3D object scene layer

A 3D object scene layer represents objects such as buildings that are explicitly modeled in three dimensions. You can visualize a 3D object scene layer with textures embedded into the 3D features. A 3D object scene layer is created from a multipatch feature layer or a 3D object feature layer in ArcGIS Pro. A 3D object scene layer is automatically thinned to improve performance and visibility at different scale ranges.

3D object example

An example of a 3D object scene layer is shown.

Visualization

A 3D object scene layer is only supported in the 3D category of a scene.

You can snap to a feature when snapping is enabled.

Visualization and display controls for a 3D object scene layer are on the Appearance tab. Set the minimum and maximum visibility range to use for the layer. Use transparency or swipe functionality to visualize a scene. Set a transparency percentage to see through the chosen layer and reveal information below it. Drag the swipe tool to reveal layers beneath the chosen layer. Face culling and lighting options are a 3D effects property and available for a 3D object scene layer. Modifying the layer face culling property allows you to see through the front or back, depending on which side of the integrated mesh you are viewing. Also, access the Symbology pane to modify the symbology layers.

You can find general information and display control for a 3D object scene layer on the 3D object scene layer Layer Properties dialog box. To access the properties, right-click the 3D object scene layer in the Contents pane and click Properties.

Pop-ups

When displaying a scene layer, you can identify attribute information about a particular feature without making a selection or interfering with an existing selection by opening a pop-up. Use the Explore tool Explore Tool to select a feature, or drag a selection box while pressing the Ctrl key to select multiple features. The Pop-up pane will display a list of identified features, grouped by layer, along with a formatted list of field attributes. When authoring or consuming a 3D object or point scene layer, you can configure the pop-ups.

You cannot add Arcade expressions when configuring a pop-up on a scene layer without an associated feature layer due to limited statistical information.

Definition query

For feature-based scene layers, such as point or 3D object scene layers, you can use a definition query. If you are working with a scene layer with an associated feature layer, the query will use the associated feature layer to get statistical information updated and used within the query. When using an .slpk or scene service without an associated feature layer, the statistics within the scene layer are used.

Labeling

You can create 3D object scene layers with labels. Labels will only be written to the scene layer if they are enabled before creating the scene layer. Labels on 3D object scene layers only support label placement on top of the building. Supported label properties include those that are supported in the Web Scene Specification. When consuming a scene layer with labels enabled, you can disable them using the Context menu of the scene layer in ArcGIS Pro.

Work with geoprocessing tools

A 3D object scene layer without an associated feature layer is not supported as an input to any geoprocessing tools except the Validate Scene Layer Package or Project tools.

You can use a scene layer with an associated feature layer as input to geoprocessing tools that support the same geometry type as the associated feature layer. The analysis operation is executed on the associated feature layer and the result is displayed for the scene layer.

Share

You can publish the 3D object scene layer as a web scene layer and upload it to ArcGIS Enterprise or ArcGIS Online using the Share Package geoprocessing tool.

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