Integrating ArcGIS Services in Tobe Builder
Tobe Builder creates scenes that incorporate ArcGIS‑based maps or scenes as the foundational spatial frame. Each GIS data source is added as a layer, streamed from Esri services or loaded from local packages. The SDK handles coordinate system management, tile streaming, hierarchical level of detail (HLOD), and secure authentication with ArcGIS services—ensuring accurate, real‑world alignment.
The platform benefits greatly from the SDK’s modern interaction capabilities, including attribute identification for 3D object‑based datasets. Esri highlights the Identify API as a method for retrieving feature attributes directly from user interactions, enabling Tobe Builder to support workflows like object inspection, highlighting, and data‑driven visualization of assets.
All Supported Layer Types Used in Tobe Builder
Because Tobe Builder uses the current ArcGIS Maps SDK for Unity (Version 2.2), it can incorporate all major layer types supported today. Below is a breakdown of each type and how it contributes to the platform’s geospatial capabilities.
Image Tile Layers
Description:
Rasterized imagery and basemap tiles streamed efficiently for large‑scale rendering.
Capabilities:
Image tile layers are a core part of the SDK, enabling fast, photorealistic basemaps and surface imagery in Unity scenes. (Image Tile Layers Developer Reference)
In Tobe Builder:
Used for aerial and satellite imagery backdrops
Offers context for buildings, terrain, and infrastructure
Forms a visual foundation for planning and review workflows
Vector Tile Layers
Description:
Scalable, resolution‑independent cartographic features like roads, boundaries, and land use.
Capabilities:
Vector tile layers render cleanly at any zoom level and are supported as part of the SDK’s standard layer options. (Vector Tile Layer Developer Reference)
In Tobe Builder:
Provides lightweight overlays for analysis or navigation
Supports custom styling based on attributes
Helps produce clean, readable spatial context in 3D scenes
3D Tiles Layers
Description:
Large‑scale 3D datasets—such as photogrammetry, buildings, and terrain—packaged for streaming.
Capabilities:
The SDK supports 3D Tiles as part of its multi‑layer workflows, allowing developers to easily incorporate wide‑area 3D content. (3D Tile Layers Developer Reference)
In Tobe Builder:
Used for importing city models or regional 3D datasets
Helps establish high‑fidelity, context‑rich environments
Integrates seamlessly with other Esri scene layers
Scene Layer Types
Esri’s I3S scene layer format provides specialized 3D data types used extensively in modern GIS workflows. Tobe Builder fully utilizes all of them.
Building Scene Layers
Description:
Highly detailed representations of buildings—including architectural, structural, or MEP components.
Capabilities:
Esri has enhanced support for building scene layers, giving developers fine control over visual appearance and user interaction. (Scene Layer Developer Reference)
In Tobe Builder:
Enables BIM‑level digital twins
Allows filtering by discipline or component
Supports property viewing and component highlight workflows
How to create a 3D Object Scene Layer in ArcGIS Pro
3D Object Scene Layers
Description:
Feature‑based 3D models such as individual buildings, trees, street furniture, and infrastructure assets.
Capabilities:
The SDK provides attribute identification directly from scene interactions, improving feature‑based workflows.
In Tobe Builder:
Supports click‑to‑inspect capabilities
Enables data overlays and condition assessments
Perfect for IoT dashboards and simulation workflows
How to create a 3D Object Scene Layer in ArcGIS Pro
Integrated Mesh Scene Layers
Description:
Large photogrammetric mesh models that combine terrain, buildings, textures, and surfaces into a single continuous mesh.
Capabilities:
Supported directly within the Unity SDK as part of its multiple‑layer ecosystem.
In Tobe Builder:
Used for site‑wide context models
Provides realistic ground truth for urban design
Ideal for overlaying BIM, signage, IoT, and construction data
How to Create an Integrated Mesh Scene Layer in ArcGIS Pro 3.6
Point Cloud Scene Layers
Description:
Massive LiDAR‑based datasets optimized with hierarchical level‑of‑detail for efficient streaming.
Capabilities:
The SDK supports visualization of large point clouds with publisher‑defined styling, enabling high‑performance rendering of survey‑grade datasets.
In Tobe Builder:
Used for terrain analysis, vegetation mapping, and asset verification
Ideal for comparing design intent with as‑built conditions
Supports immersive inspection of raw LiDAR captures
How to create a Point Cloud Scene Layer in ArcGIS Pro 3.6