How to add a terrain layer to ArcScene

By default, terrain datasets cannot be displayed or used as an elevation source in ArcScene. ArcScene requires that the elevation source data reside in memory. A terrain dataset utilizes an on-the-fly query and display structure to work efficiently with millions or billions of points.

Tip:

Convert the terrain dataset or a portion of the terrain dataset that you want to work with in ArcScene to either a TIN or raster dataset. You can use either the Terrain To TIN or Terrain To Raster 3D Analyst geoprocessing tools to complete the conversion.