.LAS files (Log ASCII Standard) Not useable directly in ArcGIS A single X-Y position can have multiple Z values Must be converted to MultiPoint file

Zooming in you can see the individual data points that make up the file. 3D Analyst Extension Required Arc Toolbox > 3D Analyst Tools > Conversion > From File > LAS to Multipoint Converting LAS files to Multipoint

Terrain constructed in either a File or Personal Geodatabase from the multipoint file Right click feature data set > New > Terrain

DSM raster and hillshade Terrains cannot be hillshaded or used for raster analysis so a raster is created from the terrain 3D Analyst Toolbox > Conversions > From Terrain > Terrain to Raster Use Environments > General Settings > Extent > Same as Display to limit processing area

Reprocessing for “bare earth” Last returns can be used to construct a “bare earth” DTM of the scene, removing vegetation and some cultural features such as buildings and cars.

Using the swipe tool in ArcMap allows comparison of the DSM (left) and DTM (right).

Draping orthophotos on bare earth LiDAR Orthophoto mosaic from NYS orthophotography program with base elevations set to bare earth LiDAR DTM ArcScene, part of 3D Analyst extension, allows 3D visualization.

Monitor well locations Point shapefile from GPS coordinates of wells with base heights mapped to LiDAR bare earth

Building the water table surface data set Extract elevation at well positions from LiDAR DTM using Spatial Analysts Tools Spatial Analysts Tools > Extraction > Extract Values to Points Values added to attribute table as RSATERVALU Add additional fields for water depth in feet, water depth in meters and water surface elevation. Water depths in feet are entered manually, other values are calculated using field calculator.

Interpolating the water table surface 3D Analyst Tools > Raster Interpolation > IDW Z value is Water_elv Other interpolation methods can be tried as well. Surface can be contoured, but best visualization is achieved by adding the surface to ArcScene.

3D rotation in ArcScene allows the water surface to be viewed from multiple angles

How close to reality?