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.

- To convert to DSM, check the All box under the Classification Codes and Return Values section.

- 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.


- 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).

