Vertical offsets for feature layers

Available with 3D Analyst license.

You can add a constant amount or calculated value to the base height of a layer to raise (or lower) it relative to other layers in a 3D view. This can be useful when creating 3D visualizations to ensure that a layer is visible above a surface, to allow comparison of the shapes of two surfaces, or to provide z-values. For example, for features that need to live above or below the ground, or for comparing overlapping features by displaying them stacked vertically.

The offset, or base height, can be determined using:

• a constant value or expression applied to the features
• z-values embedded in feature geometries, or
• an offset applied to the whole layer

Both ArcGlobe and ArcScene support vertical offsets for layers. However, keep in mind that layers that are rasterized and draped on the globe surface do not support z-offsets.

1. In ArcGlobe, right-click the layer in the table of contents and click Properties.
2. Click the Globe Display tab.
Confirm the layer is not rasterized; otherwise, uncheck Rasterize feature layer.
3. Click the Elevation tab.
4. Type a constant value for the offset.
5. Optionally, click the Calculate button to create an expression to define the offset.
6. Click OK.

Tip:

• To optionally apply an offset to the z-values of the whole layer, type a value inside the properties box for Layer Offset.