Adding data to a 3D document

Available with 3D Analyst license.

When adding data to a 3D view—that is, either ArcGlobe or ArcScene—you can use the Add Data button on the Standard toolbar. You can also achieve this by using ArcCatalog or the Catalog window to drag and drop data into the 3D view.

By default, 2D data added to ArcGlobe will automatically obtain their height values from the globe surface. Features that are 3D-aware will use their individual z-values for heights. The table of contents further distinguishes the categories of layers, when you set the sorting to List By Type . The Add Data wizard prompted by adding data to the 3D view allows you to interactively make layer-display decisions before the layer is added. To enable or disable the Add Data wizard, click Customize > ArcGlobe Options, click the Messages tab, then check Use wizard when adding data.

ArcScene adds data as floating layers by default because there is no surface installed with the view, as in ArcGlobe. Data without z-values is shown with height values of zero. Customizing the role of a layer in the 3D view can be done once it is added by adjusting the layer's properties and setting base heights. The Add Data wizard is not applicable in ArcScene.

To use the Add Data button:

1. Click the Add Data button on the Standard toolbar in ArcGlobe or ArcScene.
2. Navigate to the folder that contains the data you want to add.
3. Click to select the feature or layer you want to add.
4. Click Add.

   The layer is added into the 3D view. If necessary, open the layer properties and set the appropriate symbology.

Tip:

• The Add Data wizard in ArcGlobe will appear any time data is attempting to be added. For example, adding data through the Add Data dialog box, a direct drag and drop from the Catalog window, or data copied from other applications and pasted into the 3D view (right-click Globe layers and click Paste Layers).
• When adding data from the Catalog window to ArcGlobe or ArcScene, drag and drop it directly into the 3D view instead of into the table of contents. This includes data of any type, such as features, layers and layer packages.