How to convert LAS to GRID/Raster for ArcGIS input?

Question

I was wondering if there is an option to convert LAS (LIDAR data) to raster or GRID format that ArcGIS could read it.

Thanks.

Answer 1

In ArcGIS the workflow for importing LAS is to Import Las to Multipoint (tool of the same name) then create a terrain dataset. You can then use the Terrain to Raster tool if need be. (Required 3D Analyst)

Answer 2

What about LAStools? In particular lasgrid, las2dem, or las2tin. It has a GUI - lastool.exe now too.

Answer 3

All LAStools now have a GUI. With las2shp.exe (README) you can convert from LAS to SHP Multipoint.

Answer 4

Here is a solution with free software Fusion/LDV:

1- Download Fusion/LDV. It comes with a manual.

2- Use an text editor to write Fusion's program commands. I suggest Notepad++. Save the Notepad++ file as ".bat" extension.

Use LDA2ASCII to transform ".las" files to ASCII.txt format (see manual's page 98).

Here is the syntax of LDA2ASCII command:

LDA2ASCII InputFile OutputFile format

Let's suppose now:

i) one installed Fusion at the following directory --> c:\Fusion
ii) ".las" file name is "project_area_51.las"
iii) the file "project_area_51.las" is stored in --> c:\Lidar\Area_51
iv) it is wanted to store the new ASCII.txt file inside --> c:\LiDAR\Area_51
v) the name of the new file (output) will be "project_area_51.txt"

Write in notepad++

c:\Fusion\LDA2ASCII c:\Lidar\Area_51\project_area_51.las c:\Lidar\Area_51\project_area_51.txt 0

Save the ".bat" file, and then execute it (shortcut = F5)

Open "project_area_51.txt" in ArcGis.
You can also use Fusion to generate Digital Elevation Models (DEM), or Digital Surface Models (DSM), and after that, transform them to raster (DTM2ASCII program command on manual's page 56).

Answer 5

There are also some options if you want to work entirely within ArcGIS. First, you need to make an LAS Dataset. This is basically a dataset with a symbolic link to your LAS files that ArcMap can read. Once you have this, you can filter, investigate, and view your point cloud. To create a DEM or other raster from the LAS data, you then need to use the LAS Dataset To Raster tool. If you want the ground elevations, you MUST make sure you have your LiDAR data filtered to display ONLY ground returns (use the LAS toolbar). If you want some other raster surface, filter your points accordingly. You will have many options, but make sure to use a grid cell size that is appropriate to the point spacing and to the analysis you want to do.

Edit: This is only available in the Advanced/ArcInfo level license.