Add Files To LAS Dataset (Data Management)

ArcGIS Pro 3.3 | | Help archive

Available with Standard or Advanced license.

Available with 3D Analyst license.

Available with Spatial Analyst license.

Summary

Adds references for one or more LAS files and surface constraint features to a LAS dataset.

Usage

  • The LAS dataset is designed for use with point cloud data stored in the LAS format using file versions 1.0–1.4. LAS files stored in the compressed ZLAS format are also supported. ZLAS files can be generated by any tool that creates new LAS files, such as Convert LAS, Extract LAS, Thin LAS, or Tile LAS. Additionally, the EzLAS Optimizer stand-alone application can also be used to compress .las files to .zlas or uncompress them back to .las files.

  • Surface constraint features can be used to enforce feature-derived elevation values that represent surface characteristics in the LAS dataset.

  • ArcGIS uses the LAS classification scheme defined by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS). Learn more about lidar point classification

Parameters

LabelExplanationData Type
Input LAS Dataset

The LAS dataset that will be processed.

LAS Dataset Layer
LAS Files or Folders
(Optional)

Inputs that can include any combination of .las files, .zlas files, LAS datasets, and folders containing .las or .zlas data. When a LAS dataset is specified as input, all .las and .zlas files that have a valid path reference will be added to the input LAS dataset.

In the Geoprocessing pane, a folder can also be specified as an input by selecting the folder in File Explorer and dragging it onto the parameter's input box.

LAS Dataset Layer; Folder; File
Include subfolders
(Optional)

Specifies whether .las files residing in the subdirectories of an input folder will be referenced by the LAS dataset.

  • Unchecked—Only .las files residing in an input folder will be added to the LAS dataset. This is the default.
  • Checked—All .las files residing in the subdirectories of an input folder will be added to the LAS dataset.
Boolean
Surface Constraints
(Optional)

The features that will contribute to the definition of the triangulated surface generated from the LAS dataset.

  • Input Features—The features with geometry that will be incorporated into the LAS dataset's triangulated surface.
  • Height Field—The feature's elevation source can be derived from any numeric field in the feature's attribute table or the geometry by selecting Shape.Z. If no height is necessary, specify the keyword <None> to create z-less features with elevation that will be interpolated from the surface.
  • Type—Defines the feature's role in the triangulated surface generated from the LAS dataset. Options with hard or soft designation refer to whether the feature edges represent distinct breaks in slope or a gradual change.
  • Surface Feature Type—The surface feature type that defines how the feature geometry will be incorporated into the triangulation for the surface. Options with hard or soft designation refer to whether the feature edges represent distinct breaks in slope or a gradual change.
    • anchorpoints—Elevation points that will not be thinned away. This option is only available for single-point feature geometry.
    • hardline or softline—Breaklines that enforce a height value.
    • hardclip or softclip—Polygon dataset that defines the boundary of the LAS dataset.
    • harderase or softerase—Polygon dataset that defines holes in the LAS dataset.
    • hardreplace or softreplace—Polygon dataset that defines areas of constant height.
Value Table

Derived Output

LabelExplanationData Type
Updated Input LAS Dataset

The updated LAS dataset.

LAS Dataset Layer

Licensing information

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

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