Summary
Draping a basemap over LiDAR data (LAS) in a 3D scene makes the map look more realistic as LAS data make high-quality elevation models. The LAS data must be converted either to a digital elevation model (DEM) or a digital surface model (DSM) before draping the basemap.
Procedure
The instructions provided describe how to convert LAS data to a DEM or DSM. In this example, the Imagery basemap is used.
- Create a LAS dataset from the LAS data.
- In the Contents pane, right-click the LAS dataset created, and select Properties.
- In the Layer Properties dialog box, click the LAS Filter section, and select one of the following options:
- To convert to DEM, check the 2 Ground box under the Classification Codes section.
![The Layer Properties dialog box](https://webapps-cdn.esri.com/CDN/support-site/technical-articles-images/000019199/00N39000003LL2C-0EMf20000002956.png)
- To convert to DSM, check the All box under the Classification Codes and Return Values section.
![The Layer Properties dialog box](https://webapps-cdn.esri.com/CDN/support-site/technical-articles-images/000019199/00N39000003LL2C-0EMf2000000297Q.png)
- Click OK to close the Layer Properties dialog box.
- In the Data tab, click the Export icon in the Management group and click Raster to open the LAS Dataset To Raster tool.
- For Input LAS Dataset, select the LAS dataset created.
- Set a name and location for the Output Raster.
- Make sure the Value Field is set to Elevation.
- Click Run to execute the tool.
The created DEM (top image) or DSM (bottom image) layers are displayed in the
Contents pane under the
2D Layers section.
![The DEM from the LAS dataset is created](https://webapps-cdn.esri.com/CDN/support-site/technical-articles-images/000019199/00N39000003LL2C-0EMf20000002Ba4.png)
![The DSM is created](https://webapps-cdn.esri.com/CDN/support-site/technical-articles-images/000019199/00N39000003LL2C-0EMf20000002BZz.png)
- To drape the Imagery basemap over the LAS dataset, add either the created DEM or DSM as the elevation source to the elevation surface. For more information, refer to ArcGIS Pro: Custom elevations surface.
The following images show the Imagery basemap draped over the DEM (top image) and DSM (bottom image).
![The imagery basemap is draped over the DEM created](https://webapps-cdn.esri.com/CDN/support-site/technical-articles-images/000019199/00N39000003LL2C-0EMf20000002C0b.png)
![The imagery basemap is draped over the DSM created](https://webapps-cdn.esri.com/CDN/support-site/technical-articles-images/000019199/00N39000003LL2C-0EMf20000002C0l.png)