3d-analystarcgis-desktopmultipatch
I have a File GeoDatabase that has a Feature Dataset with MultiPatches. The MultiPatches are tree models. I would like to convert the MultiPatch into a point layer.
Is there a tool, plugin, or script that will convert the MultiPatch layer into a point feature class?
To close a multipatch feature, it must completely enclose a volume. Multipatch features created with the Interpolate multipatch to polygon (using a surface) tool can likely not be closed. (Unless you extrude between 2 TIN surfaces which should produce a closed multipatch. Personally, I have not had a lot of success using "Extrude Between" with complex surfaces)
I tried running an example with spheres and created 2 intersecting multipatch feature classes. The spheres are closed. I was also able to calculate volume of the spheres. Intersection succeeded without errors and produced expected results. (See screen captures below) I then created some circular polygons, extruded them and converted them to multipatch features. Intersection also succeeded without errors.
I suspect your polygon multipatches do not fully enclose a volume. Exactly how were they created? Can you provide some screen captures? (You might need to create more complex 3D solid object features in a 3rd party 3D drawing software as ArcGIS is very limited in this area. You could try editing the multipatch in SketchUp by the way of Collada then replacing the model when you are finished editing) ArcScene 3D Editor --> Replace with Model (This should be possible according to documentation but I have not tried.)
Two multipatch features. (Spheres created using a technique similar to what you've described)
Resulting Intersection of the above (features are closed - also calculated volume):
Same as above but using multipatch features created from extruding polygons:
Resulting intersection (extruded polygons converted to multipatch features):
The "polygon" features are closed
The AOI tool solved the problem while in ArcScene http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/index.html#//00q800000144000000
Another option is to use SelectLayerByLocation tool paired with CopyFeatures tool. I began coding this into a python toolbox:
def execute(self, parameters, messages):
"""The source code of the tool. """
# Get current extent
mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("CURRENT")
dataframe = arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd)[0]
ext = dataframe.extent
# Create BBOX feature
feature_data = [[ext.XMin, ext.YMax], [ext.XMax, ext.YMax], [ext.XMax, ext.YMin], [ext.XMin,ext.YMin]]
feature = arcpy.Polygon(arcpy.Array([arcpy.Point(*coords) for coords in feature_data]))
# Create FeatureClass put features in it.
arcpy.env.addOutputsToMap = 0
arcpy.CopyFeatures_management(feature, "H:/ArcGIS/temp_bbox.shp")
# First, make a layer from the feature class
arcpy.MakeFeatureLayer_management("C:/temp/3Ddatabas/multipatchfixfull.gdb/ROOF_MULTIPATCH", "roof_layer")
# Then add a selection to the layer based on location to features in another feature class
arcpy.SelectLayerByLocation_management ("roof_layer", "intersect", "H:/ArcGIS/temp_bbox.shp")
arcpy.env.addOutputsToMap = 1
import time
t = int(time.time())
arcpy.CopyFeatures_management('roof_layer', 'C:/temp/3Ddatabas/dev1.gdb/ROOF_selected_' + `t`)
#Clean up
arcpy.Delete_management("H:/ArcGIS/temp_bbox.shp")
arcpy.Delete_management("roof_layer")
return
Best Answer
If you have access to the 3D Analyst extension, it's possible to get a two dimensional polygon of the multipatch with the Multipatch Footprint tool. From there, you could use the Feature to Point tool (ArcInfo aka Advanced license) or Calculate Field tool to get the centroids of the polygons.