Convert 3D features to 2D in ArcGIS Pro

Summary

In ArcGIS Pro, 3D feature layers display features by incorporating z-values into 2D features, adding depth to a map. Sometimes, 3D features or features symbolized with 3D display properties must be converted to 2D for better memory management. 2D features are also used to measure linear distances more accurately compared to 3D. This article describes the workflow to convert 3D features to 2D in ArcGIS Pro.

Procedure

Convert 3D features to 2D polygon features

This method converts 3D feature layers (multipatch) to 2D feature layers containing polygon footprints.

Note:
The Multipatch Footprint tool requires an ArcGIS Pro 3D Analyst extension.

1. Open the ArcGIS Pro project containing the 3D feature layer and navigate to the Analysis tab.
2. On the Analysis tab, in the Geoprocessing group, click Tools.
3. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and select Multipatch Footprint (3D Analyst Tools).

4. In the Multipatch Footprint pane, on the Parameters tab, configure the following parameters:
   1. For Input Feature Class, select the 3D feature layer from the drop-down list. In this example, NatureCenter is selected.
   2. For Output Feature Class, rename the feature class, if necessary.
   3. Click Run.

The image below shows the converted 2D feature layer, NatureCenter_MultiPatchFootp1.

Convert features with 3D symbology to 2D features

This method converts feature layers with 3D display properties to 2D lines or polygon features.

1. Open the ArcGIS Pro scene containing the layers with 3D symbology. In this example, a point layer symbolized with 3D vegetation style is used.
2. On the Analysis tab, in the Geoprocessing group, click Tools.
3. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and select Layer 3D To Feature Class (3D Analyst Tools).

4. In the Layer 3D To Feature Class pane, on the Parameters tab, configure the following parameters:
   1. For Input Feature Layer, select the feature layer from the drop-down list. In this example, PointZvalue is selected.
   2. For Output Feature Class, rename the feature class, if necessary.
   3. Click Run. A multipatch layer is created and displayed in the scene.

5. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and select Multipatch Footprint (3D Analyst Tools).
6. In the Multipatch Footprint pane, on the Parameters tab, configure the following parameters:
   1. For Input Feature Class, select the 3D feature class from the drop-down list. In this example, NatureCenter is selected.
   2. For Output Feature Class, rename the feature class, if necessary.
   3. Click Run.

The image below shows the converted 2D feature named PointZValue_La_MultiPatchFoo.