Available with 3D Analyst license.
LAS datasets can be edited to make updates to the source LAS files or the lidar points in the source LAS files. LAS datasets can be edited to fix problems, make improvements, and increase or decrease the data area extent.
The list below includes common examples of how you can benefit from editing LAS datasets:
- Manually fix errors in class codes.
- Visually compare the lidar points against existing GIS data for data validation, such as building data.
- Classify lidar points using GIS features.
- Reclassify lidar points manually selecting one or many lidar points.
- Change entire classification codes currently in the LAS dataset.
- Add or remove LAS files from a LAS dataset to increase or decrease the data area extent.
- Add or remove other GIS surface features, known as surface constraints, to/from the LAS dataset.
- Interactively measure 3D distances between visible features, such as power lines and trees.
- Use the lidar points as backdrop data to digitize in new GIS features, such as street furniture.
- Assign a spatial reference to a project if necessary.
Editing a LAS dataset falls into two broad categories:
- Adding or removing LAS files or surface constraints referenced by the LAS dataset. For more information on editing the LAS files available in a LAS dataset, see Adding or removing LAS files.
- Edits or updates to the classification codes applied to the lidar points residing in the LAS files. For more information on editing the lidar point classification, see Editing LAS point classification codes.
LAS dataset editing examples
From the application perspective, there are some common editing needs:
Common LAS dataset editing tasks
Task | Example | ArcGIS support |
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Expanding area of coverage over time |
| Use the Add Files To LAS Dataset geoprocessing tool. |
Quality assurance |
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Maintenance |
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What-if scenarios |
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