Hello
I have a few years GIS experience but this is my first time working with LIDAR data.
I don't need to be able to 'process' the data itself. I only intend to be the keeper of the data and enable people to request data from me in small batches. So I need a way of indexing the data.
So far I have used the 'Create LAS Dataset' tool which has given me a 'grid' showing the extend of the individual LAS files. Great!
However I am not able to select / export this layer.
I want to be able to drag a box around a 'search area' and obtain a list of the LAS files within.
This list would be used in a batch file which would select and package the selected files for distribution.
Can the LAS Dataset i have created be converted to a shape file? If not... how can I make the layer query-able?
I am aware of the multipoint tool and it has been suggested that this may hold the answer, but I do not have 3D analyst. So any solution must work with my Standard 10.1 license.
Any help appreicated!
Chris : )
LAS datasets have a footprint. Load it into arcmap then on the TOC, right click on the footprint then choose export data.
Hi Mike, thanks for your reply.
By footprint, do you mean the 'blocks' that are visible on the map?
After creating the LAS dataset I selected the option in the properties to "always show LAS file extents".
Is this the 'footprint' ?
I have right clicked on the layer in the TOC and can't see an option to export.
Under 'data' where you would usually see an export option (if the layer was a shp) I only have an option to 'view item description'.
I expect I'm doing something fundamentally wrong here. Perhaps the footprint you mention is a separate file I need to load into the map?
thanks!!!
Chris
Maybe this can help http://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=d8782286e3c9442bb5c244bf39da5966
When working with las files, LASTOOLS has been most useful for me.
Mike and Xander, thanks for your replies.
I stumbled across LASTOOLS and got quite excited about it until I saw the cost.
Unfortunately it is highly unlikely my company will pay for it, or for 3D analyst.
However I have made some progress.
Rather than simply creating the LAS Dataset, I have created a Mosaic Dataset then added the LAS files to it.
I initially followed a step by step guide I found but the footprint created was the 'overall' footprint.
This was due to an option being ticked to 'treat folders as files' (or something along those lines).
I unchecked that option and ran it again. It took MUCH longer but the footprint is now for the individual LAS files.
I included only half of the 49,000 LAS files I have. I will run the rest later then merge the footprints.
So for now.... my query has been solved (although I would really like to be able to do more!)
thanks : )
Great that you have advanced on the matter, but it sounds a little strange a company is not willing to invest in some tools that you will need to process 49000 LAS file... The additional time you will have to invest to do things in a less optimal way (since you lack the proper tools) is costly too.