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Keep up to date with the latest from Equator and the HD mapping world

2504, 2023

Intro to Parcels and Property Lines

By |April 25th, 2023|Categories: 3D Design and Map Making, Blog, Creative, Locations and Data, Tutorials|0 Comments

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

704, 2023

How Tom Accelerated Real Estate Development and saved $30,000 using Equator

By |April 7th, 2023|Categories: Case Study|Comments Off on 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

304, 2023

Create Topography in Revit

By |April 3rd, 2023|Categories: 3D Design and Map Making, Blog, CAD Surfaces and Drawings, Topographic Maps and Contours, Tutorials|0 Comments

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:

2303, 2023

Equator Secures SDTC Funding

By |March 23rd, 2023|Categories: Blog|Comments Off on 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

803, 2023

How to Import a Point Cloud into QGIS

By |March 8th, 2023|Categories: LiDAR, Tutorials|0 Comments

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)

603, 2023

How to Convert LAZ to LAS

By |March 6th, 2023|Categories: Blog, LiDAR, Tutorials|0 Comments

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

103, 2023

LiDAR Myths

By |March 1st, 2023|Categories: Blog, Files, Definitions, Concepts, LiDAR|0 Comments

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

1701, 2023

Discover the HIDDEN Accuracy of Your LiDAR Data

By |January 17th, 2023|Categories: Blog, Files, Definitions, Concepts, LiDAR, Tutorials|0 Comments

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

1601, 2023

GIS in Transportation: The Future is Here

By |January 16th, 2023|Categories: Blog, GIS Data and Analysis|0 Comments

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

1301, 2023

LiDAR Data Processing: The Game-Changing Technology That’s Transforming Industries

By |January 13th, 2023|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

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

1201, 2023

The Importance of Land Surveying Accuracy: Why Every Inch Counts

By |January 12th, 2023|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

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

1101, 2023

GIS – An Overview of Everything GIS

By |January 11th, 2023|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

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

1001, 2023

Everything You Need to Know about Drone Surveying

By |January 10th, 2023|Categories: Blog, Land and Topographic Survey|0 Comments

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

901, 2023

How to convert Lat Long to UTM

By |January 9th, 2023|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

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

601, 2023

VVA (Vegetated Vertical Accuracy) vs NVVA (Non-Vegetated Vertical Accuracy)

By |January 6th, 2023|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

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

501, 2023

Environmental Impact Assessments: Your Guide to Responsible Development

By |January 5th, 2023|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

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

501, 2023

What is NTRIP?

By |January 5th, 2023|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

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

401, 2023

Equipment Required to Complete a Topographic Survey

By |January 4th, 2023|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

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

401, 2023

What is Land Surveying?

By |January 4th, 2023|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

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,

301, 2023

How to Create Contours in QGIS from a DEM

By |January 3rd, 2023|Categories: Blog, QGIS, Tutorials|0 Comments

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

1912, 2022

How Abel cut his proposal costs and sped up his projects with Equator

By |December 19th, 2022|Categories: Case Study|Comments Off on 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

1912, 2022

How Putt View used Equator to save over $100,000 in operating expenses and scale their growing business

By |December 19th, 2022|Categories: Case Study|Comments Off on 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

2911, 2022

How Jose used Equator to dramatically speed up relief response after hurricane Fiona

By |November 29th, 2022|Categories: Case Study|Comments Off on 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

2211, 2022

How to use Equator and Figma to create a custom map

By |November 22nd, 2022|Categories: Blog, User Guide|0 Comments

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

1411, 2022

How to Make 3D Terrain in SketchUp

By |November 14th, 2022|Categories: Blog, QGIS, Tutorials|0 Comments

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