HOW TO

Drape a basemap over LiDAR data in ArcGIS Pro scene layer

Last Published: April 25, 2020

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.

  1. Create a LAS dataset from the LAS data.
  2. In the Contents pane, right-click the LAS dataset created, and select Properties.
  3. In the Layer Properties dialog box, click the LAS Filter section, and select one of the following options:
    1. To convert to DEM, check the 2 Ground box under the Classification Codes section.
      The Layer Properties dialog box
       
    2. To convert to DSM, check the All box under the Classification Codes and Return Values section.
      The Layer Properties dialog box
  4. Click OK to close the Layer Properties dialog box.
  5. In the Data tab, click the Export icon in the Management group and click Raster to open the LAS Dataset To Raster tool.
    1. For Input LAS Dataset, select the LAS dataset created.
    2. Set a name and location for the Output Raster.
    3. Make sure the Value Field is set to Elevation.
    4. 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
The DSM is created
  1. 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
The imagery basemap is draped over the DSM created

Article ID:000019199

Software:
  • ArcGIS Pro

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