HOW TO

Clip a TIN with a polygon layer using 3D Analyst

Last Published: April 25, 2020

Summary

Note:
This article pertains to ArcGIS versions 8.x and 9.x. Later versions of ArcGIS may contain different functionality, as well as different names and locations for menus, commands and geoprocessing tools.

Instructions provided describe how to clip a TIN with a polygon layer using 3D Analyst.

Note:
The 3D Analyst extension is required to use the Add Features to TIN geoprocessing tool.

Procedure

  1. Add the TIN and the polygon layer to ArcMap or ArcScene.
  2. In the 3D Analyst toolbar, select 3D Analyst > Create/Modify TIN > Add Features to TIN.
    Note:
    If the 3D Analyst toolbar is not enabled, click View > Toolbars > 3DAnalyst. 
  3. Select the TIN as the Input TIN.
  4. Check the polygon layer.
  5. Use the following settings for the selected layer:
    • Height source: <None>
    • Triangluate As: hard clip
    • Tag value field: <None>
  6. Save changes into a new output TIN option and enter a name for the Output TIN, and click OK.
Output TIN
Note:
The output TIN is not identical to the input TIN along the boundary of the polygon layer. This is because the boundary of the polygon layer may intersect triangles in the TIN. The new triangles must be interpolated. This results in minor modifications and does not drastically change the surface of the TIN.

Article ID:000006507

Software:
  • ArcMap 8 x
  • ArcMap 9 x

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