I am working with Digital Elevation Models in format TIFF 2km * 2km. As far as I know DEMs should have a 3d function but in my case the DEMs are flat. They only look 3d because of the hill shading. But when I open the DEM in ArcScene it is flat.
How can I turn the DEM into a real 3d model? How can I see the z values?
Best Answer
A DEM is simply a grid of values representing elevation. To visualize the elevation in "3D" in ArcScene, right-click the DEM layer and go to properties. Under the Base Heights tab, select the "Floating on a custom surface" radio button, and navigate to your DEM if it is not already populated in the browse box. Hit Apply and OK. ArcScene will render the DEM in 3D.
See the ArcGIS help here.