LAS dataset layer properties in ArcScene

ArcScene is a 3D viewer that is well suited to generating perspective scenes that allow you to navigate and interact with your LAS dataset. You control a LAS dataset layer in ArcScene through the Layer Properties dialog box.

To access LAS dataset layer properties in ArcScene, right-click the LAS dataset layer in the table of contents and click Properties.

General tab

The General tab on the Layer Properties dialog box allows the layer display name and description to be modified. You can also set a scale range in which to display the LAS dataset layer.

Source tab

The Source tab shows the bounding Extent of the LAS dataset. It also describes Data Source information, which includes the data type, location, name, z range, number of LAS files, number of surface constraints, number of LAS points, classification code statistics, and the coordinate system.

Surface Constraints tab

The Surface Constraints tab lists all of the surface constraints in which the LAS dataset is referencing. You can turn the surface constraints on or off using the Select All and Clear All buttons.

Filter tab

The Filter tab lists available filters that can be applied to the LAS dataset in ArcScene. The filters that are selected can be applied to the LAS dataset displayed as either points or as a surface. The Classification Codes, Returns, and Flags can be used to filter the points for display and analysis. You can use the Predefined Settings filter settings to quickly select from common lidar filters. These common filters include All returns, Ground, Non Ground, and First Return.

Display tab

The Display tab controls how the LAS dataset data is displayed as the view is changed in ArcScene.

The Rendering Preferences allow you to optimize the amount of lidar points that are rendered by the LAS dataset in ArcScene. Surface Options provide controls that allow you to modify surface analysis options. Information about each option is available below.

LAS files Extents—The Always display LAS file extents option will ensure that the bounding boxes used to show the extents of the LAS files are always displayed.

Tip:

You can toggle through the different bounding box display options by pressing the B key.

Show Elevation as MapTips—Allows you to display the elevation as a MapTip as the pointer moves throughout the LAS dataset in ArcScene.

Transparency—Transparency can be used for any symbolization type, but it is especially useful for drawing surface layers with other layers on your surface. Adding transparency to the top layers allows you to see it while still viewing underlying layers. You can add transparency to a LAS dataset layer by changing the percentage to be applied to the LAS dataset in ArcScene.

Rendering Preferences

Point limit—Apply point limit sets a size limit to the number of points used in the display of a LAS dataset layer. The default value is 800,000 for a surface view and 12,800,000 for a point view of a LAS dataset. If, for a given display extent, use of the settings would result in a surface that exceeds the specified point count, the layer will switch to be more generalized.

Point Density—The density of points to be enforced by the LAS dataset. This is set interactively by using the slider bar. Move the slider to the left for a coarse surface and to the right for a more fine or full surface resolution. As you move the slider bar the Full resolution point budget will change from 0 to 100 percent. By default, the density is set to 100 percent.

Symbology tab

The Symbology tab offers methods for representing a LAS dataset layer in ArcScene.

Several symbology renderers exist for LAS datasets. By default, ArcScene displays the points of the LAS dataset layer.

Changing the symbology renderer for a LAS dataset

1. Select the Symbology tab.
2. Click the Add button.
3. Click the renderer that represents the terrain feature you want to display and click Add.
4. Click Dismiss when you are finished adding renderers. The list updates to show what you want to draw.
5. Click an element in the Show list.
6. Click the Up or Down arrow key to change the element's draw order.

   The LAS dataset features at the top of the list draw on top of those below them.

7. Click OK.

Base Heights tab

To understand setting base heights, see: Setting base heights in ArcScene.

Rendering tab

To understand rendering in ArcScene, see: Controlling when a layer is rendered in ArcScene.