Add {Merge_las} option to the ExtractLas tool to get a single output LAS file

[WentaoChe]

Using a single map sheet to clip a LAS dataset with multiple las files via the ExtractLas tool currently results in multiple output las files if the map sheet covers multiple las footprints. Adding a {Merge_las} option to the ExtractLas tool would streamline this process by consolidating the outputs into a single LAS file.

[Clayton]

An option to merge gets complicated if the input aren't of the same LAS file version and point format. The suggested approach is to use TileLAS after the extraction. Specify a large enough tile size to encompass the XY extent of the extracted data and it will merge the data into one output file. It also lets you pick the output file version and point format for the merge.

[WentaoChe]

@Clayton , Hi, Thanks for the insight. I agree, merging LAS files with different versions and point formats can be tricky. I'll go ahead with the Tile LAS (3D Analyst)  approach as you suggested, ensuring the tile size is sufficient to cover the entire XY extent. The ability to choose the output file version and point format will definitely simplify the process.