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Keep up to date with the latest from Equator and the HD mapping world
Intro to Parcels and Property Lines
Intro to Parcels and Property Lines Learn how to load Parcels and create property lines using Equator Studios Backround on Parcels Tutorial Step 1: Setup Tutorial Step 2: Using Search for Parcels Tutorial Step 3: Select Location Tutorial Step 4: How to use measuring tool Background: Parcels In mapping, a parcel refers to a piece of
How Tom Accelerated Real Estate Development and saved $30,000 using Equator
How Tom Accelerates Real Estate Development and saved $30,000 using Equator About Tom: Director of Real Estate Development Location: Kentucky Tom’s Challenge: Finding Accurate and Timely Data Tom works as the Director of Real Estate Development at an engineering consultancy in Kentucky. The engineering consultancy does everything from purchase negotiation, to building design to their own steel
Create Topography in Revit
Create Topography in Revit Learn how to create a 3D Terrain in Revit using an AutoCAD (.dwg) file Background: What is Revit? Who uses Revit? Tutorial Step 1: Source Topographic Data Tutorial Step 2: Link AutoCAD (.dwg) File to Revit Tutorial Step 3: Create Toposurface in Revit Tutorial Extra: Label Contour Lines in Revit Background:
Equator Secures SDTC Funding
Boosting Sustainable Infrastructure Design Efficiency: Equator Secures SDTC Funding Example of a sustainable infrastructure project (Bioswale SWM Installation) that relies on high-resolution data and collaboration (source). Background Equator was founded with a mission to revolutionize the way sustainable infrastructure is designed. We aimed to empower city builders worldwide to share data and designs in real-time, facilitating informed
How to Import a Point Cloud into QGIS
How to Import a LiDAR Point Cloud (.LAZ) into QGIS QGIS version 3.25 (released in 2021) and subsequent versions has a feature that allows you to import LiDAR point clouds (LAZ files) into QGIS without needing a third party extension. Definitions Source LiDAR Point Cloud Data Import LAZ Into QGIS View as a Map Based on Attributes (i.e. Height, Classification, and Eye Dome Lighting)
How to Convert LAZ to LAS
How to Convert LAZ Files to LAS Files Definitions Source LAZ File Convert LAZ to LAS Definitions Point Cloud - A point cloud is a set of data points representing 3D shapes or objects in a physical 3D space. They contain the most reliable 3D data possible. Click Here for Point Clouds LAS File - .las is a
LiDAR Myths
LiDAR Myths Exposed Six Common Myths and Misconceptions about LiDAR Collection and Data Explained Myth 1: More points are always better In reality, it depends! More points mean higher cost, slower processing and larger datasets so it’s important to know what is required for job and weigh the factors! When are more points typically better: In a densely forested area
Discover the HIDDEN Accuracy of Your LiDAR Data
Discover the HIDDEN Accuracy of Your LiDAR Data Mastering LiDAR Quality: A Quick Guide to Understanding Metadata and Accuracy It all starts with the USGS LiDAR Quality Levels This legend appears on Equator's interface when you turn on the Elevation Products. But what does it mean? The varying quality levels (QL) are defined by the
GIS in Transportation: The Future is Here
GIS for Transportation Introduction GIS, or geographic information systems, is a powerful tool that is increasingly being used in the transportation sector. GIS enables the analysis and visualization of spatial data, allowing for the integration of geographical elements into transportation planning and management. The benefits of using GIS in transportation are numerous, including improved efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Examples of how GIS is used in
LiDAR Data Processing: The Game-Changing Technology That’s Transforming Industries
LiDAR Data Processing Introduction LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses lasers to measure distances and generate high-resolution 3D maps of the Earth's surface. It works by emitting laser pulses and measuring the time it takes for the pulses to return to the LiDAR sensor after reflecting off of objects in the environment. By analyzing the returning laser pulses, LiDAR
The Importance of Land Surveying Accuracy: Why Every Inch Counts
Land Surveying Accuracy Introduction Land surveying is a crucial field that involves the measurement and mapping of land and other physical features. Accurate land surveying is essential for a variety of purposes, such as determining property boundaries, creating topographic maps, and supporting the construction of buildings and infrastructure. The role of accuracy in land surveying cannot be overstated. Factors that affect land surveying accuracy There
GIS – An Overview of Everything GIS
What software do I need to create a GIS? There are many different software options available for creating a GIS. Some of the most popular software programs include: Esri ArcGIS: This is a suite of GIS software products that are widely used in the public and private sectors. It includes tools for mapping, analysis, data management, and visualization. QGIS: This is
Everything You Need to Know about Drone Surveying
