DEM to LAS

The DEM to LAS tab of the Add Files dialog allows you to convert DEM files into a LAS data layer. Thereby enabling all the visualization and analysis tools available for LAS Layers to be applied to raster data.

How to Convert a DEM File to a LAS Layer

1. Open the Add Files dialog located on the Project tab of the ribbon.
2. Navigate to the DEM to LAS tab
3. Add in the desired DEM (raster) to be converted
   • Press the Add Files button to select one or more files.
   • If you have one or more folders from which you want to add all files contained within them, click Add Folder button .
4. Modify import settings if desired (default settings seen in Figure 1).

Figure 1: Add Files dialog - DEM to LAS Tab

Dem to LAS - Import Settings

LAS Load Settings

• Select Load LAS Read-Only if you want to view the files and prevent any changes from being applied to the LAS files being opened.
• Select Load LAS Read-Write if you would like to edit the file and be able to save any modifications made to the files.

Options

• Append to Compatible layers will add the files to a compatible layer if one exists within the project. Learn more about compatible layers.
• Ignore Incompatible SRS will ignore the coordinate settings of an existing layer.
• Pyramid LAS will pyramid your converted LAS data to allow quick loading when zooming in or out on the data layer.

LAS Settings

• Version lets you choose which LAS version to convert your files to.
  • Recommended: 1.4
• PDRF (Point Data Record Format) is a LAS specification that defines the attributes that can be stored in each data point. Learn more about the Point Data Record Format (PDRF).
  • Recommended: 7
• Destination Class selects the classification for the data to be assigned during import.
  • The default is 0 - Created, Never Classified. If you exported a Ground Only DEM, the Destination Class can be changed to Ground.
• LAS Output Folder allows you to select the location where the new LAS files will be written.
  • The <> Button allows users to input the LP360 Project Path Variable (implemented by default). This just allows LP360 to read the path of the open Project, then creates a subfolder when a backlash and name is included (example: <LP360_Project_Path>\NewFolder)