topic Re: 3D object just floating in ArcGIS Pro Questions

3D object just floating

chufana — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 07:35:32 GMT

I use photogrammetry to make a 3D of my drone shots. When importing the 3D Object Multipatch layer in ArcGIS Pro, the feature appears to be floating above the terrain or not properly aligned with the ground surface. I already adjusted the Elevation Settings in the Layer Properties to "On the ground" and corrected its Spatial Reference, unfortunately the feature displayed is not in a correct elevation.

Re: 3D object just floating

DanielFox1 — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 09:59:36 GMT

Hi @chufana

There are few things you could try

1. Check the z values in the multipatch geometry. Use the "Modify" tool in ArcGIS Pro to inspect the vertices and confirm if the Z values are unusual or offset

2. Using the "Layer 3D to Feature Class tool, setting the elevation to your terrain or DEM this should force the geometry to conform to the surface.

https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/tool-reference/3d-analyst/layer-3d-to-feature-class.htm

3. Is there a mismatch in vertical units?

4. Reproject with Z transformation, use the "Project" tool and enable Z transformation to align vertical datum correctly. This might help if your drone is using a different vertical reference (ellipsoidal vs orthometric height)

I hope this helps in some way.

Re: 3D object just floating

chufana — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 02:35:42 GMT

I reprojected the 3D layer. First, I converted the layer to a feature class using the Layer 3D to Feature Class tool. Then, I added Z information, since there were no Z values in the attribute table. After that, I reprojected the layer with Z transformation by using the Project tool and enabling Z transformation to correctly align the vertical datum. Now, I can move the 3D layer up and down.

Thank you very much.