Convert LAS (Conversion)

Summary

Converts LAS files between different compression methods, file versions, and point record formats.

Usage

• This tool can convert between LAS, ZLAS, and LAZ files by selecting either the individual file, a folder containing the files to be processed, or a LAS dataset to reference a collection of LAS and ZLAS files.

• Data in the source LAS file will be lost if the output file version and point record format do not support the information. It is recommended that the input files have the same LAS file version and point record format when the output is being assigned to a specific version.

• Rearranging the LAS points will improve display and analysis performance but requires the generation of a scratch LAS file. Statistics will be automatically computed when the LAS points are rearranged.

• Only uncompressed LAS files can be edited. However, ZLAS files can be used as inputs to geoprocessing tools that perform analysis operations.

Syntax

ConvertLas(in_las, target_folder, {file_version}, {point_format}, {compression}, {las_options}, {out_las_dataset})

Parameter	Explanation	Data Type
in_las	The LAS data that will be converted. A folder can be specified to process all of the LAS files contained therein.	Layer File; LAS Dataset Layer; Folder; File
target_folder	The existing folder that the output LAS files will be written to.	Folder
file_version (Optional)	The LAS file version of the output files. SAME_AS_INPUT —The output file version will be the same as the input. This is the default. 1.0 —The base version for the LAS format which supported 256 class codes. 1.1 —The output file version will be 1.1. Class codes were reduced to 32, but support for classification flags was added. 1.2 —The output file version will be 1.2. Support for red-green-blue (RGB) color channels and GPS time was added. 1.3 —The output file version will be 1.3. Storage of lidar waveform data for point record formats that are not supported in the ArcGIS platform was added. 1.4 — The output file version will be 1.4. Support for coordinate system definition using Well Known Text (WKT) convention, 256 class codes, up to 15 discrete returns per pulse, higher precision scan angle, and overlap classification flag was added.	String
point_format (Optional)	Specifies the point record format of the output LAS files. The available options will vary based on the output LAS file version. 0 —The base type for storing discrete LAS points that supports attributes such as lidar intensity, return values, scan angle, scan direction, and edge of flight line. 1 —Adds GPS time to the attributes supported in point format 0. 2 —Adds RGB values to the attributes supported in point format 0. 3 —Adds RGB values and GPS time to the attributes supported in point format 0. 6 —The preferred base type for storing discrete LAS points in LAS file version 1.4. 7 —Adds RGB values to the attributes supported in point format 6. 8 —Adds RGB and near-infrared values to the attributes supported in point format 6.	String
compression (Optional)	Specifies whether the output LAS file will in a compressed format or the standard LAS format. NO_COMPRESSION —The output will be in the standard LAS format (*.las). This is the default. ZLAS —Output LAS files will be compressed in the zLAS format. LAZ —Output LAS files will be compressed in the LAZ format.	String
las_options [las_options,...] (Optional)	Specifies modifications that can be made to reduce the size of the output LAS files and improve their usability and performance in display and analysis operations. REARRANGE_POINTS —Points will be rearranged to improve display and analysis performance. Statistics will be automatically computed during this process. This option is selected by default. REMOVE_VLR —Variable-length records that are added after the header as well as the points records of each file will be removed. REMOVE_EXTRA_BYTES —Extra bytes that may be present with each point from the input file will be removed.	String
out_las_dataset (Optional)	The output LAS dataset referencing the newly created LAS files.	LAS Dataset

Code sample

ConvertLas example 1 (Python window)

The following sample demonstrates the use of this tool in the Python window.

import arcpy
arcpy.conversion.ConvertLas('2014_survey.zlas', '2014_unclassified_collection', 
                            '1.4', 7, 'NO_COMPRESSION',
                            ['REMOVE_VLR', 'REMOVE_EXTRA_BYTES', 'REARRANGE_POINTS'], 
                            '2014_unclassified_collection/2014_Survey_Collection.lasd')

Environments

Current Workspace, Scratch Workspace

Licensing information

• Basic: Requires Spatial Analyst or 3D Analyst
• Standard: Yes
• Advanced: Yes