Convert 2D features without z-values to 3D features in ArcGIS Pro

Summary

In ArcGIS Pro, 2D features such as points, lines, and polygons can be displayed as 3D in a local scene viewer. This can be done if the feature class contains z-values or a field used as elevation measurement. However, some feature classes may not have z-values by default and cannot be displayed as a 3D feature in the local scene viewer.

In this example, point features without z-values are to be converted to 3D point features.

Procedure

1. Add an elevation field to the feature class attribute table. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Create a field and apply a domain and default value for instructions. In Step 4, select a data type with a Numeric number format.

Note:
Alternatively, run the Feature to 3D by Attribute or Add Z Information tool with the 2D feature class as the input feature to create a Z field that can be populated with height values. A 3D Analyst license is required to run these tools.

2. In the Contents pane, right-click the feature class and click Attribute Table. Populate the newly created elevation field with height data by double-clicking the table cell and specifying the height value.

3. On the View tab, click the Convert drop-down menu and click To Local Scene.
4. Extrude the 2D point feature in the local scene tab. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Extrude features for instructions. In Step 3, select the elevation field for the Field parameter.

The local scene below shows the 2D point features displayed as 3D point features.