Digitizing new features in ArcScene using the Current Z control

When editing in ArcScene, you can assign z-values to new features by using the Current Z control. Feature creation at a constant height value can be useful for adding features or vertices where there are no current features to connect to, for example, digitizing floor plans for a multistory building. When the Current Z control is enabled, a semitransparent plane is added to the view at the specified elevation, allowing you to digitize directly against it. The z-value of the 3D feature is populated with the z-value of the reference plane.

Current Z control in ArcScene

There are some important features to remember about the Current Z control:

To use the Current Z control to assign z-values, follow these steps:

Steps:
  1. Add the data you want to edit to the scene.
  2. Start a 3D edit session and choose the appropriate feature construction tool.
  3. On the 3D Editor toolbar, click Enable Current Z Enable Current Z to activate the Current Z control. It is displayed at the default height of 0.
  4. ArcScene 3D Editor toolbar
  5. Specify the desired value in the Current Z text box and press ENTER. Positive or negative values are supported for setting the height of Current Z.
  6. Digitize new features by clicking directly on the Current Z plane.
  7. You can verify the Current Z values are assigned to the new features by opening the Edit Sketch Properties window.
  8. Disable the Current Z control at any time by clicking the Enable Current Z button on the toolbar again.
8/16/2013