LAS dataset 3D View

Viewing LAS datasets using a 3D perspective is a great way to better visualize and understanding the lidar data referenced by the LAS dataset. The LAS dataset 3D View window allows you to view your LAS dataset as points or as a surface in a 3D environment in ArcMap. The 3D view is only available from the LAS Dataset toolbar in ArcMap. 3D perspectives may make it easier to recognize particular features captured from lidar data, such as surface valleys, mountain peaks, buildings, vegetation types, forest canopy, road corridors, river/stream corridors, mines, construction sites, towers, and even power lines. Drawing these features in 3D allows you to validate your lidar data in GIS and enables you to make informed analytic decisions.

LAS dataset 3D View tools

To view a LAS dataset in 3D View, follow the steps outlined below:

Steps:

1. Zoom to set the desired display extent to be shown in 3D View.
2. Click the LAS Dataset 3D View button from the LAS Dataset toolbar.

Tip:

You can also view the points displayed in 2D Profile View in a 3D view by launching 3D View while the 2D profile view is open.

3D View tools

There are several tools available for LAS datasets on the 3D View toolbar:

Navigate tool

Clicking the left and right mouse buttons and dragging up, down, left, or right allows you to rotate the view, zoom in, and zoom out. Other navigation functions, such as setting the target location, are exposed through the use of keyboard shortcuts. The wide variety of functions built into the Navigate tool means it will most likely be the main navigation tool you use in 3D View.

Mouse navigation lookup table

Mouse	Action	Description	Replicates
	Drag	Pivots the view around the target location
	Hold down CTRL and click	Recenters the target location at the clicked point	Center on Target
	Hold down the CTRL and SHIFT keys and click	Enables/Disables animated navigation
	Drag	Pans the view (as a 3D vector)	Pan
	Hold down CTRL and click	Moves the camera location to the clicked point	Set Observer
	Rotate scroll wheel	Zooms in to/out from the target point	Zoom In/Out
	Drag	Zooms in to/out from the target point	Zoom In/Out
	Hold down CTRL and click	Centers and zooms in to the clicked point	Zoom In/Out

Zoom In tool

Use the Zoom In button to zoom in to a target by clicking once and dragging a box in the 3D View window.

Zoom Out tool

Use the Zoom Out button to zoom out from a target by clicking once and dragging a box in the Profile View window.

Pan tool

Select the Pan tool to move throughout the LAS dataset points or surface in the 3D View window.

Full Extent tool

Select the Full Extent button to zoom to the full extent of 3D View.

Refresh tool

Select the Refresh tool to refresh the data view to match the extent and symbology of the LAS dataset layer in the ArcMap window.

Point Information tool

Select the Point Information tool to display additional information corresponding to a selected lidar point. Once a point has been selected, by default basic location and attribute information is displayed. Select the Show more LAS attributes check box to display additional LAS attribute information for the selected point. The graphic below depicts the 3D Information window.

Measure

Measure distance and height between LAS points using the Measure tool .

Steps:

1. Click the Measure tool from the 3D View toolbar to measure height and distance between two selected points.

2. Click a starting point to begin the measurement in 3D View.
3. Double-click in the 3D View window to finish the measurement.
   The distance of the measurement and the height difference between the starting point and ending point are displayed in 3D View.

   

3D View options

The Profile View Options parameters control how the LAS dataset 3D View window appears. You can change Background color, Point size factor, and Point budget using this dialog box.

Vertical exaggeration

Vertical exaggeration can be used to emphasize subtle changes. Select from predefined vertical exaggeration conversion factors from the vertical exaggeration drop-down menu on the 3D View window.