Batch Set Base Heights

Question

Hi,

If this has already been posted I apologise, but I have not been able to find a solution.

I have roughly 150 high quality aerial imagery tiles and would like to drape these over a very detailed raster elevation surface. I do not have the time (or patience) to set the base heights for each individual aerial tile.

Is there a way / process to set the base heights for the aerial imagery through a batch process?

Thanks,
K

EricRice · Answer

Hi Keagan,

Unfortunately, there is not a way to batch define the base heights in ArcScene for multiple images that need to be draped.  However, if you take the time to do it, I would suggest creating layer files for each draped image.  This way if you set up a new scene document in the future, you can just load in the .lyr files and the base height property will already be set.

Essentially what you're asking for is something similar to the Mapping Module (for ArcMap) which provides some methods for automated mapping, but you want it to be for ArcScene.  An example of the mapping modules capabilities would be to change a layers datasource (in every map it is in) through python scripting.  Other's have been interested in a "Scene/Globe Module" recently as more people see the benefits of having the mapping module for ArcMap.  All I can say is it's being discussed for the future, and that we recognize the benefits of providing this type of functionality to ArcScene and ArcGlobe users.

Best Regards,
Eric

KeaganAllan · Answer

Depending upon the size of your rasters, you could use the Mosaic to New Raster tool to create a single raster dataset.

If that is not an option, I would recommend adding the imagery to ArcGlobe as a draped layer.  Then add your elevation raster as an elevation layer.  You can remove the default elevation layers, and the aerials will be draped over your elevation raster.

Hi Timothy,

Thank you for your reply.
Unfortunately the mosaic is not an option, these are high resolution images that cover quite a large area and to top it all off the projection they are using (typical) has removed a number of the digits out of the coordinate system to make it a very prject specific dataset.

I have however come up with a workable solution.
In the data view of ArcMap I display all of the aerials and export it as a JPEG with a world file. The DPI settings are kept quite high (greater than 2000 DPI) and the result is something very workable. While the imagery is not as clear as the originals, it is still passable as high quality imagery.

Anyways, not quite what I was looking for, but it works 🙂

K

TimothyHales · Answer

Depending upon the size of your rasters, you could use the Mosaic to New Raster tool to create a single raster dataset.
 
If that is not an option, I would recommend adding the imagery to ArcGlobe as a draped layer.  Then add your elevation raster as an elevation layer.  You can remove the default elevation layers, and the aerials will be draped over your elevation raster.