HOW TO

Extract features from lidar data in ArcGIS Pro

Last Published: April 25, 2020

Summary

Lidar points stored in LAS datasets can be extracted as features to offer significant information for further analysis. ArcGIS reads LAS files natively, providing access to lidar data without the need for data conversion or import.

Procedure

These instructions describe how to extract lidar points as features from a lidar dataset in ArcGIS Pro. In this example, ground point data is extracted as polygon features.

  1. Add the LAS dataset to a scene or map in ArcGIS Pro.
  2. In the Contents pane, right-click the lidar data, and navigate to Properties > LAS Filter > Ground. The resulting image only displays ground lidar points.
A lidar data set without a filter (left) and filtered for ground only (right).
  1. Run the LAS Point Statistics As Raster tool to convert the LAS dataset into a raster dataset with the parameters specified as below:
    • Drag the layer from the Contents Pane into the Input LAS Dataset field of the tool.
    • For the Method parameter, select Most Frequent Class Code.
Inputs for the LAS Point Statistics As Raster tool
Output of the LAS Point Statistic As Raster
  1. Run the Raster to Polygon tool to convert the raster dataset into feature polygons. Set the parameters as follows:
    • For Input raster, select the output from Step 3.
    • Check Simplify polygons.
Input for the Raster to Polygon tool

Output of the Raster to Polygon toll

Article ID:000016671

Software:
  • ArcGIS Pro

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