LAS dataset properties

The LAS Dataset Properties dialog box, in the Catalog pane, provides in-depth information about a LAS dataset or LAS or ZLAS file. It allows you to view and understand detailed statistical information calculated from the LAS files referenced by the LAS dataset. LAS files and surface constraints can be added or removed. Detailed information about the classification, extents, and attributes for the point cloud data can be found using the LAS Dataset Properties dialog box.

To access LAS Dataset Properties, right-click the LAS dataset LAS dataset in the Catalog pane and click Properties.

Add a LAS dataset using the Catalog window

You can create an empty LAS dataset from a folder connection in the Catalog pane.

To add an empty LAS dataset, complete the following steps:

  1. Right-click the folder Folder where the LAS dataset will reside.
  2. Point to New New and click New LAS Dataset LAS dataset.
  3. The empty LAS dataset is added.
  4. You can then build a LAS dataset using the options on the LAS Dataset Properties dialog box.
  5. Add LAS files, ZLAS files, and surface constraints to the new LAS dataset using the LAS Files and Surface Constraints tabs.

It might be useful to have a folder connection added to the location of your data or a location on disk in ArcGIS Pro.

To add a folder connection, complete the following steps:

  1. In the Catalog pane, right-click the folder button Folder Connection.
  2. Click Add Folder Connection Add Folder Connection.
  3. On the Add Folder Connection dialog box, browse to the folder and click Add.
  4. The folder appears in the Catalog pane.

LAS dataset properties tabs

There are several tabs on the LAS Dataset Properties dialog box that are used to build, edit, and maintain your LAS dataset.

General tab

The General tab on the LAS Dataset Properties dialog box provides general, status, and extent information for the LAS dataset.

  • Name—Name of the LAS dataset.
  • LAS Files—Number of LAS or Optimized LAS (ZLAS) files present in the LAS dataset.
  • Surface Constraints—Number of surface constraints represented in the LAS dataset.
  • LAS Points—Total number of lidar points contained in the LAS dataset.
  • Data Size—Total size of the LAS and ZLAS files that the LAS dataset is referencing.
  • Uncompressed Size—Total size of the uncompressed data that the ZLAS file contains. Use the Calculate Size button to calculate the total size of the uncompressed data. If no ZLAS files are present in the LAS dataset, the Calculate Size button is unavailable.
  • Store Relative Paths—The Store relative path names to data sources option allows you to move both the LAS files and the LAS dataset to different folder locations relative to one another.
  • Extent—Extent and spatial units of the LAS dataset.

Statistics tab

The Statistics tab lists statistical information for the entire LAS dataset.

If this button is available, changes have been made to the LAS dataset and the statistical information needs to be updated. You can update the statistics by clicking the Update button.

  • Classification Codes—Statistics are calculated based on the classification completed for the LAS dataset. The statistics include the point count, the percentage of points in each classification code, the z-minimum, the z-maximum, the minimum intensity, the maximum intensity, and the synthetic point count.
  • Attributes—Statistical information is calculated from the lidar attributes for the LAS dataset. The statistics include the minimum and maximum values.
  • Returns—Statistical information is calculated based on the return values for the lidar points of the LAS dataset. The statistics include the point count, the percentage of points, the z-minimum, and the z-maximum.
  • Classification FlagModel key, Synthetic, overlap, and withheld flags can be set for each lidar point. These flags can be set along with the classification codes. The statistics include the point count and the percentage of the lidar points in each encoding flag for the LAS dataset.

LAS Files tab

The LAS Files tab on the LAS Dataset Properties dialog box provides detailed information for each contributing LAS file of the LAS dataset. You can quickly add or remove LAS files that are currently referenced by the LAS dataset, or initially add files to a newly created LAS dataset. Use the Add Files, Add Folders, and Remove buttons to edit the LAS files referenced by the LAS dataset.

You can change the displayed list of LAS files by clicking the Show drop-down list. The following options are available to filter the display of LAS files:

  • Files
  • Folders
  • Missing Files
  • Files without Spatial Reference
  • Files with Outdated Statistics

The default view is of each LAS file, and the table lists the LAS File name, LAS Version, Point Count, Point Spacing, Z Min, and Z Max settings, and a Details button.

The directory path is listed for each file if the Show full path of LAS files option is selected.

Click the Details button to open statistical information for each individual LAS file referenced by the LAS dataset. Use the arrow buttons to browse through the statistical details for each file.

Note:

If a LAS dataset is added as a layer in ArcGIS Pro and edits have been made to the contributing LAS files, the layer needs to be removed and added again for the changes to be visible in ArcGIS Pro.

Surface Constraints tab

The Surface Constraints tab displays each surface constraint enforced in the LAS dataset. It provides information about the Height Source and Surface Feature Type parameters for each contributing feature class.

You can add or remove surface constraints referenced by the LAS dataset, or initially add feature classes to a newly created LAS dataset. Use the Add and Remove buttons to edit the data referenced by the LAS dataset.

Note:

If a LAS dataset is added as a layer in ArcGIS Pro and edits have been made to the surface constraints, the layer needs to be removed and added again for the changes to be visible in ArcGIS Pro.

Pyramid tab

The Pyramid tab contains information about the presence of a LAS dataset pyramid structure in the LAS dataset. You can see the status and the Point Selection method used to build it. You can click the Delete button to remove the LAS dataset pyramid.

Coordinate System tab

The Coordinate System tab displays the current coordinate system to use for the LAS dataset.

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