"},{"ID":362592,"user_firstname":"Nikola","user_lastname":"Marincic","nickname":"Nikola Marincic","user_nicename":"nmarincic","display_name":"Nikola Marincic","user_email":"nmarincic@esri.com","user_url":"https:\/\/developers.arcgis.com\/javascript\/latest\/","user_registered":"2024-09-30 06:57:36","user_description":"Nikola is a product engineer on the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript team, specializing in enhancing the 3D capabilities of Web GIS. With a background as a former architecture professor, he is committed to developing well-designed and structured products. In his spare time, Nikola enjoys composing music and running.","user_avatar":"
"}],"short_description":"Leverage the 3D Object Layer as core capability of your 3D system of records by uploading and auto-georeferencing your IFC models. ","flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"In the first blog post of our series<\/a>, we introduced 3D object layers as a “System of Record” for geolocated 3D features, covering topics such as publishing, sharing, editing in Scene Viewer and caching best practices. The second blog post<\/a> shifted focus to ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript, showing how to create the Scene Viewer editing experience in custom web apps and directing readers to our 3D object workflows<\/a> guide for implementing advanced scenarios.<\/p>\n A key part of our 3D object layer capabilities is the ability to upload and place 3D models accurately in the real world<\/strong>. With this update, these workflows are now simpler and more efficient. Since the October 2025 release, both ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript support georeferenced 3D model uploads<\/strong>. Formats like IFC4 can now be placed automatically based on embedded location metadata. When a model contains georeferencing information, Scene Viewer and the JS SDK can position it precisely in the real-world<\/strong>: no manual coordinate entry in the UI or point instance in code required.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":2957254,"id":2957254,"title":"Georeferenced 3D Building Model Automatically Positioned from IFC4 Upload","filename":"ifc4-upload-hero3.jpg","filesize":1022374,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ifc4-upload-hero3.jpg","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-online\/3d-gis\/3d-object-layer-upload-georeferenced-3d-models\/ifc4-upload-hero3","alt":"A georeferenced 3D building model accurately placed on a real\u2011world map in ArcGIS Maps for JavaScript, shown during upload from an IFC4 file.","author":"362592","description":"This image shows a frame from a demonstration video where a 3D building model, stored as an IFC4 file, is uploaded via a file dialog and instantly placed at the correct real\u2011world position. ArcGIS Maps for JavaScript uses the model\u2019s embedded georeferencing data together with its new 3D Object Layer capabilities to display the building precisely within the map scene, without requiring any manual alignment.","caption":"\"The model contained georeferencing information and has been automatically placed in the scene.\" ArcGIS Maps for JavaScript now automatically positions an IFC4 3D building model using its embedded georeferencing information.","name":"ifc4-upload-hero3","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":2954643,"date":"2026-02-23 15:31:56","modified":"2026-02-23 15:35:21","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":2078,"height":1278,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ifc4-upload-hero3-213x200.jpg","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ifc4-upload-hero3.jpg","medium-width":424,"medium-height":261,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ifc4-upload-hero3.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":472,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ifc4-upload-hero3.jpg","large-width":1756,"large-height":1080,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ifc4-upload-hero3-1536x945.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":945,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ifc4-upload-hero3-2048x1260.jpg","2048x2048-width":2048,"2048x2048-height":1260,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ifc4-upload-hero3-756x465.jpg","card_image-width":756,"card_image-height":465,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ifc4-upload-hero3-1756x1080.jpg","wide_image-width":1756,"wide_image-height":1080}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":" Apps built on the SDK\u2014such as Scene Viewer, or any custom app that uses the Editor component<\/a>\u2014now automatically read the model\u2019s geolocation information during ingestion and apply the appropriate transformation based on the project\u2019s coordinate system and viewing mode, resulting in the correct placement.