ArcMap 3D profile graph gives a level line

Question

ArcMap's Profile Graph in 3D analyst works great for drawing a line on the map and seeing the profile. I am doing this part easily; single segments, multiple segments it works fine.

However, it is not working for me with existing features. I follow directions from here (https://dartgeoblog.wordpress.com/2009/07/20/creating-topographic-profiles-in-arcgis/) for a vector line layer. I have loaded gdb feature class and shapefile. I select one (or many) features, then click 'Profile Graph'. The result with existing features is a Profile Graph window showing a level line, elevation = 1, that is an appropriate length. The DEM is visible underneath the entire segment, (and is not flat). I have tried providing gdb feature classes before and after 'Add surface information' to make it 3D enabled. I have rebooted ArcMap. What am I doing wrong here?

Answer 1

The Profile Graph tool in ArcGIS does not work if the input DEM and the selected line feature are not in the same coordinate system. To test this statement, I used a DEM in UTM coordinates and a line feature class in US State Plane. My result was a graph with a constant elevation of one. I reprojected the line feature class to the UTM coordinate system and the tool produced the expected profile graph.

Please make sure that your line feature class and your DEM are in the same coordinate system and try again. Also, make sure that the X, Y, and Z of your DEM are all in the same units.

Answer 2

I had the same problem and I tried the Interpolate Shape tool in the 3D Analyst toolbox and it works. See link for additional information: http://www.exprodat.com/blogs/making-elevation-profiles-in-3d-analyst-4/