Create elevation points from a DEM

Available with Production Mapping license.

Available with Defense Mapping license.

Spot heights can be created from digital elevation models (DEMs) and digital terrain elevation data. The elevation values for the spot height features are interpolated based on the point's position on the DEM.

The Elevation Point From DEM tool adds elevation points where you click on the map. The template used with the tool is the point layer that contains the elevation value field. This elevation value is automatically calculated from the raster when the point is created on the map.

Note:
  • When you have a DEM or digital terrain elevation data loaded on the map, the elevation values for the points are interpolated based on the point's position on the DEM.
  • If you have a .tif or similar file loaded on the map, the elevation values are based on the pixel values in the image.

Complete the following steps to create elevation points from a DEM:

  1. Start ArcGIS Pro.
  2. Open a project with elevation data, or load a DEM in the table of contents.
    Note:

    You must have both a point and a raster layer loaded to perform this task.

  3. Choose the template for the elevation points.

    This is typically named ElevP.

    Note:

    The point layer must contain an elevation attribute; review its attribute table to ensure it does.

  4. On the Edit tab, in the Features group, click Create Features Create Features.

    The Create Features pane appears and lists elevation point layers.

  5. Click the elevation point layer on which you want to add points.

    The create point feature templates appear.

  6. Click Elevation Point From DEM Elevation Point From DEM.

    The Elevation Point From DEM pane appears.

  7. Click the Elevation Layer drop-down arrow and specify an elevation layer.
  8. Click the Elevation Point Attribute drop-down arrow and specify the field where you want to insert the new point's elevation value.
  9. Click within the DEM on the map to create a new elevation point.

    The point is created and selected in the map.

  10. When you're finished adding points, click the Finish button Finish.
  11. In the Manage Edits group, click the Save button Save Edits to save the point features you just created.