<\/p>\n This Scene Viewer update allows users to perform basically the same workflow without the need to create and deploy a custom application.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"kaltura","video_id":"1_bkto5o8e","time":false,"start":0,"stop":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":" See the ArcGIS Online documentation<\/a> for detailed information on how to edit features in web scenes.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":" Automatic placement ensures the model is placed in a location that is generally correct and ready for immediate use. But if the placement had to be approximated or you need to refine it to match any arbitrary location, you can achieve this by using the Editor component in Scene Viewer or your custom app.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":2954648,"id":2954648,"title":"Refining 3D Model Placement Using Coordinate-Entry Tools","filename":"Picture1-1-e1772009761260.png","filesize":254251,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-1-e1772009761260.png","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-online\/3d-gis\/3d-object-layer-upload-georeferenced-3d-models\/picture1-163","alt":"3D building model shown in Scene Viewer with an editable coordinate-entry tooltip displaying longitude, latitude, elevation, orientation, and scale for refining placement.","author":"398427","description":"This image shows a 3D building model placed in its approximate real\u2011world location inside ArcGIS Scene Viewer. A coordinate-entry tooltip is visible, providing editable fields such as Longitude, Latitude, Elevation (Z), Orientation, and Scale. These tools enable precise adjustments when automatic georeferenced placement is incomplete or requires fine\u2011tuning, giving users full control over the model\u2019s final position and alignment.","caption":"Scene Viewer\u2019s coordinate-entry tooltip allows manual adjustment of a 3D building model\u2019s longitude, latitude, Z\u2011value, orientation, and scale when automatic placement requires refinement.","name":"picture1-163","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":2954643,"date":"2026-01-26 15:42:09","modified":"2026-02-16 12:16:56","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/png","type":"image","subtype":"png","icon":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":924,"height":527,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-1-e1772009761260-213x200.png","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-1-e1772009761260-458x261.png","medium-width":458,"medium-height":261,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-1-e1772009761260-768x438.png","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":438,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-1-e1772009761260.png","large-width":924,"large-height":527,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-1-e1772009761260.png","1536x1536-width":924,"1536x1536-height":527,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-1-e1772009761260.png","2048x2048-width":924,"2048x2048-height":527,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-1-e1772009761260-815x465.png","card_image-width":815,"card_image-height":465,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-1-e1772009761260.png","wide_image-width":924,"wide_image-height":527}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":" Automatic placement in the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript boils down to one step: Use the Starting with version 5.0<\/a> of the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript, the result also includes <\/p>\n Our updated sample, Editing SceneLayer: Upload 3D Models and Apply Edits<\/a>, demonstrates the complete workflow, leveraging the latest enhancements.<\/p>\n The app shows how to to:<\/p>\n This workflow supports both planning professionals and developers building custom applications. It mirrors how a planning office might manage new development submissions, infrastructure projects, and existing assets.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":" <\/p>\n Professionals in planning, architecture, engineering, and urban development create 3D models using a wide variety of tools and formats. Some formats, such as IFC4, often embed georeferencing information. Others (GLB, OBJ, FBX, etc.) may rely on external metadata files to capture and store placement information.<\/p>\n Design and modeling software use local Cartesian coordinate systems that need to be transformed into global geography. Most design and modeling software use a local, Cartesian coordinate system, based on the assumption that the Earth is flat in the project area, and distances remain uniform. In GIS workflows, however, such simplifications don\u2019t hold \u2014 precision and true geographic context are critical.<\/p>\n That’s why 3D models need to be processed to be positioned within our global and local coordinate systems to appear exactly where they should be in the real world.