Creating a LAS Dataset

Feature Description

SuperMap uses LAS datasets to manage LAS files. LAS dataset is a data structure for efficiently managing and accessing LiDAR data, employing a lightweight metadata management mechanism that enables efficient organization of massive point cloud data through file path indexing. It is suitable for application scenarios requiring TB-level point cloud data processing such as 3D smart city modeling, power line inspection, and geological hazard monitoring, achieving optimal balance between source data integrity and processing efficiency.

Before creating a LAS dataset, please note the following prerequisites:

  • Supported File Versions: Standard *.las files version 1.0-1.4.
  • Supported Storage Paths: Locally stored LAS files.
  • Supported Data Sources: UDBX and PostGIS data sources.

Feature Entry

  • Start Tab->New Dataset Dropdown->3D->LAS.
  • Workspace Manager->Data Source Context Menu->New Dataset->LAS.

Steps

  1. Right-click a data source and select New Dataset->LAS from the context menu. The Add File dialog appears (files can be added here, or canceled to create an empty LAS dataset first, then add files later via Manage LAS Dataset).
  2. In the Add File dialog, use toolbar tools to add/remove LAS files. The LAS dataset records absolute paths of added files. Surface constraint files for LAS files can also be added.
    • Add: Dropdown button contains:
      • Add File: Add specified LAS files to the list area.
      • Add Folder: Add all LAS files in a folder. When adding via folder, uniform settings can be made for LAS file types and subfolder searching.
    • Delete: Remove unwanted files from the LAS dataset.
    • The sub-dataset list area displays basic information:
      • Alias: Display name within the LAS dataset collection.
      • Path: Disk path of LAS files.
    • Surface Constraint: Conditions used to optimize ground point classification and surface reconstruction during terrain modeling (e.g., DTM/DSM generation). These constraints ensure models conform better to actual terrain features. SuperMap supports adding surface constraint files.
      • Source File: Supports SHP, FileGDB, CAD formats;
      • Constraint Type: Specified based on source file type;
      • Elevation Field: Designated elevation field.
  3. Specify target data source and dataset name.
  4. Set coordinate system. The system automatically uses the first LAS file's coordinate system. Alternatively, use coordinate system toolbar tools: Reset Coordinate System, Copy Coordinate System, Import Coordinate System. For details see View Image Projection.
  5. Two sub-datasets will be created:
    • Outline Dataset: Vector region dataset containing boundary information of LAS files.

      Default fields include: FilePath, GenerateSoftware, CreateTime, LasVersion, PointFormat, PointRecordLength (bytes), PointNumber, MaxZ/MinZ, as shown below.

      Figure: Outline Dataset Attribute Table

    • Surface Constraint Dataset:

      • Tabular dataset storing surface constraint information. Each record represents a surface constraint file with detailed parameters.

      • Default fields: SurfaceConstrainsName, SurfaceConstrainsSource, SurfaceConstrainsType, SurfaceConstrainsZField.

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