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.

[ClaytonCrawford]

See comments. Due to potential issue of merging different las file versions and point formats we recommend to use TileLAS with a large enough tile size to produce one merged tile. That tool has methods/properties to handle different file versions and point formats.

[AnthonyHermanASN]

not closed... 😞

TileLAS works great as a one off run, but imported into model builder, it fails to hold the set tile size, reverting back to a small default (~250mb ~67m in my case).

Using parameters (both for MB and width/height) and attempting to force via buffered input polygones all failed to hold.

I honestly don't understand how such a basic data op is so difficult in a program like ArcPro... 😞