An overview of the Terrain Management toolset

The Terrain Management toolset offers tools to create and manage terrain datasets. Terrain datasets are TIN-based, multiresolution surfaces made from measurements stored in feature classes. Terrains reside inside feature datasets and are composed of participating feature classes and rules that govern their participation.

This toolset provides tools that facilitate data automation through scripts and models. The Terrain Wizard and Properties dialog boxes, which are better suited for interactive use, are available inside ArcCatalog or the Catalog window.

The following table provides an overview of the tools in the Terrain Management toolset:

Tools in the Terrain Management toolset

Geoprocessing tools	Description
Add Feature Class To Terrain	Adds one or more feature classes to a terrain dataset.
Add Terrain Pyramid Level	Adds one or more pyramid levels to an existing terrain dataset.
Append Terrain Points	Appends points to a point feature referenced by a terrain dataset.
Build Terrain	Performs tasks required for analyzing and displaying a terrain dataset.
Change Terrain Reference Scale	Changes the reference scale associated with a terrain pyramid level.
Change Terrain Resolution Bounds	Changes the pyramid levels at which a feature class will be enforced for a given terrain dataset.
Create Terrain	Creates a new terrain dataset.
Delete Terrain Points	Deletes points within a specified area of interest from one or more features that participate in a terrain dataset.
Remove Feature Class From Terrain	Removes reference to a feature class participating in a terrain dataset.
Remove Terrain Pyramid Level	Removes a pyramid level from a terrain dataset.
Replace Terrain Points	Replaces points referenced by a terrain dataset with points from a specified feature class.

The following tools that were available in the ArcGIS 3D Analyst toolbox prior to version 10.0 have been removed, since they are no longer applicable.

Geoprocessing Tool	Recommendation
Add Terrain Points	Use the Append Terrain Points tool to add points to a terrain dataset.
Remove Terrain Points	Use the Delete Terrain Points tool to remove points from a terrain dataset.