Terrain OBJ
GIS File Name
CAMB3D_[Tile Name (ex: E-2)]_2018_TerrainMesh_OBJ
Format
Wavefront Format OBJ
Updated
2018
Description
The terrain layer was developed from stereo photogrammetric methods, capturing critical elevation points and grade-breaklines with a precision of about one foot. Delaunay triangulation was used to create a surface mesh. This terrain model has the CAMB3D_Basemap draped on it for reference.
Purpose
This terrain model is useful as a visual reference for the terrain surface as it relates to buildings, roads and sidewalks. It can be used as a setting and a initial condition for detailed design studies.
Download Layer Data
View 3D Data Download Map
Sources
These tiled terrain layers were made with the following city-wide layers available for download from the City of Cambridge GIS:
The original DTM data were developed using aerial photography from April 2010 by Infotec USA.
Coordinate System
Groundplan Image: 2018 Photogrammetric measurements compiled by WSP. Updated in 2025 by Cambridge GIS.
Tile Scheme and Coordinate System:
The 5000 foot tile scheme is designed to facilitate exchange of precise georeferenced models and context information among a variety of authoring and presentation tools. The tile network covers the greater Boston area.
State Plane coordinates are offset to keep all coordinates within limits inherent in most 3D design tools.
Projected Coordinate System:
State Plane Massachusetts Mainland (Feet), North American Datum of 1983.
Vertical Datum:
North American Vertical Datum, 1988 (NAVD 88) Feet (Height)
Coordinate System Origin (Offsets)
- X: 731,100MA State Plane Feet
- Y: 2,902,900 MA State Plane Feet
- WGS84 Longitude: 71.223391 W
- WGS84 Latitude: 42.213379 N
- Elevation: 0
- Rotation to align with True North: Clockwise 0.34 Degrees.
Usage Notes
The tile frame included with each data set can be used to register models with neighboring tiles or with the city-wide tile grid.