Build LAS Dataset Pyramid (Data Management)—ArcGIS Pro

Summary

Constructs or updates a LAS dataset display cache, which optimizes its rendering performance.

The LAS dataset pyramid is stored in the same location as the LAS dataset: in a directory whose name begins with the name of the LAS dataset and ends with .slas. The pyramid typically occupies one-third of the overall size of the LAS files referenced by the LAS dataset and is composed of multiple levels of progressively thinned LAS points. The points participating in each level are determined by binning the space where the points exist and selecting one point in each binned region using the point selection method.
A LAS dataset with a pyramid includes a new schema that is not supported in ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Pro releases earlier than 2.6. Deleting the pyramid will allow the LAS dataset to be used in applications that do not support the pyramid.
Once the LAS dataset pyramid has been constructed, the point selection method cannot be changed. If the pyramid's point selection must be changed, delete the pyramid and reconstruct it using the desired point selection method. You can delete the pyramid on the LAS dataset properties dialog box or by deleting the pyramid folder.
Once constructed, the LAS dataset pyramid will be invalidated if LAS file class codes are updated by a geoprocessing tool or if LAS files are added o removed from the LAS dataset. You can update an outdated display pyramid by running this tool on the LAS dataset.

BuildLasDatasetPyramid(in_las_dataset, {point_selection_method}, {class_codes_weights})

Parameter	Explanation	Data Type
in_las_dataset	The LAS dataset to process.	LAS Dataset Layer
point_selection_method (Optional)	Specifies how the point in each binned region will be selected to construct the pyramid. This parameter is disabled when the LAS dataset already contains a pyramid. Z_MIN —The point with the lowest z-value will be selected. Z_MAX —The point with the highest z-value will be selected. CLOSEST_TO_CENTER —The point that is closest to the center of the binned region will be selected. CLASS_CODE —The point with the highest weight value will be selected.	String
class_codes_weights [class_codes_weights,...] (Optional)	The weights assigned to each class code that determine which points are retained in each thinning region. This parameter is only enabled when the Class Code Weights option is specified in the Point Selection Method parameter. The class code with the highest weight will be retained in the thinning region. If two class codes with the same weight exist in a given thinning region, the class code with the smallest point source ID will be retained.	Value Table

BuildLasDatasetPyramid example (Python window)

The following sample demonstrates the use of this tool in the Python window.

import arcpy
arcpy.env.workspace = 'C:/data'
arcpy.ddd.BuildLasDatasetPyramid('test.lasd', 'MIN_Z')