Adding Building/Structure Elevations to a DEM(Digital Elevation Model) in ArcGIS Pro

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of adding building or structure elevations to a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) in ArcGIS Pro. This is important for accurately representing recent infrastructure developments in geographical analyses, ensuring that your DEM reflects the current landscape.

Step 1: Prepare Your Data

• Gather Required Data:
  • Obtain the base DEM file that you want to modify.
  • Collect elevation data for the buildings or structures you wish to add.
• Check Data Formats:
  • Ensure that your data is in a compatible format (e.g., shapefile, CSV for point data).
• Open ArcGIS Pro:
  • Launch the ArcGIS Pro application and create or open an existing project.

Step 2: Add the DEM to Your Project

• Insert the DEM:
  • Navigate to the “Map” tab and select “Add Data.”
  • Choose your DEM file from the directory and add it to the map view.
• Verify DEM Visualization:
  • Check the layer properties to ensure that the DEM is displayed correctly. Adjust symbology if necessary for better visualization.

Step 3: Load Building Elevation Data

• Import Building Data:
  • Again, go to the “Add Data” option and load your building elevation data.
• Inspect Attributes:
  • Open the attribute table of the building data to confirm it includes elevation information, such as height or elevation above ground.

Step 4: Create 3D Features from Elevation Data

• Convert Points to 3D:
  • If your building data is in point format, use the “Feature To 3D By Attribute” tool to convert those points into 3D features. Set the elevation field to the height of the structures.
• Set the Output:
  • Choose an output feature class for your 3D buildings and execute the tool.

Step 5: Integrate Structures with the DEM

• Adjust Z-values:
  • Ensure that the Z-values of your new 3D building features are set correctly in relation to the DEM. This may involve adding the DEM elevation to the building heights.
• Merge the Layers:
  • Use the “3D Analyst” tools to create a new surface that combines the DEM with your building elevations.

Step 6: Visualize and Analyze

• Create a 3D Scene:
  • Switch to a 3D view by creating a new scene in ArcGIS Pro. Add both your modified DEM and the 3D building layers.
• Examine the Results:
  • Navigate around your 3D scene to visualize how the buildings integrate with the terrain. Check for any discrepancies or issues that need addressing.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to add building elevations to a DEM in ArcGIS Pro, enhancing the accuracy of your geographical analyses. This process involves preparing your data, adding it to your project, creating 3D features, and integrating them with the DEM. As a next step, consider exploring additional GIS tools and functionalities to further analyze terrain and infrastructure in your projects.