ArcScene and 2D Cross Sections

[KeaganAllan]

Hi,

I have a few cross-sections that have been generated / extracted from a report supplied to me.
These cross-sections show plume information on my site.

My question is:

Is there a way to represent these 2D images in ArcScene - i.e. Georeferenced and reotated vertically along the transect?

I have tried using the point 3D texture method, but I am not happy with the result. I am looking for something smilar to this:

http://blogs.esri.com/esri/arcgis/2011/04/15/3d-subsurface-profiles

Many thanks!

K

[CarrieDavis]

Hi K,

One way to do this is to use the image to represent a point feature as a 3D Marker Symbol in ArcScene.  I'm not sure if this is what you are refering to as the point 3D texture method. This is the method that the 3D cross section was displayed.

You may want to look at the follow up blog to the one you mention.

Creating 3D cross sections for use in ArcGIS Explorer
http://blogs.esri.com/esri/arcgis/2011/04/29/creating-3d-cross-sections/

Best wishes, Carrie

[KeaganAllan]

Hi Carrie,

Thank you for replying.
You are quite right when I talk about the 3D texturing method. The problem here in symbolizing a point, is that as one rotates around the transect / cross section the symbol rotates too. This is quite annoying 🙂

Is there another way to "georeference" the Jpeg cross section into place? At the moment I am representing the cross section overlain the transect in 2D space and having to imagine the cross section in 3D space in ArcMap. This can be quite hard when dealing with more than 3 different transects.

Thanks again!
K

[DavidO_Connor]

I'm looking into the same thing.  I have existing images I want to place vertically into ArcScene, and line them up/scale them to their existing 2D polyline (eg, line A-A').  I haven't tried this yet but there are about 9 cross sections so I'd like to save them (rectify them?) in place.

Thanks,

Dave

[KeaganAllan]

I'm looking into the same thing.  I have existing images I want to place vertically into ArcScene, and line them up/scale them to their existing 2D polyline (eg, line A-A').  I haven't tried this yet but there are about 9 cross sections so I'd like to save them (rectify them?) in place.

Thanks,

Dave

Hi Dave,

The georeferencing part of what you want to do works great. I hav done this for my project, the issue I am having is the rotating vertically and displaying it so.

The is a method to symboloise a point along you transect / cross-section, which "works" however you cannot navigate around it as the symbols rotate as you rotate the view.

I have not yet found a solution to this problem...
I think there is a way to do this using the subsurface analyst in a 3rd Party Plug-in but I do not have the resources to pay for it.

If you do find a solution, please could you post it here.

thanks
K

[CarrieDavis]

Hi K,
The AHGW tools (which is a separate extension for ArcMap) provides the ability to reference an image vertically.  There is a trial version you may want to look into. 

Blog on the Arc Hydro Groundwater tools new release
http://blogs.esri.com/esri/arcgis/2012/06/11/new-arc-hydro-groundwater-release-adding-geophysical-pl...

Also, you can correct the issue with the symbol rotating as you change view points in the Symbol Property Editor.  In the 3D Placement tab uncheck Display Face Front and change the Rotation angle X of the image to 90 degrees to display vertically.

[KeaganAllan]

Thank you Carrie,

I have seen extension before and did not realise that there is a trial version available.
I will have a look at it and see if it might fall within our ELA.

I id not see that option to lock the texture. Thank you for that tip, I will be updating my schematics and hopefully that will please the PM 🙂


Thanks again!
K

[RyanMathieu]

Hey Folks,
I'd like to bump this thread because I'm beginning a major project that hinges on displaying 2D sections in ArcScene (with good resolution).

First off, Keags1, I have to share something with you because I struggled with the same problem for hours before stumbling upon a fix. If your 2D section/image keeps rotating around with you, you need to go into properties, symbols, edit symbol, and there will be a box checked that says "Face Front", uncheck it. By doing so, the image will no longer constantly try to face you when you move, and instead will stay where it is supposed to.

With that discovery, the Point - 3D Marker Symbol method is decent. Now I'm on to a new problem.

How do I get better resolutions in If my sections are large? I have a cross section that is miles long. When I bring it into ArcMap (with display/rendering settings) maxed out, there are still grain issues because the image is too small? My cross section contains many faults and complex stratigraphy so having my cross section display at sufficient resolution is paramount.

My end goal is a 3D geologic block with cross sections bounding all sides, so if it isn't too dreamy, I'd like the 2D section resolution to be SO GOOD that you can't see much of a seam between the rasterized horizon surface and the 2D cross section.