3D analyst and PDF's

Question

Hi Guys,

I have created a map that includes Lidar data draped with ortho photos, pipeline/road  data and other 2d features slapped on. My question is how can I export this data set/ 3d map into a viewer inside a PDF. So that the PDF contains both the 2d scouting map and the 3d viewer.  Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Devon

JakubSisak · Answer

Thanks.... I know it is possible. Look at this photo of a scouting map.....the picture is of the lower portion of the map. So you cant see it, but you can see the inserted 3d viewer[ATTACH=CONFIG]12413[/ATTACH]. How can I display 3d data in a PDF.

This is NOT a map created with ArcScene. As far as I know you cannot export ArcGlobe / ArcScene to 3D PDF. Judging by the 3D navigation arrow in the left bottom corner it is most likely a 3D AutoCAD/ Microstation 3D map.

Russellchapman · Answer

Hey DH,
I've been trying pretty hard to accomplish the same thing.  Evidently, Adobe previously had the capability to directly import the wrl. files which are the direct output of , export to 3d from arcscene.  Unfortunately with the new adobe pro they have dropped that functionality, and now it seems the only file type that is functional with 3d pdf's is ".u3d".  I have also been playing with this and have found that "Meshlab" freeware will import the .wrl files pretty successfully and will also export to the u3d format.  The problem i have not figured out yet is: when the .wrl file is imported to meshlab it seems to display well and the textures (i have played with lidar hillshades and aerial imagery draped on lidar dems), but when you export the model from meshlab to u3d, i cannot get it to keep the textures, i end up with a mesh surface without the surface textures.  ;-(  Still working on this.  I have successfully added these (untextured) output files into a pdf, and the functionality seems to work for 3d viewing.

hope that moves you along a little.

cheers
Russ

DevonJenkins · Answer

Thanks.... I know it is possible. Look at this photo of a scouting map.....the picture is of the lower portion of the map. So you cant see it, but you can see the inserted 3d viewer[ATTACH=CONFIG]12413[/ATTACH]. How can I display 3d data in a PDF.

3d_PDF.jpg