I have a question re replicating a workflow I have been carrying out in qgis, instead using arcgis. I wrote this post with example images, but the forum software is not allowing upload of those.
The workflow in qgis involves importing a limited area, school sites, into qgis using land information nz data. This includes geotiff dem's and shapefiles.
Contours are then generated from the dem.
The data is then formatted and combined into a 3d model, using an opensource plugin, qgis2threejs.
The model is then saved in gtlf format and imported to sketchup. Contours and site boundaries are baked into the exported texture automatically, by the plugin.
Existing buildings are modelled in sketchup approximately. New buildings are then placed, (based on repeatable classroom designs) and potential sites for future buildings indicated.
The use of sketchup is useful, as it allows buildings to be placed and moved in real time, during meetings with stakeholders.
My organisation's it department now wants me to use archgis instead of qgis to create the base site information for this process. I am really struggling to repeat this workflow in arc gis pro.
My understanding is that I need to get to a multipatch that can then be exported to a 3d format for sketchup. Ideally the exported model would have contours and boundary info overlaid on a texture, that would be exported with the multipatch.
There does seem to be a workflow that might be relevant, described in this post. However, the tools mentioned don't seem to be available anymore. 3D Gridded Terrain Tiles from DEM Rasters - Esri Community
"Generate3DTerrainGridTools" here: gen3DTerrainGrid.zip - Box
I note the following from a browser search assisted by ai.
QGIS & Qgis2threejs versus arcgis
QGIS & Qgis2threejs
Strengths: Excellent for creating interactive 3D scenes (buildings, terrain, point clouds) that can be easily shared via web browsers. The plugin runs within QGIS, allowing for quick iteration and rendering without heavy processing.
Limitations: While 3D visualization is strong, it relies on external plugins. It can be less stable with very large datasets, requiring frequent saving.
Best Use Case: Individual researchers, small projects, or when budget for software is zero.
ArcGIS (Pro/Online/Scene)
Strengths: Highly polished interface, with superior, native 3D capabilities (ArcScene/ArcGIS Pro) that handle large, complex infrastructure projects well. It includes advanced spatial analysis tools (e.g., Geostatistical Toolbox) and robust cloud integration via ArcGIS Online.
Limitations: High cost for licensing and potential for vendor lock-in.
Best Use Case: Large organizations, government, or when high-level technical support and proprietary toolsets are required.
It may be that the workflow I am looking for is impractical in arcgis? All discussions and any pointers most welcome.