<\/p>\n Previously, part of this process was left to user: adjusting the model’s position by eye or typing precise coordinates into placement tools. The new feature reduces this overhead, cuts preparation time and provides a more consistent foundation for planning, analysis and visualization.<\/p>\n If you regularly work with BIM data, especially Autodesk Revit, you may find the following blog post useful: From Revit to ArcGIS Urban: A practical guide to bringing IFC models into ArcGIS Urban<\/a>. It covers how to prepare and geolocate Revit models for seamless placement in ArcGIS workflows.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":" Automatic geolocation offers a strong starting point, and works very well in many cases, especially when the model provides well-defined geolocation information and its coordinate system matches the spatial reference of the 3D object layer in use.<\/p>\n Every 3D model has an origin, typically located at the coordinate [0, 0, 0] of the modeling software used to create it. All vertices are measured relative to that point. Loading and placing a 3D model in a 3D object layer involves geolocating the model’s origin within the layer’s geographic (GCS) or projected coordinate system (PCS) and projecting the vertices accordingly.<\/p>\n When reprojecting is needed, the model is only approximately placed, which may result in some precision loss. These are generally small but inherent to spatial transformations. The model will still be placed in the correct general area, though slight offsets can occur.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":" If the model provides clear information\u2014coordinate system, origin, units and orientation\u2014the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript can place it accurately. If parts of the metadata are missing or ambiguous, or transformation between coordinate systems is required, this can cause shifts and inaccuracies.<\/p>\n When you work in local scenes<\/a> that use a projected coordinate system matching the spatial reference system of both the 3D object layer and the 3D model, you can generally expect high precision.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":2954652,"id":2954652,"title":"Choosing the correct spatial reference for 3D object layers","filename":"spatialreference_choose-e1769444628505.png","filesize":212093,"url":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/spatialreference_choose-e1769444628505.png","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/products\/arcgis-online\/3d-gis\/3d-object-layer-upload-georeferenced-3d-models\/spatialreference_choose","alt":"Flowchart showing how to choose the correct spatial reference for a 3D object layer based on whether the project uses a projected coordinate system.","author":"398427","description":"This image presents a simple decision flowchart used to guide spatial reference selection when preparing 3D object layers. The chart begins with the question: \u201cIs your project data in a projected coordinate system (PCS)?\u201d If the answer is Yes, it advises using the same PCS for the 3D object layer. If the answer is No, it recommends using WGS84 as the spatial reference. The diagram supports the discussion on how metadata completeness\u2014such as coordinate system, origin, units, and orientation\u2014affects accurate georeferenced placement of 3D models.","caption":"Guidelines for selecting the spatial reference of a 3D object layer depending on whether the project uses a projected coordinate system (PCS).","name":"spatialreference_choose","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":2954643,"date":"2026-01-26 15:42:20","modified":"2026-02-16 12:24:08","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/png","type":"image","subtype":"png","icon":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1024,"height":460,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/spatialreference_choose-e1769444628505-213x200.png","thumbnail-width":213,"thumbnail-height":200,"medium":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/spatialreference_choose-e1769444628505-464x208.png","medium-width":464,"medium-height":208,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/spatialreference_choose-e1769444628505-768x345.png","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":345,"large":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/spatialreference_choose-e1769444628505.png","large-width":1024,"large-height":460,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/spatialreference_choose-864x1536.png","1536x1536-width":864,"1536x1536-height":1536,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/spatialreference_choose-e1769444628505.png","2048x2048-width":1024,"2048x2048-height":460,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/spatialreference_choose-e1769444628505-826x371.png","card_image-width":826,"card_image-height":371,"wide_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/spatialreference_choose-608x1080.png","wide_image-width":608,"wide_image-height":1080}},"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":" The integration of automatic georeferencing into editing tools significantly simplifies the process of bringing 3D models to their correct real-world location, streamlining your 3D object layer workflows.