Extruding features by an attribute value

Available with 3D Analyst license.

You can extrude 2D features into 3D objects of different heights by using feature attributes as the extrusion height. Extrusion is a layer property setting for the feature layer and requires you have a base height already applied for the feature layer in order for extrusion to apply. By combining base heights and extrusion properties, you can create a more realistic 3D view, without ever requiring 3D features.

Extrusion only applies to basic geometry types—points, lines, and polygons.

To apply extrusion in ArcScene using a feature attribute, do the following.

1. Right-click the layer in the table of contents and click Properties.
2. Click the Extrusion tab.
3. Check the box to extrude the features in the layer.
4. Click the Expression Builder button .
5. Double-click the attribute in the Fields list to populate the Expression box and click OK.
Optionally, choose to apply any operators to the attribute value. For example, if you have the height of each building floor as your attribute field, and know how many floors tall the building is, you can add a multiplyer to calculate building height.
6. Click the drop-down arrow to specify the extrusion method. You can choose from:
   • Adding to each feature's minimum height
   • Adding to each feature's maximum height
   • Adding to each feature's base height
   • Using it as a value feature's are extruded to

The graphic on the dialog box reflects the extrusion method you choose and how it is applied.

7. Click OK.

Tip:

• Any valid SQL statement can be used as the extrusion expression. Multiple attribute calculations, such as "[INCOME] / 1000 * [POPULATION]", are common when extruding for representative purposes.
• When extrusion is disabled for a layer, the default settings are reapplied. The settings used for the layer before its extrusion are not stored with the layer, and you may notice layers not reverting to their previous settings when disabling extrusion. For example, an extruded floating polygon layer becomes a rasterized draped layer.
• You can also use the Catalog window to apply extrusion following this same method.