3D models—3D Workflows

3D modeling data (3D models) refers to three-dimensional models of objects or characters, often with realistic details and textures. In GIS, 3D modeling data is primarily used to create realistic representations of objects such as hero buildings, signs, street furniture, trains, cars, trees, and so on.

3D modeling data is different from CAD and BIM data in that it is primarily focused on visual representation. CAD data is focused on precise and accurate design and engineering information, and BIM data is a type of CAD data that is specifically used in the design, construction, and operation of buildings and other structures.

3D modeling data is typically created using software such as Blender, SketchUp, Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max, or other 3D modeling software.

ArcGIS support the following 3D model file formats:

3D Studio Max (.3ds)
VRML and GeoVRML (.wrl)
OpenFlight (.flt)
Universal Scene Description (.usd)
COLLADA (.dae)
Autodesk Filmbox (.fbx)
Wavefront (.obj)
GL Transmission Format (.gltf)
Binary GL Transmission Format (.glb)

Workflows

3D modeling data can be brought into ArcGIS in several ways depending on the number of models, your input format and if you have placements points for the 3D models. Placement points are point features whose coordinates define the real-world position of the input files. If you have many models with placement points, you should use the Import 3D Files geoprocessing tool in ArcGIS Pro to import the 3D model files (.3ds, .wrl, .flt, .dae, and .obj) into a multipatch feature class. If you don't have placements points, you can manually place the 3D model (.dae, .obj, .fbx, .glb, and .gltf) in a scene and save it to a multipatch or 3D object feature class in ArcGIS Pro.

Once you have the 3D models in a multipatch feature class or 3D object feature class, you can edit and analyze the models in ArcGIS Pro. If you want to share the models on the web, it is recommended that you publish the layer to a 3D object scene layer to improve performance in web scenes.

CityEngine can also be used to import 3D models (.dae, .obj, .fbx, .gltf, .usd). You will need to export the 3D models from CityEngine to a multipatch feature class in a geodatabase if you need to work with the data inside of ArcGIS Pro.

ArcGIS supports two feature classes that can store 3D models: multipatch feature class and 3D object feature class. Both feature classes are used to store and display 3D data, but they have some important differences. Multipatches do not support materials and are not georeferenced by default while 3D object features support .gltf and .glb animations, advanced materials, such as reflection, emissivity, and ambient occlusion. 3D object features can also be modified in external third party programs whereas multipatches cannot.

The 3D object feature class is best suited for higher-importance models that are used once or sparingly and the multipatch feature class is useful for models that are more generic in nature, do not contain any materials, and are not the primary focus of a scene.

Required software

You'll need ArcGIS Pro with the 3D Analyst extension or CityEngine to work with 3D models. You'll need an ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise account to publish and share scene layers

Explore the following resources to learn more about importing 3D models in ArcGIS.