Prepare a 3D model
Upload a GLB and define its geographic placement.
A model layer contains one GLB asset and its position, rotation, and scale. Use this workflow when you already have the visual geometry: a building, structure, or other modeled object.
For points, lines, or polygons that need application-defined visuals, use a dataset layer instead.
Upload and place a model
- Open your project and add a layer.
- Enter a layer name and choose Model.
- Select a
.glbfile and select Continue. - Position the model in the map preview. Use the placement controls to adjust longitude, latitude, altitude, rotation, and scale.
- Create the layer and wait until conversion is
ready.
The upload accepts GLB files. Convert other source formats to GLB before uploading; this workflow does not accept IFC, FBX, or OBJ directly.
Placement values
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Longitude / latitude | Geographic anchor in WGS 84 decimal degrees |
| Altitude | Height in meters relative to the WGS 84 ellipsoid |
| Rotation X / Y / Z | Euler rotation values in degrees |
| Scale X / Y / Z | Multipliers applied to the model's original size |
Altitude is not a height above local ground. Check the placement in the target SDK as well as the web preview: engine coordinate systems and renderer behavior can affect the final result.
Model render definition
Reality Import normally creates or reuses a model render definition that accepts
Point geometry. A model is represented by a point feature containing its asset
URL and transform; that point is an anchor, not an instruction to draw a marker.
If an existing model definition does not accept Point, the platform chooses a
suffixed identifier such as model_1. Inspect the project's render definitions
rather than assuming the name.
Your SDK must have a matching model renderer. The Lens Studio built-in model path
expects the exact identifier model, so reserve that name for point-based models
when using it.
What the SDK receives
The layer's FlatGeobuf data contains a point at the model's anchor with these properties:
| Property | Purpose |
|---|---|
ardl:render_definition | Renderer identifier, normally model |
asset_uri | URL of the GLB asset |
transform | Geographic position, rotation, and scale |
The SDK queries this anchor near its geospatial reference. A large model is not selected by its mesh's extent: if its anchor is outside the query area, the SDK may not load it even when part of the model extends into view.
Update a model
Edit the layer to change its name or placement. Saving model changes queues
conversion again. Wait for ready before refreshing the SDK.
The layer editor does not replace the source GLB. Add a new layer for a different asset. Deleting a layer also attempts to remove its source and generated files.
Display the model
- Lens Studio SDK — documentation coming soon.
- Unity SDK — documentation coming soon.