ArcGIS supports the direct viewing, updating, and analysis of lidar data. The table below provides a quick view of the LAS licensing requirements.
| Functionality | ArcGIS for Desktop Basic (or higher) | ArcGIS for Desktop Standard (or higher) | ArcGIS 3D Analyst extension | ArcGIS Spatial Analyst extension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Create LAS dataset | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Create a mosaic dataset containing LAS data | Yes | Yes | ||
Convert LAS into a multipoint feature class | Yes | |||
Create a terrain dataset | Yes | |||
View LAS data (via LAS dataset/mosaic dataset/terrain dataset) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Convert LAS to raster | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Run TIN-based analysis against LAS (via LAS dataset) | Yes | |||
Run raster-based analysis against LAS (via mosaic dataset) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Run TIN-based analysis against LAS (via terrain dataset) | Yes | |||
Use the LAS dataset toolbar tools in ArcMap or ArcScene | Yes | |||
Editing LAS dataset schema (add or remove files) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Editing LAS class codes | Yes | |||
Editing mosaic datasets | Yes | |||
Editing terrain datasets | Yes |
More details on the supported LAS functionality by license type are listed below.
Defining collections of LAS files
There are three container types for working with lidar LAS files in ArcGIS: the LAS dataset, the terrain dataset, and the mosaic dataset.
LAS datasets allow the inclusion of LAS files and additional constraint features (such as breaklines) in the creation of either a point-based, TIN-based, or raster-based view of the data. To create a new LAS dataset or update the definition of an existing one, you require ONE OF the following license types:
- ArcGIS 3D Analyst extension
- ArcGIS Spatial Analyst extension
- ArcGIS for Desktop —Standard (or higher)
Terrain datasets allow the inclusion of LAS files through multipoint geometry. Additional constraint features (such as breaklines) can also be used in the creation of a TIN-based surface model. To create a new terrain dataset or update the definition of an existing one, you must have a license for
- ArcGIS 3D Analyst extension
Mosaic datasets allow the inclusion of LAS files and additional raster content into the creation of a raster-based view of the data. To create a new mosaic dataset, or update the definition of an existing one, you require a license for
- ArcGIS for Desktop—Standard (or higher)
Viewing collections of LAS
LAS datasets can be rendered as source points or as a TIN-based surface. Mosaic datasets can be rendered as a raster-based surface, while terrain datasets can be rendered as points, or a TIN-based surface. All these options are available in ArcMap (2D) with a license for
- ArcGIS for Desktop—Basic (or higher)
Editing LAS classification codes
LAS datasets allow the classification codes of the source lidar points to be edited. Changes to LAS points are made directly within the referenced LAS file/s and are not part of the standard GIS editing session. To edit LAS classification codes, you must have a license for
- ArcGIS 3D Analyst extension
Running analysis against collections of LAS
LAS datasets can be analyzed either as a TIN-based surface or a raster-based surface. In the current release, LAS datasets can be used as an input parameter for only a subset of geoprocessing tools that have TIN or raster as an input parameter. For other tools, the LAS dataset can be converted to either TIN or raster format as needed. Analyzing LAS datasets requires a license for
- ArcGIS 3D Analyst extension
Terrain datasets can be analyzed either as a TIN-based surface or as points. Terrain datasets can be used as an input parameter for several 3D Analyst geoprocessing tools. Analyzing terrain datasets requires a license for
- ArcGIS 3D Analyst extension
Mosaic datasets containing LAS content can be analyzed as a raster. This means that all geoprocessing tools that have raster as an input parameter can be used against LAS data stored in a mosaic dataset. This capability is available with a license for
- ArcGIS for Desktop—Standard (or higher)
- Any extension