Before beginning, the following is required:
ArcGIS License: Standard or Advanced.
Extensions: ArcGIS 3D Analyst and ArcGIS Image Analyst.
How to Open ArcGIS Pro and Set Up a Project
1. Open ArcGIS Pro.
2. Start a New Project or open an existing one.
3. In the Catalog Pane, add the folder where your LAS dataset will be stored.
How to Import and Convert LAZ to LAS
1. Open Geoprocessing Pane: Since ArcGIS Pro does not support LAZ files natively, they must first be converted to LAS.
2. Go to Analysis > Tools.
3. Search for Convert LAS.
How to Configure Convert LAS Tool
1. Select WGS 1984 for both horizontal and vertical coordinate systems to match data collection standards.
2. In the Target Folder, specify:
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- The folder where the converted LAS files will be saved.
- An output name for the LAS file in the designated folder.
How to Run the Conversion
1. Click Run to complete the conversion.
2. The LAS files will automatically load into the ArcGIS map.
3. You might see a red outline boxappear, indicating where the LAS dataset is located.
How to Visualize the LAS Data in 2D and 3D
1. Convert the 3D Scene In the View Tab, convert the Map to a Local Scene to display the scan in a 3D view.
Depending on the ArcGIS version, this may be under the “Map” Tab.
2. Render Elevation: ArcGIS automatically provides the Lidar data in Elevation symbology, as shown below.
3. Symbolize with RGB for Realism: In the LAS Dataset Tab, change the Symbology to RGB to represent the point cloud data in a realistic color.
How to Adjust Layer Elevation
1. Right-click the LAS dataset layer.
2. Go to Properties > Elevation Tab.
3. Set the Cartography Offset to -1.5 to align the data closer to ground level if needed.
How to Apply Basemap Layer
1. Open Base Map Options: Click the Base Map button.
2. Choose a Base Map Type: Select a base map type.
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- 2D Base Map: Provides a flat view of the area.
- 3D Base Map: Offers a more realistic, dimensional view of the location.
3. By selecting a 3D base map, additional details such as buildings or houses may be visible, providing better context for the location.
How to Explore Your 3D Mesh Options
1. Open the Geoprocessing Pane.
2. Use the Create Point Cloud Scene Layer Content tool.
3. Process the LAS data as a 3D mesh.