Navigating 3D views

Step-by-step:

The 3D tool in the Views tab displays the three-dimensional representation of the Plan View. It shows the locations and dimensions of stormwater controls, junctions, connections, and surface data in three dimensions.

1. On the ribbon, Views tab, Windows panel, click 3D.
   
   

When active, a compass and controls appear in the lower-right corner of the 3D view. The directional arrow on the compass control shows you which direction the camera is pointing. Clicking one of the cardinal directions (N, E, S or W) moves the camera to that side of the focal point.

2. Click N to move the camera north of the current focal point, which points the camera south.
   
3. The W, A, S, D, and arrow keys allow you to move the design in each of the four directions.
4. In the Tree View, expand the 3D View node to adjust the vertical scale.
5. Right-click the Surface node and select Display Settings.
6. Click the 3D tab and review the options.
   

Some objects will display as simple lines, spheres, cylinders, cuboids, or prisms, depending on the object. For example, simple junctions are displayed as a translucent sphere, the size of which is determined by the incoming and outgoing connections.

A visual error known as Z fighting can occur. To avoid this error, when water dimensions are set to a dimension of an object, the program applies a small offset. Because the offset is always applied at the bottom and sides of objects, the volume of the displayed water is not exact. However, the water elevation is kept exact where possible.