What is the difference between the Adjust 3D Z tool and the Feature to 3D by Attribute tool?

Answer

When z-values must be updated based on field values, there are two geoprocessing options to achieve this: The Adjust 3D Z tool, or the Feature To 3D By Attribute tool. Both tools allow z-values to be updated in a dataset. However, the methods of each tool are unique.

• Adjust 3D Z
  
  The Adjust 3D Z tool adds or subtracts field values from the existing z-values. For example:
  
  
  
   
• Feature To 3D By Attribute
  
  The Feature To 3D By Attribute tool creates a new feature class with the field values as the z-values. This removes existing z-values from the dataset and repopulates them with the field values.
  
  
  
   

  Note:
  The Feature To 3D By Attribute tool requires a 3D Analyst license.