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Browse Path: ArcGIS Desktop > Bugs Fixed with Service Packs > ArcGIS 9.0 Service Pack 2 > 3D > 3D Analyst
FAQ: Should ArcGlobe, ArcScene, or ArcGIS Explorer be used to create 3D models?
| Article ID: | 33242 |
|---|---|
| Software: | ArcGIS - ArcEditor 9.0, 9.1, 9.2 ArcGIS - ArcInfo 9.0, 9.1, 9.2 ArcGIS - ArcView 9.0, 9.1, 9.2 ArcGIS Explorer 9.2 |
| Platforms: | N/A |
Question
Should ArcGlobe, ArcScene, or ArcGIS Explorer be used to create 3D models?
Answer
ESRI has three products to view 3D models: ArcScene, ArcGlobe, and ArcGIS Explorer.
ArcScene
ArcScene requires ArcGIS Desktop and the extension 3D Analyst. In ArcScene, the entire three-dimentional scene is loaded into memory so there is a limit as to how large the 3D scene can become. ArcScene has memory limitations, so it can only be used to view smaller 3D scenes.
ArcGlobe
ArcGlobe also requires ArcGIS Desktop and the extension 3D Analyst. ArcGlobe only loads the current view into memory, so ArcGlobe supports loading large amounts of data and multiple areas onto one globe. ArcGlobe has a single elevation surface and requires data to project it correctly on the globe. ArcScene is more flexible in these areas and is better suited for underground visualization.
Comparison of ArcScene to ArcGlobe:
-Both ArcScene and ArcGlobe can make 3D fly-through animations. ArcScene has some additional layer animation capabilities, such as moving a layer in space.
-The symbology supported in both ArcScene and ArcGlobe is similar.
-Only ArcGlobe uses the Publisher extension to create a portable 3D scene that can be read in ArcReader.
-ArcScene and ArcGlobe have access to the ArcGIS Toolbox for analytical use.
ArcGIS Explorer
ArcScene and ArcGlobe are 3D authoring and analysis Desktop tools, while ArcGIS Explorer is a lighter weight tool for consuming content from ArcGIS Server and running analytical tasks published by ArcGIS Server.
ArcScene
ArcScene requires ArcGIS Desktop and the extension 3D Analyst. In ArcScene, the entire three-dimentional scene is loaded into memory so there is a limit as to how large the 3D scene can become. ArcScene has memory limitations, so it can only be used to view smaller 3D scenes.
ArcGlobe
ArcGlobe also requires ArcGIS Desktop and the extension 3D Analyst. ArcGlobe only loads the current view into memory, so ArcGlobe supports loading large amounts of data and multiple areas onto one globe. ArcGlobe has a single elevation surface and requires data to project it correctly on the globe. ArcScene is more flexible in these areas and is better suited for underground visualization.
Comparison of ArcScene to ArcGlobe:
-Both ArcScene and ArcGlobe can make 3D fly-through animations. ArcScene has some additional layer animation capabilities, such as moving a layer in space.
-The symbology supported in both ArcScene and ArcGlobe is similar.
-Only ArcGlobe uses the Publisher extension to create a portable 3D scene that can be read in ArcReader.
-ArcScene and ArcGlobe have access to the ArcGIS Toolbox for analytical use.
ArcGIS Explorer
ArcScene and ArcGlobe are 3D authoring and analysis Desktop tools, while ArcGIS Explorer is a lighter weight tool for consuming content from ArcGIS Server and running analytical tasks published by ArcGIS Server.
Related Information
Created: 7/6/2007
Last Modified: 8/14/2007