We got a 3D view of a neighborhood in my previous entry about displaying data in ArcScene. As I was panning around I got to thinking about what it would be like to sled down some of those hills. This one cul-de-sac looked particularly nice.

Hikers sometimes use topo maps to make vertical profile graphs along prospective trails so they know what they are getting into. Engineers use them when they are working on the grade of the new road. Today, we’re sledding enthusiasts wanting to see how much fun we’re going to have come winter.

In order to create a profile graph down the hill I spotted, I will need to move all my layers back into ArcMap. I’ll need the TIN surface to provide the height information and the roads so I know where to draw my line.

Once you’ve brought the layers up, go to Tools –> Extensions… and make sure you have the 3D Analyst extension checked on. Then go to View –> Toolbars to turn on the 3D Analyst toolbar. 3D Analyst needs a raster elevation surface to work with. If you are starting with vector topo lines, you’ll need to create a TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network).

As I explained in my ArcScene entry:

To do that, go to the 3D Analyst drop down menu, and select Create/Modify TIN –> Create TIN from Features. You just need to tell it which feature layer to use to create the TIN, which attribute has the height information, and which triangulation method to use. Soft Line is best for topos.

Make your TIN the target layer. Your screen will look something like this.

Now, press the Interpolate Line button that I moused-over above. Then, draw a line along the middle of the road from the point where the imaginary sled will start to the point it will stop. The line will show up as a graphic element. Make sure it is selected (it should be by default) and then click the Create Profile Graph button. Here’s what mine looks like:

Hmm, not really the even downward plunge I was hoping for. Good thing I checked! If you right click on the graph and select Properties… you can change the titles to make them more descriptive.

I edited my main title and bottom + left axis labels to get this.

Note: You can change the appearance of the profile line on the Series tab, and you can change the appearance of the entire chart under Advanced Properties.

I have found it a good idea to create a vector line over the top of the graphic element profile line. That way I’ll have it saved in a format that I can bring into other maps or, for instance, bring back into my ArcScene view.