Working with 3D content on a mobile device can provide several benefits and opens up numerous possibilities for various industries. It allows the user to access and interact with 3D content on the go, enhancing productivity and improving collaboration and communication.
For example, urban planners and architects can use their mobile devices to visualize designs on-site. They can validate measurements, assess how structures fit into their surroundings, and make informed decisions in real time. Engineers and construction workers can locate underground utilities more easily in the field before starting earthworks, and cities can use a mobile 3D app to offer tourists the ability to explore virtual representations of landmarks, museums, or historical sites before or during their visit.
When it comes to working with scenes on a mobile device, there are two main approaches: using the browser-based or dedicated 3D app.
Browser-based
The benefit of using a browser on a mobile device is that it allows you to access and interact with 3D scenes on the web without the need to download a dedicated app. Simply open a URL in a browser on the mobile device, with no hassle of installing and updating an app. This ease of access makes it a user-friendly choice, as anyone with internet connectivity can quickly dive into the 3D content.
Dedicated 3D app
Use a dedicated 3D app entails downloading and installing an application tailored specifically for working with 3D scenes on a mobile device. This approach often provides better performance compared to browser-based solutions. The dedicated app can leverage the device's hardware capabilities more efficiently, resulting in smoother and more responsive experiences. Additionally, dedicated 3D apps can typically work with scenes in a disconnected environment. This offline capability proves valuable in situations in which network connectivity is limited or unreliable, ensuring uninterrupted productivity even in remote locations or areas with poor network coverage.
The choice between using a 3D web app or a dedicated 3D app depends on your specific requirements and preferences. If seamless accessibility and ease of sharing are important, the browser-based approach may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize enhanced performance and the ability to work offline, a dedicated 3D app would be more suitable.
Workflows
To work with a scene on a mobile device, you typically need access to a web scene. This can be accomplished in three ways: by authoring a web scene within Scene Viewer, publishing a scene from ArcGIS Pro, or utilizing a preexisting scene that has been shared with you. Once you have a web scene at your disposal, the next step involves selecting the appropriate mobile approach.
3D web apps
ArcGIS offers several 3D web apps such as Scene Viewer, Instant Apps, Experience Builder, StoryMaps, and 360VR that provide a good 3D user experience on a mobile device. Experience Builder even allows you to refine the app layout for mobile devices, or you can use the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript to build your own mobile 3D web app.
For an optimal user experience, we recommend your device should have a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, a powerful multicore CPU and GPU, and the latest Android or iOS version installed.
For the 360VR virtual reality experience, the following headsets are supported:
- Meta Quest 1 & 2
- HTC Vive Focus 3
Besides these officially supported devices, other headsets that come with a WebXR-enabled browser should have no problems running the 360 VR web app.
Dedicated 3D apps
ArcGIS Earth for mobile is Esri’s native app available on Android, iOS, and Windows platforms. It supports workflows to explore, analyze, collect, and share 3D content directly from the mobile app. Connect to ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise, and browse your organization's 2D and 3D content or download a mobile scene package and work with the scene in a disconnected environment. If you want to build your own custom 3D native app, have a look at our ArcGIS Maps SDKs for mobile app development:
- ArcGIS Maps SDK for .NET
- ArcGIS Maps SDK for Qt
- ArcMap Maps SDK for Swift (iOS)
- ArcGIS Maps SDK for Kotlin (Android)
Required software
You will need a web browser and an ArcGIS Online account to view nonpublic 3D web apps and to create 3D web apps from web scenes. You will need ArcGIS Earth to work with a scene in a disconnected environment. You will need a developer API key to work with the ArcGIS Maps SDKs.
Explore the following resources to learn more about working with scenes on mobile devices.
ArcGIS help documentation
Reference material for ArcGIS products:
ArcGIS blogs, stories, and technical papers
Supplemental guidance about concepts, software functionality, and workflows:
Videos
Esri-produced videos that clarify and demonstrate concepts, software functionality, and workflows:
Tutorials
Guided, hands-on lessons based on real-world problems:
Developer resources
Resources and support for automating and customizing workflows:
Esri community
Online places for the Esri community to connect, collaborate, and share experiences:
- Ask the 3D community questions