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Make LAS Dataset Layer (Data Management Tools)

Summary

Creates a LAS dataset layer that can apply filters to LAS points and control the enforcement of surface constraint features.

Usage

  • A LAS dataset layer can be used to filter LAS points and control which surface constraint features are enforced when triangulating a surface from the LAS dataset. LAS points can be filtered using the classification codes, classification flags, and return values associated with each point. The filters are honored by various tools that process the LAS dataset. For example, a raster surface modeling the bare earth can be constructed by filtering for ground classified points and using the resulting layer as input for the LAS Dataset To Raster tool.

    Note:

    The layer produced by this tool can be preserved as a layer file using the Save To Layer File tool.

  • When working with a LAS dataset layer in a map or scene, you can filter the LAS points and surface constraints from the LAS dataset layer's contextual tab or layer properties. While this tool can also be used on a layer in an active map, it is best suited for filtering the LAS dataset in an automated solution with ModelBuilder or Python.

  • The classification codes, classification flags, and return values supported in a given LAS file will depend on that file's version and point record format. When no values present in the input LAS files are specified to define a filter, the resulting layer will not have points. The classification codes, classification flags, and return values present in a LAS dataset can be established by calculating statistics.

    Learn more about working with LAS dataset statistics

Parameters

Label Explanation Data type

Input LAS Dataset

The LAS dataset that will be processed.

LAS Dataset Layer

Output Layer

The name of the resulting LAS dataset layer. A backslash or forward slash can be used to denote a group layer.

LAS Dataset Layer

Class Codes

(Optional)

Specifies the classification codes that will be used to filter LAS points. All class codes will be selected by default.

  • 0—Never processed by a classification method

  • 1—Processed by a classification method but could not be determined

  • 2—Bare earth measurements

  • 3—Vegetation whose height is considered to be low for the area

  • 4—Vegetation whose height is considered to be intermediate for the area

  • 5—Vegetation whose height is considered to be high for the area

  • 6—Structure with roof and walls

  • 7—Erroneous or undesirable data that is closer to the ground

  • 8—Reserved for later use, but used for model key points in LAS 1.1 - 1.3

  • 9—Water

  • 10—Railway tracks used by trains

  • 11—Road surfaces

  • 12—Reserved for later use, but used for overlap points in LAS 1.1 - 1.3

  • 13—Shielding around electrical wires

  • 14—Power lines

  • 15—A lattice tower used to support an overhead power line

  • 16—A mechanical assembly that joins an electrical circuit

  • 17—The surface of a bridge

  • 18—Erroneous or undesirable data that is far from the ground

  • 19 - 63—Reserved class codes for ASPRS designation

  • 64 - 255—User-definable class codes

String

Return Values

(Optional)

Specifies the ordinal pulse return values that will be used to filter LAS points. All returns will be used when no value is specified. Return information is only available for LAS point clouds collected from a lidar scanner. The return number reflects the order of discrete points obtained from the lidar pulse in which the first return is closest to the scanner and the last return is farthest from the scanner.

  • Last Return—The last point from all lidar pulses will be used.

  • First of Many Returns—The first point from each lidar pulse with multiple returns will be used.

  • Last of Many Returns—The last point from each lidar pulse with multiple returns will be used.

  • Single Return—All points from lidar pulses with only one return will be used.

  • 1st Return—All points with a return value of 1 will be used.

  • 2nd Return—All points with a return value of 2 will be used.

  • 3rd Return—All points with a return value of 3 will be used.

  • 4th Return—All points with a return value of 4 will be used.

  • 5th Return—All points with a return value of 5 will be used.

  • 6th Return—All points with a return value of 6 will be used.

  • 7th Return—All points with a return value of 7 will be used.

  • 8th Return—All points with a return value of 8 will be used.

  • 9th Return—All points with a return value of 9 will be used.

  • 10th Return—All points with a return value of 10 will be used.

  • 11th Return—All points with a return value of 11 will be used.

  • 12th Return—All points with a return value of 12 will be used.

  • 13th Return—All points with a return value of 13 will be used.

  • 14th Return—All points with a return value of 14 will be used.

  • 15th Return—All points with a return value of 15 will be used.

String

Unflagged Points

(Optional)

Specifies whether data points that do not have classification flags assigned will be included for display and analysis.

  • Checked—Unflagged points will be included. This is the default.

  • Unchecked—Unflagged points will not be included.

Boolean

Synthetic Points

(Optional)

Specifies whether data points flagged as synthetic will be included. Synthetic points refer to LAS points that originated from a data source other than a lidar scanner.

  • Checked—Synthetic points will be included. This is the default.

  • Unchecked—Synthetic points will not be included.

Boolean

Model Key-Point

(Optional)

Specifies whether data points flagged as model key points will be included. Model key points refer to LAS points that are significant for modeling the object they are associated with.

  • Checked—Model key points will be included. This is the default.

  • Unchecked—Model key points will not be included.

Boolean

Withheld Points

(Optional)

Specifies whether data points flagged as withheld will be included. Withheld points represent erroneous or undesired measurements captured in the LAS points.

  • Checked—Withheld points will be included.

  • Unchecked—Withheld points will not be included. This is the default.

Boolean

Surface Constraints

(Optional)

The name of the surface constraint features that will be enabled in the layer. All constraints are enabled by default.

String

Overlap Points

(Optional)

Specifies whether data points flagged as overlap will be included. Overlap points refer to points collected in overlapping scans that typically have a larger scan angle. Filtering overlap points can help ensure a regular distribution of LAS points across the extent of the data.

  • Checked—Overlap points will be included. This is the default.

  • Unchecked—Overlap points will not be included.

Boolean

Minimum Height

(Optional)

The minimum height that will be used to filter the LAS dataset. Any points below this value will be excluded from the resulting layer. This parameter is unspecified by default, which means no minimum height point filter will be applied.

Linear Unit

Maximum Height

(Optional)

The maximum height that will be used to filter the LAS dataset. Any points above this value will be excluded from the resulting layer. This parameter is unspecified by default, which means no maximum height point filter will be applied.

Linear Unit

Environments

Current Workspace

Licensing information

  • Basic: Yes
  • Standard: Yes
  • Advanced: Yes