How to Turn LAS Files into LiDAR Maps Using ArcMap
The LAS (LASer) format is a file format designed for the interchange and archiving of lidar point cloud data. It is an open, binary format specified by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS). The format is widely used and regarded as an industry standard for lidar data.
LAStools allows you to exploit your LiDAR data in the most sophisticated manner through the familiar toolbox interface .
The LAS dataset surface-based layer type is similar to TIN or terrain dataset layers in that it supports multiple display renderers. You can view the triangles colored by elevation range, slope, aspect, and contours. You can see the breaklines, triangle edges, and nodes of the triangulated surface. You can also use LAS dataset-specific point symbology renderers: LAS attribute grouped with unique symbol and LAS point elevation with graduated color ramp.
The LAS dataset offers quick access to a handful of common renderers through the LAS Dataset toolbar, with advanced access being provided in the Layer Properties dialog. This toolbar also contains the LAS Dataset Profile View and LAS Dataset 3D View tools which enable 3D visualization within ArcMap. The LAS Dataset Profile View window will always display the LAS dataset points even when used on a surface
Click the Add Data button Add Data from the Standard toolbar and browse to the LAS dataset. Click Add to add the LAS dataset layer to the table of contents in ArcMap.
Add the LAS Dataset toolbar to the display in ArcMap by right-clicking the main menu and clicking LAS Dataset.
Click the Display As TIN drop-down menu to choose a specific surface renderer to display the LAS dataset surface. Keep in mind that only one renderer can be applied to the surface at once.