Why is my LAS data not recognized?

Question

HI,

I obtained some Lidar data from USGS. It is in LAS format. I thought ESRI recognized this format, but apparently it does not. i tried using and converting the data in ArcCAtalog, Arcvie, And 3d Analyst. It is not recognized by any tool.

Perhaps the data file is not valid?

(too large to attach, I can provide a copy upon request)

IanMurray · Answer

.las files can be brought in directly to ArcGIS if you have the LP 360 extension and they are added to the map through the LP 360 Toolbar.  Otherwise as Xander said you have to add them to a Las Dataset before adding the Las Dataset to a map document.

XanderBakker · Answer

...and support for LAS datasets in ArcGIS can be found here: ArcGIS Help (10.2, 10.2.1, and 10.2.2)

XanderBakker · Answer

To work with LAS files in ArcGIS, you create a LAS Dataset that references 1 or more LAS files.

ArcGIS Help (10.2, 10.2.1, and 10.2.2)