Default Output Z Value (Environment setting)

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Tools that honor the Default Output Z Value environment will set the z-coordinate for each output vertex that does not already have a z-coordinate.

For example, if using the Merge tool with two feature classes, one that is z aware and one that is not, the default output z-value (or 0, if the environment is not set) will be assigned only to the vertices that originated from the input feature class that was not z aware.

Usage notes

  • The environment will only be used if the output is a z-aware feature class. For further details, see Output has Z Values.
  • A unique z-value, such as -9999, that is outside the range of normal z-coordinates can be used to help identify vertices that were assigned the default z-value.

Dialog syntax

Default Output Z Value—The z-coordinate that will be set on feature vertices written to the output feature that do not already have a z-coordinate.

Scripting syntax

arcpy.env.outputZValue = double

ParameterExplanation

double

The z-coordinate that will be set on feature vertices written to the output feature that do not already have a z-coordinate.

outputZValue syntax

Script example

import arcpy

# Set the outputZValue environment to Enabled
arcpy.env.outputZValue = 100

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