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re a city agency, planning office, engineering team, or developer supporting these workflows: this capability reduces manual steps, improves accuracy, supporting your decision-making, and the growing need for 3D information in planning operations.<\/p>\n We look forward to seeing how you use this feature to streamline your 3D workflows.<\/p>\nNew geolocation capabilities<\/h2>\n
New behavior<\/h3>\n
\n
Workflow in Scene Viewer<\/h2>\n
Refining placement<\/h2>\n
Workflow in ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript<\/h2>\n
SceneLayer.convertMesh()<\/code><\/a> method. The 3D object layer reads the model\u2019s georeferencing, computes the origin in the layer\u2019s spatial reference, and returns a mesh that is already aligned for display and editing.<\/p>\ngeoreferenceInfo<\/code>, which indicates the detected origin. With that information, you can confirm a clean auto\u2011placement, warn if reprojection was needed, or fall back to a manual placement workflow.<\/p>\nAuto\u2011place the model and report what happened<\/h3>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
\r\nconst<\/span> { mesh, georeferenceInfo } = await<\/span> sceneLayer.convertMesh([file<\/span>]);\r\n\r\n\/\/ Inform the user:<\/span>\r\n\/\/ - georeferenced & same SR \u2192 \u201cplaced at real\u2011world location\u201d<\/span>\r\n\/\/ - georeferenced but reprojected \u2192 \u201cplaced, small precision loss possible\u201d<\/span>\r\n\/\/ - no georeferencing \u2192 fall back to interactive placement<\/span>\r\nif<\/span> (georeferenceInfo) {\r\n\u00a0 const<\/span> modelSR = georeferenceInfo.origin.spatialReference;\r\n\u00a0 const<\/span> layerSR = mesh.spatialReference;\r\n\r\n\u00a0 if<\/span> (!modelSR.equals<\/span>(layerSR)) {\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 showReprojectedNotice(modelSR, layerSR);\u00a0 \/\/ e.g., \u201cWKID 2056 \u2192 4326\u201d<\/span>\r\n\u00a0 } else<\/span> {\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 showGeoreferencedNotice();\r\n\u00a0 }\r\n\r\n\u00a0 \/\/ Put the auto\u2011placed mesh into an editable layer so users can refine it<\/span>\r\n\u00a0 const<\/span> meshGraphic = new<\/span> Graphic({\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 geometry: mesh,\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 symbol: { type: \"mesh-3d\"<\/span>, symbolLayers: [{ type: \"fill\"<\/span> }] }\r\n\u00a0 });\r\n\u00a0 sketchLayer.add<\/span>(meshGraphic);\r\n\u00a0 sketchVM.update(meshGraphic);\r\n\u00a0 view.goTo(mesh).catch<\/span>(() => {});\r\n} else<\/span> {\r\n\u00a0 startInteractivePlacement(mesh);\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \/\/ see next snippet<\/span>\r\n}\r\n\r\n<\/code><\/pre>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Fall back to interactive placement when no metadata is present<\/h3>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
\r\n\/\/ Minimal \u201cplace & edit\u201d flow with SketchViewModel<\/span>\r\nfunction<\/span> startInteractivePlacement<\/span>(mesh) {\r\n\u00a0 sketchVM.place<\/span>(mesh, {\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 graphicProperties<\/span>: {\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 layer<\/span>: sketchLayer,\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 attributes<\/span>: { Source<\/span>: \"Upload\"<\/span> }\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 }\r\n\u00a0 });\r\n}\r\n<\/code><\/pre>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"When you must intervene: overrides and sensible fallbacks<\/h3>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
\r\n\/\/ Enforce an authoritative location (replaces embedded georeferencing)<\/span>\r\nawait<\/span> scenelayer.convertMesh<\/span>([file], { origin<\/span>: authoritativepoint });\r\n\r\n\/\/ Provide a starting location ONLY when the file has no georeferencing<\/span>\r\nawait<\/span> scenelayer.convertMesh<\/span>( [file], { defaultOrigin<\/span>: sitePoint });\r\n<\/code><\/pre>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Example App: Upload\u2192Place\u2192Refine\u2192Save<\/h2>\n
\n
SceneLayer.convertMesh<\/code><\/a> method, or fall back to interactive placement<\/li>\nThe Challenge of Positioning 3D Models<\/h2>\n
Different Coordinate systems<\/h3>\n
Metadata quality is key<\/h3>\n
Common cases<\/h3>\n
\n
Summary<\/h2>\n
Documentation references<\/h3>\n
\n
Related Blogs<\/h3>\n
\n
\n