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
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The LAS dataset is designed for use with lidar data in the .las or .zlas formats. LAS file versions 1.0 - 1.4 are supported. Esri's EzLAS Optimizer is a stand-alone lidar utility that can be used to generate .zlas files or convert them back to the .las format.
Consider creating and managing the LAS dataset through the ArcCatalog window for a more interactive experience. See Creating a LAS dataset for more information.
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Surface constraint features can be used to enforce feature-derived elevation values that represent surface characteristics in the LAS dataset.
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Each LAS file typically contains spatial reference information in its header which is read by the LAS dataset. If this information is missing or improperly defined, the LAS file will not be placed in its correct location. If the correct spatial reference is known, the LAS file can be properly georeferenced by creating a .prj file that shares the LAS file's name, resides in the same folder, and contains the string representation of the LAS file's coordinate system, similar to the .prj file associated with a shapefile.
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The LAS format supports the classification of each point based on the specifications defined by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS). The ArcGIS platform applies the classification scheme specified for LAS file version 1.4:
Classification Value Classification Type 0
Never Classified
1
Unassigned
2
Ground
3
Low Vegetation
4
Medium Vegetation
5
High Vegetation
6
Building
7
Low Noise
8
Model Key / Reserved
9
Water
10
Rail
11
Road Surface
12
Overlap / Reserved
13
Wire – Guard
14
Wire – Conductor
15
Transmission Tower
16
Wire – Connector
17
Bridge Deck
18
High Noise
19 – 63
Reserved for ASPRS Definition (LAS 1.1 to 1.3 support up to class code 31)
32 – 255
User Definable (Only supported in LAS 1.0 and certain versions of 1.4)
Syntax
AddFilesToLasDataset_management (in_las_dataset, {in_files}, {folder_recursion}, {in_surface_constraints})| Parameter | Explanation | Data Type |
in_las_dataset | The LAS dataset to process. | LAS Dataset Layer |
in_files [in_files,...] (Optional) | Input files can reference any combination of individual LAS files and folders containing LAS data. | Folder; File |
folder_recursion (Optional) | Specifies whether lidar data residing in the subdirectories of an input folder would get added to the LAS dataset.
| Boolean |
in_surface_constraints [[in_feature_class, height_field, SF_type],...] (Optional) | The feature classes that will be referenced by the LAS dataset. Each feature will need the following properties defined: in_feature_class—The feature class to be referenced by the LAS dataset. height_field—The field that specifies the source of elevation values for the features. Any numeric field in the feature's attribute table can be used. If the feature supports z-values, the feature geometry can be read by selecting the Shape.Z option. If no height is desired, specify the keyword <None> to create Z-less features whose elevation would be interpolated from the surface. SF_type—The surface feature type that defines how the feature geometry gets 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.
| Value Table |
Code sample
AddFilesToLasDataset example 1 (Python window)
The following sample demonstrates the use of this tool in the Python window.
import arcpy
from arcpy import env
env.workspace = "C:/data"
arcpy.AddFilesToLasDataset_management("test.lasd",
["LA_N", "LA_S/LA_5S4E.las"],
"RECURSION",
["boundary.shp <None> Soft_Clip",
"breakline.shp Shape.Z Hard_Line"])
AddFilesToLasDataset example 2 (stand-alone script)
The following sample demonstrates the use of this tool in a stand-alone Python script.
'''*********************************************************************
Name: Modify Files in LAS Dataset& Calculate Stats for LASD
Description: Adds files & surface constraints to a LAS dataset, then
calculates statistics and generates report.
*********************************************************************'''
# Import system modules
import arcpy
try:
# Script variables
arcpy.env.workspace = 'C:/data'
lasd = 'sample.lasd'
oldLas = ['2006', '2007/file2.las']
newLas = ['2007_updates_1', '2007_updates_2']
oldSurfaceConstraints = ['boundary.shp', 'streams.shp']
newSurfaceConstraints = [['sample.gdb/boundary', '<None>',
'Soft_Clip']
['sample.gdb/streams', 'Shape.Z',
'Hard_Line']]
arcpy.management.RemoveFilesFromLasDataset(lasd, oldLas,
oldSurfaceConstraints)
arcpy.management.AddFilesToLasDataset(lasd, newLas, 'RECURSION',
newSurfaceConstraints)
arcpy.management.LasDatasetStatistics(lasd, "UPDATED_FILES",
"lasd_stats.txt",
"LAS_FILE", "DECIMAL_POINT",
"SPACE", "LAS_summary.txt")
except arcpy.ExecuteError:
print(arcpy.GetMessages())
except Exception as err:
print(err.args[0])
Environments
Licensing information
- ArcGIS for Desktop Basic: Requires 3D Analyst or Spatial Analyst
- ArcGIS for Desktop Standard: Yes
- ArcGIS for Desktop Advanced: Yes