How do I import Wavefront OBJ files into 3DM Analyst Edit Station (Enhanced Edition) / 3DM Analyst Mine Mapping Suite?

For a textured DTM, the Wavefront file format splits its data into .obj, .mtl, and an image file (usually .jpg). You need all three files to be in the same folder on the computer to successfully read the DTM into 3DM Analyst.

If the DTM is using per-point colourisation rather than texturing (e.g. because it was originally captured by LiDAR), then you may only have an .obj file. Note that the image quality will be lower in this case.

If you are not seeing the result that you expect, open the .mtl file in a text editor (all three files are ASCII text files) and confirm that the material definition is in the following format:

newmtl [material name]
[...]
map_Kd [image file name]

You an also check the .obj file and verify that it specifies the .mtl file using a line like:

mtllib [.mtl file name]
[...]
usemtl [material name]

Loading OBJs

Wavefront OBJ files can be imported through the Load Extended DTMs button () in the 3D View toolbar just like a normal 3DM Analyst DTM. They can also be imported using the File | DTM | Load Extended menu:

The Combobox at the end of the File name field shows all the file formats supported by your version of 3DM Analyst (e.g. “*.dtm, *.dtmx, *.dxf, *.00t, *.obj, *.pts”).

Pick the .obj file you wish to import. This should be the final, georeferenced terrain model generated by the third-party package you are using.

It is not a bad idea to double-check that the position of the 3D cursor matches the coordinates of some known locations in the scene (e.g. control points) and that the Z-axis is pointing upwards. Forgetting to ensure the data is georeferenced before mapping can be a painful mistake!

Once you are satisifed that everything is in order, you can then start mapping as if it was a native 3DM Analyst DTM!