Work with preset layers

Preset layers are one way to add data to a map or scene. When you add a preset layer, you choose the type of layer you want, and then you browse to a corresponding dataset. Preset layers are well suited for sharing across the platform. Some preset layers also include a streamlined set of symbology properties. Preset layers provide a quick, but restricted, way to add symbolized content to your scene. For more control over the symbology of a 3D layer, use standard feature layers instead.

The preset layers are described in the following table:

Layer name	Use	Notes
Realistic Trees	Display a point feature class as realistic-looking 3D trees in a scene. Ideally, the point feature class includes a field containing genus and species information, and attributes for the height and crown widths of each tree. See a list of supported tree genus types	Realistic Trees layers use optimized 3D models showing real-world forms and textures. The tree type can be connected to the field containing genus and species, and the height and crown widths can be connected to feature attributes. Features with an unrecognized tree genus are shown using a default white tree symbol. Realistic Trees layers have a reduced set of layer properties. To adjust additional layer properties, or to include your own tree models, you must convert them to standard layers.
Thematic Trees	Display a point feature class as simple 3D geometric tree shapes in a scene. These can be displayed thematically by color coding them by an attribute. Ideally, the point feature class includes a field containing genus and species information, and attributes for the height and crown widths of each tree. See a list of supported tree genus types	Thematic trees use geometric forms, such as spheres and cones, to represent the tree shape. The tree type can be connected to the field containing genus and species information, and the height and crown widths can be connected to feature attributes. Features with an unrecognized tree genus are shown using a default rounded cone symbol. Thematic trees can also have the symbol color driven by a separate attribute, such as tree condition or encroachment status. Thematic Trees layers have a reduced set of layer properties. To adjust additional layer properties, you must convert them to standard layers.
Icon Points	Display a point feature class as locational icon symbols in a scene.	The icon point symbols display as flat, billboarded shapes in screen space. They appear at the same size relative to the screen regardless of view distance, making them useful for showing the location of content at all viewing distances. You can vary the size and color of the symbols based on feature attributes to better describe individual feature characteristics. Icon Points layers have a reduced set of layer properties. To adjust additional layer properties, you must convert them to standard layers.
Thematic Shapes	Display a point feature class as volumetric shapes in a scene.	The thematic shapes display in physical space. They appear smaller relative to the screen as you zoom out but stay relatively sized to other physical features around them, making them useful for showing both real-world data and comparing thematic information. The template includes several geometric shapes that have been defined with common anchor point and rotation values. You can vary the size and color of the symbols based on feature attributes to better describe individual feature characteristics. Thematic Shapes layers have a reduced set of layer properties. To adjust additional layer properties, you must convert them to standard layers.
Realistic Buildings	Display a multipatch feature class as 3D buildings in a scene.	Building features are placed on the ground within the scene and have a reasonable distance-based visibility constraint applied to ensure that they draw with reasonable performance. You can adjust the position and visibility constraint as necessary. Realistic Buildings layers do not define a set of layer properties. They behave as standard layers after they're added to the scene.
Ground	Add your own surface data as a contributor to the ground surface of the map or scene.	The ground surface is the specially named surface upon which most 2D layers—and some 3D layers—are placed. The selected surface data is added to the collection of data sources for the ground surface for the map or scene. When you add the ground layer, the Map Properties dialog box appears, with the Elevation Surface tab open. Here you can adjust properties of the elevation surface if necessary. Adding a ground preset layer is a shortcut to adding an elevation source to the ground surface of a map or scene.
Subtype Group	Add a subtype group layer to a map or scene by referencing a feature class that has subtypes defined. Each subtype in the feature class becomes a subtype layer in the subtype group layer.	A subtype group layer is a composite layer that is connected to a feature class with subtypes (or a feature layer from a map or service layer with subtypes) as the source. Each subtype is a child subtype layer within the composite subtype group layer. Subtype group layers draw more efficiently than a corresponding group layer of individual layers for each subtype.

Add a preset layer to a map or scene

1. On the Map tab, in the Layer group, click the Add Preset button and click the preset layer you want.
2. On the Add Data dialog box, browse to the dataset and click Open.
3. Optionally, adjust the properties for the new layer in the Symbology pane. Changes are applied immediately.

   Most preset layers expose a reduced set of editable properties in the Symbology pane, though some include a full set. All layers that are added from the Add Preset gallery provide access to common layer properties, such as visibility ranges or definition queries.

Note:

When you use a color scheme to represent a value range, the numbers that are populated in the Min and Max properties originate from a time-constrained sampling of the data and therefore may not reflect the full range. You can edit the values manually as needed.

Change a preset layer to a standard layer

Some preset layers have a reduced set of properties. To adjust additional properties or work with the data as a standard layer, you can choose a different way to symbolize the layer.

1. Select the preset layer in the Contents pane.
2. On the Appearance tab, in the Drawing group, click the arrow next to Symbology and choose a different symbology method.
3. In the Symbology pane, adjust the symbology of the layer as you would any other feature layer.

Tip:

Alternatively, with the preset layer selected in the Contents pane, in the Symbology pane, click the menu button and click Convert to standard layer.