Posted on December 30, 2022 (Updated on July 19, 2025)

Points to polyline for ArcScene 3D?

Hiking & Activities

Points to Polyline for ArcScene 3D: Bringing Your Data to Life

ArcScene, part of the ArcGIS Desktop family (though heads up, it’s migrating to ArcGIS Pro – ArcGIS Desktop is sunsetting March 1, 2026!), is all about diving into 3D visualization and analysis. Forget those flat, 2D maps for a minute. Seeing your data pop in three dimensions? That’s where the real insights often hide. One task that comes up a lot is turning simple points into 3D polylines. Let’s explore how to do that effectively in ArcScene, and what you need to keep in mind.

What’s the Deal with 3D Polyline Features?

Okay, so a polyline in GIS is just a line made up of a bunch of x, y coordinates. Simple enough. But a 3D polyline? That’s where things get interesting. We’re talking about adding z-values – height, elevation, whatever you want to call it. These z-values live inside the feature’s geometry, its shape, giving it a real location in 3D space. Think power lines stretching across a valley, the flight path of a drone, or even just checking if you can see one point from another. That’s the power of a 3D polyline.

Turning Points into 3D Polylines: Your Toolkit

So, how do we actually do this? Here are a few ways to create 3D polylines from point data in ArcScene:

  • The “Points to Line” Tool: A Good Start, But… This tool is your basic workhorse for connecting the dots, literally. But here’s a gotcha: sometimes, the resulting polyline ends up with just one ID, losing all the individual identities of your original points. Annoying, right? Here’s a trick I’ve used: before you even think about converting to points, create a new field in your original polyline feature class – call it “Polyline ID” or something similar. Copy the FID or OBJECTID values into it. This field sticks around during the conversion, and you can use it to group your points back into their original polylines. Then, just tell the tool to use this new field!

  • Feature Vertices to Points, Then Back Again: This is a bit more roundabout, but useful in certain situations. First, you use “Feature Vertices to Points” to turn your polyline into points. Then, you grab z-values from a raster (like a DEM – Digital Elevation Model) to those points. Finally, you convert the points back into a polyline. I’ve found this especially handy when I have a 2D polyline and want to “drape” it over a 3D terrain surface.

  • Creating 3D Lines From Scratch: Sometimes, the simplest way is best. You can create a brand new 3D line feature class right inside ArcGIS. Just make sure you check that “Coordinates include Z values” box when you’re defining the geometry. Then you can draw your 3D lines, adding vertices with x, y, and z coordinates as you go.

  • Extrusion: Instant 3D: Got 2D features? Extrude them! Seriously, it’s like magic. Points become vertical lines, polylines turn into walls. It’s a quick and dirty way to get a 3D effect.

  • “Feature to 3D by Attribute”: When Your Z’s Are Hiding: If you have your X, Y, and Z coordinates sitting in separate columns in a table, this tool is your friend. It’ll take those 2D points and give them a Z-value based on the attribute you tell it to use.

    • Things to Keep in Mind

    • Data Prep is Key: Make sure your point data has all the right stuff – x, y, and z coordinates. No z-values? No problem! Grab them from a DEM or other elevation data.
    • Don’t Lose Those IDs! We talked about this, but it’s worth repeating: keep track of those unique identifiers during the conversion.
    • 3D Analyst Extension: Your Secret Weapon: A lot of the cool 3D stuff needs the 3D Analyst extension. Make sure it’s enabled!
    • Performance Matters: Complex 3D scenes can bog things down. Simplify your geometries, cut down on the number of features, and don’t go overboard with fancy symbols. Trust me, your computer will thank you.

    Pro Tips for Showing Off Your 3D Polylines

    • Base Heights are Your Foundation: Layers without 3D geometry need a base height so they know where to sit in 3D space. Use an attribute value or drape them on a surface.
    • Exaggerate for Effect: Crank up the vertical exaggeration in the scene properties to make those elevation changes really pop.
    • Keep it Simple, Symbolically: Fancy symbols with tons of faces look cool, but they’ll kill your performance. Stick to simpler, thematic symbols.
    • Visibility is Your Friend: Only turn on the layers you need for a particular view.

    When Things Go Wrong

    • Submerged Polygons? Raise their base height slightly above the surface. Converting them to multipatch features might also do the trick.
    • Z-Value Woes? Double-check that your z-values are correct. Use the “Identify” tool to inspect individual features.
    • Cracks in Your World? This happens when draping features on a DEM. Make sure your DEM has enough resolution and that everything lines up properly.

    Wrapping Up

    Turning points into 3D polylines in ArcScene is all about planning, choosing the right tools, and tweaking your display settings. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating awesome 3D visualizations. And remember, as ArcGIS Desktop makes way for ArcGIS Pro, keep an eye out for similar tools and workflows in the Pro environment. Happy mapping!

    You may also like

    Field Gear Repair: Your Ultimate Guide to Fixing Tears On The Go

    Outdoor Knife Sharpening: Your Ultimate Guide to a Razor-Sharp Edge

    Don’t Get Lost: How to Care for Your Compass & Test its Accuracy