3D GIS modeling is one of the most visually exciting and insightful parts of GIS, and ArcGIS Pro handles it really well. Let’s get into it.
What is 3D GIS Modeling?
It’s the creation, analysis, and visualization of geographic data in three dimensions — allowing you to model terrain, buildings, infrastructure, subsurface features, and urban environments in realistic or abstract 3D.
You can work with:
- 3D feature layers (z-enabled points, lines, polygons)
- Multipatch features (complex 3D shapes like buildings)
- 3D scene layers (streamed or local 3D data, optimized for performance)
- 3D rasters and TINs for surfaces
- Point clouds / LiDAR data
3D Modeling in ArcGIS Pro
ArcGIS Pro uses scenes for 3D — either:
- Local Scenes (planar, projected coordinate system, good for small areas)
- Global Scenes (earth-based, good for large areas or global extents)
You can switch between 2D and 3D views seamlessly.
Types of 3D Data You Can Work With:
| Data Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Z-enabled Features | Vector features with elevation values |
| Multipatch Features | 3D models like buildings, bridges |
| Scene Layers | Optimized for large 3D data (buildings, trees, point clouds) |
| DEM/DTM/DSM | Elevation surfaces |
| LiDAR Point Clouds (LAS) | Raw or classified 3D points |
| 3D Symbols | 3D models or procedural symbols applied to points or polygons |
Common 3D Modeling Tasks:
| Task | Tool/Method |
|---|---|
| Create a TIN or Raster Surface | Create TIN, Raster to TIN |
| Extrude 2D Features | Set extrusion values in layer symbology |
| Convert 3D Models to Multipatch | Layer 3D To Feature Class |
| Visualize LiDAR Data | Add LAS dataset, classify, symbolize by elevation |
| Line of Sight Analysis | Line of Sight tool |
| Viewshed / Visibility | Viewshed geoprocessing tool |
| 3D Buffer / Proximity | Buffer 3D |
| Surface Profile Analysis | Interpolate Shape, Profile Graph |
Example: Simple 3D Building Model from 2D Footprints
- Add 2D building footprint polygon layer
- Open the Symbology pane, and under Extrusion, set:
- Extrusion Type:
Base Height + Value - Extrusion Expression: e.g.,
Building_Height
- Extrusion Type:
- Add a DEM/DTM as a ground elevation surface.
- Switch to a Local Scene
- Adjust lighting, vertical exaggeration, and basemap settings for realism.
Pro Tips:
- Use Scene Layers for faster rendering of complex models.
- You can bring in 3D models (DAE, OBJ, 3DS, KMZ) and convert them to multipatch.
- Customize the scene environment: sky, atmosphere, sun position, shadows.
- Combine with animation tools for fly-throughs and 3D presentations.
- Use ArcGIS CityEngine for procedural 3D city modeling, and import into Pro.
3D Analysis Examples:
- Line-of-sight between observation points
- Visibility and shadow studies for proposed developments
- Flood impact models (using elevation surfaces and water height)
- Subsurface modeling (e.g. pipelines, geology layers)
