3D line symbols can be created in the 3D Line Symbol Editor. A 3D line symbol is composed of a number of child lines. A desirable 3D line symbol can be created through creating child lines of different forms and styles. Therefore the basic element of a 3D line symbol is a child line. There are two types of child lines: section child lines and model child lines.
The figure below demonstrates the making of a 3D line symbol composed of child lines: child line 1 (a section child line), child line 2 (a model child line), and child line 3 (a model child line).
Section Child Lines
When creating a section child line, cross sections are first drawn and then used to quickly build a 3D line. Textures can be tiled on the created section child line, and different textures can be put on different sides; or a solid color can be used to fill the sides of a section child line through color setting.
Model Child Lines
A model child line is composed of 3D models. A desirable model child line is created by setting properties of the child line and controlling the distribution and arrangement of 3D models along a linear direction. That is to say, a desirable model child line is created by drawing given 3D models at positions certain distances from each other along a linear direction.
