An overview of analysis and LAS datasets

Lidar data supports many analytic operations for several different applications. This variety of analytic operations can be performed on LAS datasets in ArcGIS. LAS datasets contain a wealth of information about the lidar data contained in the LAS files it references. ArcGIS provides the tools to conduct analysis on the lidar data as either a collection of points or as a surface.

For example, with LAS datasets you can do the following:

• Analyze lidar points against first-return, bare earth, or any desired filter type.
• Manipulate lidar point classification code values to fix classification errors.
• Analyze lidar data using classification codes.
• Run floodplain models against bare-earth lidar points.
• Conduct statistical analysis on lidar points.
• Export statistical information for further analysis.
• Create raster DEMs and DSMs.
• Create intensity images.
• Estimate forest canopy density and height.
• Run initial QA/QC processes on newly acquired postprocessed lidar data.
• Measure heights between points.
• Analyze lidar data as points or as a surface in 2D or 3D.

The interactive tools on the 3D Analyst and the LAS Dataset toolbars provide the ability to interactively explore a LAS dataset as lidar points or as a TIN surface. For a summary of the toolbar tools for LAS datasets, see Toolbar tools for LAS datasets.

The Point Information tools on the LAS dataset Profile View and 3D View windows displays attribute information from a selected point. The Information window reports different results for a query point depending on if the LAS dataset is displayed as a point or as a surface in the 3D View, and the same information in the Profile View.

Geoprocessing tools enable batch-like functionality, as well as surface analysis, editing, and updating capabilities. For a summary of the geoprocessing tools that work with LAS datasets, see Geoprocessing and LAS datasets.

Note:

The LAS dataset was initially designed for lidar data acquired from an airborne system. Terrestrial lidar data can be viewed and analyzed as points in ArcMap or ArcScene.