SKAND now supports Preset Vertical Datum configuration in the 3D viewer. This allows users to apply a recognized vertical datum to a project so that elevation readings reflect a local or national height reference system such as the Australian Height Datum (AHD), the New Zealand Vertical Datum (NZVD), the North American Vertical Datum (NAVD88), or any other supported regional standard rather than the default ellipsoidal height.
This is particularly useful when working with survey data, infrastructure inspection, or any project where accurate elevation context matters.
What to Expect
Coordinate readouts will update to reflect the vertical datum offset. Elevation values shown in the viewer will be adjusted accordingly.
The globe and 3D models will not move. Applying a vertical datum offset affects coordinate display only and does not alter the position or orientation of any data in the scene.
The selected datum will be available in the 3D viewer coordinate bar, so elevation values are consistently reflected as users navigate the scene.
How to Set a Vertical Datum
Preset Option
Ensure Vertical Datum Input when Creating a Point Cloud Layer
Important: Ensure the vertical datum is specified when creating a point cloud layer. If not, SKAND will default to using ellipsoidal height.
Next, set the project’s CRS to match the horizontal and vertical datums specified in the point cloud. Open Project Settings.
Click the Coordinates tab.
Click the dropdown to select/input a vertical datum for your project. Ensure the horizontal datum is also selected.
Tick the checkbox to select.
Click Close to exit the dropdown.
Alternatively, users can set a fixed height value for elevations.
Click Save button to apply.
To change the vertical datum, click the dropdown in the coordinates bar next to the horizontal datum.
Click the appropriate vertical datum from the list.
The selected vertical datum is now applied to the project.
Important: When creating a point cloud layer, users need to indicate the vertical datum to ensure elevation readings are interpreted correctly.
Fixed Height Option
If users prefer to apply a manual offset rather than a preset, switch to the Fixed Height tab and enter a custom value. This is useful when a specific datum is not available in the preset list or when a known offset has been provided by the survey team.
Notes:
The vertical datum setting applies to the current session's coordinate readouts only.
If sharing a project via a Share Link, check the share link settings to confirm the coordinate system configuration that will be visible to viewers.