An overview of editing LAS datasets

LAS datasets can be edited to make updates to the source LAS files or the lidar points in the source LAS files. LAS datasets can be edited to fix problems, make improvements, and increase or decrease the data area extent.

The list below includes common examples of how you can benefit from editing LAS datasets:

Editing a LAS dataset falls into two broad categories:

NoteNote:
Many tools for the LAS dataset were designed for airborne lidar where surfaces are commonly interpreted from the point cloud. Terrestrial lidar, on the other hand, tends to be more involved and is often only valid to view and use as a point cloud. ArcGIS does not understand what kind of lidar you have in the LAS files. Terrestrial lidar should be used and viewed in ArcScene as points. The points can be used as a backdrop for digitizing measurements and features and be displayed in an integrated fashion with other GIS layers.

LAS dataset editing examples

From the application perspective, there are some common editing needs:

Common LAS dataset editing tasks

Task

Example

ArcGIS support

Expanding area of coverage over time

  • Appending new measurements as they become available (Data acquisition is often staged over time with multiple data deliveries from a data provider.)
  • Expanding the data extent

Use the Add Files To LAS Dataset geoprocessing tool.

Quality assurance

  • Identifying and removing errors
  • Removing blunders representing individual measurements
  • Replacing areas containing systemic errors with corrected measurements

Maintenance

  • Replacing areas with new or updated information (for example, changes to a landscape as a result of construction or natural forces)
  • Replacing data with data of higher quality/accuracy

NoteNote:

You can also use the LAS Dataset Properties window to add or remove LAS files or surface constraints from the LAS dataset.

What-if scenarios

  • Modeling proposed changes on the landscape
  • Replacing existing measurements with new ones
  • May be temporary or permanent

  • Convert a portion of the LAS dataset to a TIN and use the TIN Editing toolbar tools.
  • Use either the Add Files To LAS Dataset or Remove Files From LAS Dataset geoprocessing tool to replace data.
    NoteNote:

    You can also use the LAS Dataset Properties window to add or remove LAS files or surface constraints from the LAS dataset.

Related Topics

3/5/2014