Ways to visualize multiple large LiDAR tiles?

Question

I want to load approximately 10 large LiDAR tiles for analysis. I have tried using ArcScene but it appears there is a limit on how much data ArcScene can handle at one time. Each tile is 65-90MB in size. The only returns that I am using (and that are available) are ground returns.

My computer has 8GB ram, an amd 6 core processor, and a really good video card. I am fairly certain that it is more than sufficient to handle large amounts of data.

I am not against using something other than an ESRI product to complete this task. What are other options to visualize multiple large LiDAR tiles?

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_{For visualizing LiDAR/point cloid data in web browsers, see Viewing LiDAR data from web browser?}

Answer 1

Your computer has plenty of spec:

Develop a full or partial disk cache whenever possible. Disk caches allow data to be pre-rendered for optimum ArcGlobe/ArcScene display performance. Store ArcSDE/ArcScene data sets using the Cube projection This will avoid pyramid resampling and data reprojection for ArcGlobe.

http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/index.cfm?id=3482&pid=3453&topicname=Optimizing_ArcScene

http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/index.cfm?TopicName=Disk_cache_formats_in_ArcGlobe

Other helpful ArcGIS tips... (includes AMD Processors) http://mapperz.blogspot.com/2007/02/esri-arcgis-92-tips-and-tricks.html ArcGIS/Utilities/ArcMap Advanced Settings Use with Administrator Privileges.

Answer 2

In lidar world, those aren't even large tiles! Rather than reiterate a snazzy presentation from the latest ESRI 2010 user conference, I'll point you to the pdf of the presentation.

It basically walks you through how to quickly pull point cloud data into a 2.5d rasterized dataset, instead of interpolating the mass points (important if using the ground dataset, since it's already interpolated from the rest of the cloud and usually fairly dense anyway).

This is especially useful if you don't want to spend the time waiting for data to load into a Terrain dataset.

[EDIT] A short time later, ESRI has the LAS dataset datatype. If you're spending any amount of time with Lidar, it's worth doing what you can to meet the license requirements for operating with this datatype since it can save you a lot of time and effort moving data in and out of ArcGIS.

Answer 3

ArcScene is a 32bit application and not a multi-threaded one so there are limits.

You could try terrain datasets.

You could also try generalizing your data.

Answer 4

You may want to look into LAStools, which can do a number of data conversions and basic visualizations of input LAS files, and conversions to both TIN and DEM. The same author also wrote a tool to visualize LIDAR data with Google Earth that may be of use.

Answer 5

If you have access to the original .las files, you might want to try something like LP360. It is designed to speedily render LiDAR data... much faster than raster (and worlds faster than a point return shapefile or feature class.)

Answer 6

Here are some options of free software for lidar visualization:

• 3D Reshape Viewer
• Bentley Pointools View
• ccViewer
• FugroViewer
• LiMON Viewer
• M Lidar
• MARS FreeView
• Quick Terrain Reader
• Trimble RealWorks Viewer

This* is a research accomplished by Tobias Wittwer, which compared the lidar viewers listed above taking note of: software tested version, file formats supported (point cloud formats and other types), display options and other functionalities (such as processing tasks, operating system supported, etc.). On pages 18 and 19, the author lists the main advantages and disadvantages of these software.

_{*Wittwer, T. A short comparison of freely available point cloud viewers for Windows. v.1.8. www.geonext.nl. July, 2015.}