ArcGIS Pro - Consider adding an integrated 3D object (multipatch) editor

[VHolubec]

Hello,

3D object editing—especially for buildings and roofs—has become more prominent with the introduction of the LOD 2 extraction tool, and in Czechia it is quite a relevant topic.

I have heard users particularly complain about the performance and overall complexity of editing in comparison to other tools such as SketchUp.

From this perspective and for a future, it would be great to have an editing tool—a standalone window in ArcGIS Pro—that combines the performance and usability of SketchUp, Blender, or Rhino, but in a lighter version (no need for a fully complex 3D editing suite) integrated with ArcGIS “out of the box.”

 This would allow users to stay within ArcGIS Pro to edit their building multipatches or 3D OFL without having to learn other tools or outsource 3D editing. They could directly refine or improve details generated by Esri geoprocessing tools—for example, upgrading from LOD 2 to LOD 2.2.

 I understand that ArcGIS Pro is not primarily a 3D editing application, but as Pro continues to evolve (great example is the Simulation), it would be valuable—especially when working with LOD 2 buildings and publishing 3D objects—to provide lighter 3D editing functionality with performance and user comfort comparable to third‑party tools.

This Idea was created in collaboration with Czech Esri customers. 

Thank you,

Vladimir

[RTPL_AU]

Proper 3d editing also intersects mining and resource domains - being able to refine/create indicative objects, such as sub surface bodies, from other sources of info would be great. 

Quite often mine modelling tools do not have the 'prettiest' output and when you have to create visualisations for marketing / fund raising it becomes a chore to modify or enhance the data supplied. 

As with buildings, mine objects such as waste dumps, pits, processing plants often need less or more detail to make them fit for purpose for inclusion into cartographic or other products.

[GavinRaharjo]

Hi there,

I share this sentiment. In the case we need to work on multiple 3D formats as source that require a few conversion steps before imported into ArcGIS-Pro, working on basic 3D edits / transformations inside ArcGIS pro might save us time needed for editing them in native software and repeat the conversion steps.

In addition to basic 3D editing capabilities listed above, enhancing spatial selection capability like in the 3D software mentioned above i.e. directional-drag to differentiate multiple objects selection behaviour when working with a BIM data that has many objects, will be very helpful and making 3D editing intuitive supplementing current ArcGIS selection tools.

Looking forward to 3D editing capability inside ArcGIS!

Cheers,

Gav

[VHolubec]

There is also ENH logged on Tech Support for this functionality: ENH-000180913

[JakubRanduska]

Definetely could be usefull for broader city model purposes.