idea In 3D ArcGIS Pro scene, need ability to display surfaces vertically "floating without a surface" with a defined “layer offset” in ArcGIS Pro Ideas

In 3D ArcGIS Pro scene, need ability to display surfaces vertically "floating without a surface" with a defined “layer offset”

WillyLynch2 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:53:41 GMT

In ArcGIS Desktop ArcGlobe or ArcScene, a layer could be displayed vertically "floating without a surface" with a defined “layer offset”.

https://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/10.6/extensions/3d-analyst/setting-a-raster-layer-s-base-heights-using-a-surface-in-arcglobe.htm

The help added the tip: “To float the layer at an elevation provided by a constant offset, switch the option in step 3 to Floating without a surface and simply provide an offset in the combo box at the bottom of the dialog box.”

This does not seem possible in ArcGIS Pro scene. It is a common requirement to view surfaces as horizontal slices and having the ability to float the layer at specific elevations would be most helpful.

Perhaps I am missing a setting?

Re: In 3D ArcGIS Pro scene, need ability to display surfaces vertically "floating without a surface" with a defined “layer offset”

JeremyWright — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 23:51:32 GMT

@WillyLynch2 this is "Cartographic Offset" on the elevation layer properties page.

It works in conjunction with all the other elevation modes.

So to be equivalent with above you'd set it to "Absolute Height" and "a field" set to <Expression> (defaults to 0), and set "Cartographic Offset" to whatever you want the offset from 0 to be.

Help here: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/mapping/layer-properties/define-height-characteristics-for-layers.htm

Re: In 3D ArcGIS Pro scene, need ability to display surfaces vertically "floating without a surface" with a defined “layer offset”

WillyLynch2 — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 13:59:59 GMT

Ah, now understood. I was missing the concept that a floating layer at a fixed elevation is a "cartographic offset". Mine Plans at fixed elevations or geophysical slices at defined depth make more sense described as a floating layer at an elevation provided by a constant. But now understand and makes sense. I will submit a short enhancement request for the documentation to include a "tip" as per the ArcGlobe documentation. Thanks for the quick reply and education.

Re: In 3D ArcGIS Pro scene, need ability to display surfaces vertically "floating without a surface" with a defined “layer offset”

WillyLynch2 — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 14:31:35 GMT

Actually... this does not work as it only allows the surface to be offset from the topographic surface. We need floating layers

Re: In 3D ArcGIS Pro scene, need ability to display surfaces vertically "floating without a surface" with a defined “layer offset”

JeremyWright — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 16:40:36 GMT

@WillyLynch2 maybe I'm having trouble understanding the use case. You need a layer placed at a static elevation (e.g. 30000 feet). This can be achieved by using absolute height mode with an expression set to 0 and a cartographic offset, OR by setting the expression to the static height you want to achieve.

Re: In 3D ArcGIS Pro scene, need ability to display surfaces vertically "floating without a surface" with a defined “layer offset”

WillyLynch2 — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 16:51:01 GMT

Jeremy- I submitted a support case for documentation enhancement- Esri Case #03108151 but then realized it might be more -- yes, I have mine plans or geophysical images at specific elevations such as 5000 feet (1524m), 3000 feet (914m) and 1000 feet (304m) absolute elevation. These need to "float" at the absolute elevation. I only see the elevation option for image layers to be "On the Ground". This is for a layer so not sure where "Absolute Height" is set.

Re: In 3D ArcGIS Pro scene, need ability to display surfaces vertically "floating without a surface" with a defined “layer offset”

JeremyWright — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 18:34:58 GMT

@WillyLynch2 I see what you're saying. For raster layers there is no "absolute" option.

I tried a 3dd I had with a raster layer set to "floating" and 5000m offset. It ends up set to "on the ground" with a 5000m cartographic offset, which does result in equivalent rendering to ArcGlobe.

Maybe we can work this one the opposite way....

Can you provide a repro case (a 3dd) for which there does not exist equivalent conversion in Pro?

If needed I can provide ad-hoc FTP for you to transfer it, if it's too big to post as an attachment here.

Re: In 3D ArcGIS Pro scene, need ability to display surfaces vertically "floating without a surface" with a defined “layer offset”

WillyLynch2 — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 13:50:49 GMT

@JeremyWright My enhancement request for the documentation was closed as it is now likely seen as a none equivalent ArcGlobe/Scene to ArcGIS Pro scene functionality deficiency. I can share some examples and will raise a new support issue for the deficiency and request an enhancement request. I will advise Prem Support you are on this thread and have them get in touch as you seem to have a good understanding of the issue. Thanks