How to Perform a Drone Land Survey? A drone land survey involves using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone to collect data about the land surface for the purpose of creating maps and models. Here is a general outline of the steps involved in performing a drone land survey: 1. Plan the survey: Determine the area to be surveyed, the
How to convert Lat Long to UTM
How to convert Lat Long to UTM? It is possible to convert geographic coordinates in latitude and longitude (lat/long) to Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates. UTM is a standardized coordinate system that is used to locate positions on the Earth's surface. To convert lat/long coordinates to UTM, you will need to know the longitude of the central meridian for the UTM
VVA (Vegetated Vertical Accuracy) vs NVVA (Non-Vegetated Vertical Accuracy)
What is Vegetated Vertical Accuracy (VVA)? Vegetated Vertical Accuracy (VVA) is a measure of the accuracy of a digital elevation model (DEM) in areas where the land surface is covered by vegetation, such as forests or grasslands. It is expressed as the difference between the true elevation of the ground surface and the elevation that is recorded in the DEM. The
Environmental Impact Assessments: Your Guide to Responsible Development
Environmental Impact Assessments EIAs: Your guide to responsible development Did you know that the concept of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) dates back to the 1960s? What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)? An environmental impact assessment (EIA) assesses the potential social, environmental, and economic impacts of a potential project. The purpose of an EIA is
What is NTRIP?
What is NTRIP? NTRIP (Network Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol) is a protocol for transmitting Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS data over the Internet. RTK GPS is a high-precision GPS technology that can provide accuracy down to a few centimeters. NTRIP is used to transmit RTK GPS data from a base station to a mobile receiver, allowing the mobile receiver
Equipment Required to Complete a Topographic Survey
What Equipment is Required to Complete a Topographic Survey? A topographic survey involves collecting feature data for a plot of land, such as contours, elevations, and other physical characteristics. There are a variety of tools and equipment that are commonly used to complete a topographic survey, including: Total station: A total station is a surveying instrument that uses electronic distance measurement (EDM) to measure distances
What is Land Surveying?
What is land surveying? Land surveying is the practice of measuring and mapping the land surface. Surveying is used to determine the precise boundaries of a piece of land, as well as the location of natural and man-made features on the land. Surveying is typically performed by professional land surveyors, who use specialized equipment, such as total stations and GPS receivers,
How to Create Contours in QGIS from a DEM
How to Create Contours in QGIS from a DEM: Download DEM file Open the DEM in QGIS Run the contours process Step 1 Download DEM File Note: In this example, we use a DEM exported from Equator. Click here for a video guide. 1. Visit Equator Studios and go to the Data Menu 2. Select Digital Elevation Model from
How Abel cut his proposal costs and sped up his projects with Equator
How Abel cut his proposal costs and sped up his projects with Equator About Abel: Senior Civil Engineer Location: Mexico City, Mexico Meet Abel Abel is a senior civil engineer based in Mexico. He works for a renewable energy company in Demark that specializes in solar and wind energy. His role is to do preliminary
How Putt View used Equator to save over $100,000 in operating expenses and scale their growing business
How Putt View used Equator to save over $100,000 in operating expenses and scale their growing business Photo 1: Putt View hole analysis About Putt View Books Helping golfers level- up their game Founded in 2019, Putt View Books has quickly become the go-to provider of yardage and green map books for golfers. The company creates and prints
How Jose used Equator to dramatically speed up relief response after hurricane Fiona
How Jose used Equator to dramatically speed up relief response after hurricane Fiona About Jose: Independent surveyor/ designer Location: Based in Puerto Rico Photo 1: Jose surveying on Ian Karlos Culebra Island Jose’s challenge Jose is an independent surveyor working in Puerto Rico. He shared that surveyors and designers are scarce in Puerto Rico, and it can be
How to use Equator and Figma to create a custom map
The Ultimate Creative Website Builder Try Now In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to create a custom map poster or other visual asset using Equator Studios data and styling tools and Figma’s design tools. Begin by choosing a location for your map Open up Equator and use
How to Make 3D Terrain in SketchUp
How to Make 3D Terrain in SketchUp using Topographic Data Create smooth, accurate SketchUp terrain in 3 easy steps: Source Topographic Data Bring Topography into SketchUp Generate 3D Terrain Step 1: Source Topographic Data When referring to topographic data, we are primarily interested in the elevation or contour data. You might have topographic maps somewhere (either hardcopy