Visualization issue 3D model - Disappearing multipatch

[MartinaPolig]

I have a problem with the visualization of my multipatch in ArcGIS Pro in the scene view. The 3D model is inserted as multipatch (with the geoprocessing tool 'import 3D files') without giving any error. When I then zoom to the layer, I can see the imported 3D model, BUT it disappears after a few seconds. If I repeat zoom to layer, the model briefly appears again for a few seconds and disappears again.

I have read that the layer cache option might be a problem if it is not on keep cache between sessions, but it didn't solve anything. Restarting the project, the software and the computer, didn't help either. Also moving or replacing multipatch didn't help. The 3D model shouldn't be too heavy, having only 1mil faces.

I have run out of ideas....

[ÁkosHalmai]

Hi Martina,

Your model is probably not georeferenced, and “sitting” somewhere around the origin of the coordinate system, which is usually below the ground, so the model must be covered by the elevation surface.

Go to the Table of Contents, double click on the “Scene” on the top of the panel. This would trigger to pop a new window up, called “Map Properties”.  On the left side of this window select “Elevation Surface” from the list. On the right panel of the window enable “Allow navigation below ground”.  Open up the drop down list on the bottom of this panel called “Elevation surfaces”. There would be only one elevation surface with the following location: http://elevation3d.arcgis.com/arcgis/services/WorldElevation3D/Terrain3D/ImageServer (which is the default). Remove this elevation surface with the red ‘×’ on the right side. Press “OK”, select your model layer, right click on them and select “Zoom to Layer” and voila… Be sure that your layer is in the “3D Layers” group.

Ákos Halmai

[AndresCastillo]

My multipatch model was set to the ground, and would only disappear when I tried to edit it, such as its' vertices or its' texture.

When I disable the ground layer in the 'List By Drawing Order' tab of the contents pane, I could edit my multipatch features as desired.

[JustinJohnston]

I have a similar problem.  The multipatch elevation is set to ground.  The multipatch is otherwise below ground and I can see it if I turn off the ground layer and 2D imagery layers.  That allowed me to see them below ground, however if I try to edit vertices, the feature I am trying to edit still disappears.  I can edit the scale without it disappearing.  The handles pop up and I can drag them.  Modifying vertices though makes it disappear.

[JacobAalfs]

I believe the reason the multipatch disappears is because it does not have a Z value - it is jumping to 0 elevation when selected. That is why disabling the ground layer provided a quick fix. However if you are trying to extrude a Multipatch footprint to LiDAR points, then disabling the ground is not an option. Set the elevation of your Multipatch to Ground, then run the command Layer 3D to Feature Class. Now the resulting 3D Multipatch has Z values and does not jump to 0 elevation when selected.

I discovered this followed the instructions for this tutorial - Construct realistic buildings with multipatch editing - located here: learn.arcgis.com/en/projects/construct-realistic-buildings-with-multipatch-editing/

The tutorial worked using the data supplied for Pennsylvania, however I had and issue using my data.The issue I had was extruding the building footprints. When I selected a footprint it would disappear from the ground elevation and jump to sea-level (0 ft). The instructions use Paste Special to copy the 2D footprints to 3D multipatch features. I believe Paste Special does not set the Z value of the resulting Multipatch feature, resulting in a Z value of 0. This is true even if the 2D footprint has Z values enabled and set.

To set the Z values in the 3D Multipatch you must set the Elevation to Ground and then run the command Layer 3D to Feature Class. Now the resulting 3D Multipatch has Z values and does not jump to 0 elevation when selected. I hope ESRI will update the instructions accordingly.

[DionysiosKerasidis1]

That happens usually because you are missing z value. Turning the elevation of and you will see it on the ground.

[JacobAalfs]

Correct, the Multipatch does not have Z values. Set the elevation to Ground and run Layer 3D to Feature Class. Now the resulting 3D Multipatch has Z values