Creating 3D Images

A layer can be used to create 3D images–for example, 3D images of buildings can be created using building footprints.

  1. In the Analysis pane, click the tool, search for Feature to point (data management), and click it.
  2. Drag the layer you would like to use to the 'Input Features' text box.
  3. Ensure that the 'Output Features' text box contains a file path to your default geodatabase. Rename this building centroids file to something recognizable to you (for example, "BuildingCentroids")
  4. Check the 'Inside (Optional)' checkbox and click Run.



  5. To obtain LIDAR data: Make a folder connection to the Z:\ LiDAR\2008 LiDAR Adjusted > MOSAICS > MOSAICS_HC (if working in Harris County) and find the dsmgrid_hc and dtmgrid_hc files. The dtm files are synonymous with dem files. 
  6. Drag the desired dtm and dsm files to the map. Make sure the view extent is zoomed to your entire project location. Right click the dsmgrid_hc in the Contents pane and click data then export raster. In the new Export Raster pane click the Clipping Geometry drop down box and select Current Display Extent. Ensure the Output Raster Dataset is to your project. Click Export. 



  7. Repeat this process for the dtmgrid_hc file. 
  8. Remove the previously added dtm and dsm files from the Contents Pane. 

    Add DSM + DEM field to building centroids - Spatial Analyst -> Extract Multi Values to Points

  1. In the Analysis pane, click the tool, search for Extract Multi Values to Points, and click it.
  2. Drag BuildingCentroid to the input feature, and dsm and dtm file in the Input raster and click run



  3. Right click on the layer you just edited and click Attribute Table.
  4. Click Add.



  5. Name the new field as BuildingHeight, and click save.



  6. In the attribute table window, right click on the header of BuildingHeight column and click calculate field
  7. Double click DSM from the 'Fields:' box. Then, click the minus (-) button, and double click DTM from the 'Fields:' box. The expression "DSM - DTM" should be displayed in the 'Type =' box. Click run.



  8. Join the building centroids to building footprints, using the OBJECTID field in building footprints and the ORIG_FID field in your layer.



  9. Click the Convert tool under the View tab, then you can see a 3D_layers list appears in the content pane.
  10. Drag the Buildingfootprint layer under the 3D_layer.
  11. Select the Buildingfootprint layer and in the Appearance tab, in the Extrusion unit, select the type you want and choose the field to be BuildingHeight.
  12. A 3D feature is created in the map.


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