Using the Fly tool

Available with 3D Analyst license.

The Fly tool on the Tools toolbar allows you to investigate your scene by flying through it. You can fly in any direction and move forward or backward at different speeds.

The Fly tool primarily controls the target location, moving it forward or backward in the direction of the pointer, while the observer location automatically follows along behind it. This tool will require some practice to master.

To use the Fly tool in ArcScene, do the following:

1. Click the Fly button.

The pointer changes to indicate Fly mode is active.

2. Click once in the center of the 3D view.

The tool enters a suspended state. You can position the pointer to look in all directions, but there is no translational movement. This is sometimes referred to as a "free look" mode.

3. Click the mouse to move forward, or right-click to move backward.

Successive clicks in either direction increase the speed, which is indicated in the status bar window. A negative speed value indicates backward movement.

4. Press ESC to immediately stop movement in either direction.

Tip:

• Between mouse clicks, you can fine-tune the fly speed by pressing the Up or Down arrow keys to increase or decrease speed, respectively.
• Hold the SHIFT key while flying to maintain a constant elevation. You can then point without flying underground or out into space.