path is the path to a folder or file on your local computer (e.g. C:\Program Files\Sitebulb). A UNC path is the path to a folder or file on a network and contains the server name in the path (e.g. \\server01\sitebulb\path).
How do I filter a LAS file? ›- Select a LAS dataset layer in the Contents pane.
- On the LAS Dataset Layer tab set, in the Filters group, click the desired LAS dataset filter option or options.
How do I normalize data in ArcGIS Pro? ›
To normalize the data, choose a field from the Normalization menu, or choose percentage of total to divide the data value to create ratios, or choose log to symbolize on the logarithm of each value. This can be an effective way to generate a smaller range of values if the dataset includes significant outliers.
How do you change the shape area units in ArcGIS Pro? ›From the Units page, expand one of the unit types and click <Select Unit Code> at the bottom of the table. Choose from the list of available units.
How do you convert LAS to DSM? ›- For Input LAS Dataset, drag the LAS dataset layer from the table of contents into the GP tool. ...
- Under LAS Values to Export, choose Elevation.
- Under Output Destination, enter the folder to store the DSM tiles.
You can easily download your the point cloud file from your Skycatch account and import it into AutoCad Civil 3D in a few easy steps! 1. Download your LAS by clicking the Download button while viewing your map of interest and selecting the . LAS file format.
Is LiDAR the same as DEM? ›DEM is a raster or with digital value of the elevation at the given pixel. it is continuous data. LIDAR is laser remotely sensed data, is it laser returns, which are points with known x, y, z values, and other information. LIDAR data can be used to create DEMs.