3D z-value reference for editing

When you create or modify z-enabled features, z-values are applied in different ways depending on the editing scenario and the tool you are using. The following tables describe how and when z-values are derived, interpolated, or preserved.

Tools that use elevation settings

Editing scenario or tool	How z-values are assigned
Create a new z-enabled feature using tools in the Create Features pane.	By default, z-values are applied to new features in the following ways: In maps, the default z-value is set to zero (0). In scenes, z-values are derived from the active elevation surface when you click the scene. For detailed steps that show you how to input z-values, see Specify an elevation for 3D features.
Copy Cut Paste Paste Special	Existing z-values are preserved and copied to the new feature. If the copied feature is not z-enabled, then the pasted feature is assigned the default z-value configured for the layer in the map or scene.

Tools that modify z-values

Editing scenario or tool	How z-values are assigned
Add Vertex	The angular pitch of the line segment is preserved and the new vertex is assigned an interpolated z-value.
Extend a polyline.	The angular pitch of the line segment is preserved and the new vertex is assigned an interpolated (extrapolated) z-value.
Change Length	The angular pitch of the line segment is preserved and the new vertex is assigned an interpolated z-value.
Split Line	The angular pitch of the line segment is preserved and the new vertex is assigned an interpolated z-value.
Reshape	The z-values of the existing feature and the new geometry are preserved. New vertices are assigned the z-values of the new geometry.
Split Polygon	The z-values of the existing feature and the cutting line are preserved. New vertices along the cut are assigned the z-values of the cutting line.
Autocomplete Polygon Autocomplete Freehand Polygon	The z-values of the existing feature and the new feature are preserved. New vertices created to maintain coincidence boundaries are interpolated.

Tools that preserve z-values

Editing scenario or tool	How z-values are assigned
Move	The existing z-values are preserved.
Rotate	The existing z-values are preserved.
Move a vertex by dragging it.	The existing z-values are preserved.