This dictionary provides downloads and descriptions of the map features (data layers) in Newton’s GIS database. For a complete description of the system and of each layer see the full Data Dictionary document (Microsoft Word format). The layers described are created, edited and stored in ESRI’s geodatabase format but have been converted to more common formats for public use.

GIS files are available to download through our GIS Hub Page or as Open Data on GitHub (GeoJSON format). See below for how to use these data layers.

Unless otherwise mentioned, all data layers have the following coordinate information:

• The horizontal datum is NAD83 and the coordinate system is State Plane, Massachusetts - Mainland Zone.
• Units are in feet. The vertical datum (if any) is NGVD29, and the spheroid is GRS1980.

Working with GIS data

Newton’s GIS data were created using GIS software packages from Esri. Downloaded files can be used in most GIS and CAD software packages. All GIS tools have a bit of a learning curve and there is no perfect solution.  QGIS is a free and open desktop GIS software package that works in Windows or Mac. You can use various web browser based applications such as GitHub, Carto or ArcGIS Online.

You can also use simpler web mapping tools like Google Maps, Mapbox, Felt or FourSquare, among others. 

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