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Download customized contours, surfaces and point files from LiDAR

Start with the best elevation data online in one central, easy-to-use online portal. Get deliverables out the door faster!

Join other leading infrastructure designers on Equator

Getting elevation data from government databases…

“Most of the time you have to be in the industry, and try to process that data through a variety of means or multiple different processes to get what you really looking for.”

Steve Moseley, Civil Engineer, Artist

Generic

No control over data product customizations, such as resolution and clipping to a specific site.

Slow

Gathering, compiling, and processing data from tons of data portals is time-consuming.

Difficult

Having to sort through messy databases, hundreds of tiles, and products is difficult.

Generating data products with Equator…

Did you know?

LiDAR uses light in the form of pulsed infrared laser beams to measure ranges, which is used in a calculation to find the elevation. Up to 100 million pulses can be sent out per second! The accuracy of this data is dependent on the dataset but can have accuracies within a few centimeters.

Made to Order

Fully customize your data product, from resolution to site boundary to file type.

Fast

Save time searching for data and find hundreds of locations in one central portal.

Intuitive

Accessing our high-resolution elevation data in the Equator platform is intuitive and convenient.

How it Works

Step 1: Select Your Site

Search for a location and create your site using either a pre-made or a custom boundary box

Step 2: Open the Data Menu

Select the Data tab on the left and choose your elevation data set.

Step 3: Build your map

Using Equator’s design tools, create unique, detailed maps with high resolution elevation data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is elevation data created?

While there are many ways in which elevation data can be collected and curated, Equator uses public sources of LiDAR and LiDAR-derived data. In this way, we centralize elevation data like contours, DEMs, STLs and more to create vivid topographic maps.

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Does Equator have high resolution data in my area?

Equator provides high resolution LiDAR data for the US, Canada, Europe and other international locations, along with LiDAR-derived data for areas of the US that don’t have LiDAR. To find out more about Equator‘s LiDAR coverage, check out our Coverage Map.

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How accurate is the data in Equator?

Equator‘s elevation data varies in accuracy based on the site, with some areas showing accuracy up to a few centimeters. With every download from Equator, users also receive a metadata report that provides information about the data sources. For more on the accuracy of LiDAR data, check out our post.

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How can I create the best looking contours?

Equator allows users to fully customize their topographic data to cater to their projects. With the power to build abstract site boundaries and change both resolution and intervals, Equator allows users the ability to create boldly.

Generate Data Products

Equator helps users to get their existing data into the coordinate system and projection that they need. Simply find the name of the projection being used in the user’s chosen software (usually, found in the drawing or project settings), then download a layer from Equator. It will prompt the user to select a Custom coordinate system, which the user can easily search for by name.

Absolutely! Equator allows users to change units based on the coordinate system and projection. If the user would like their data in imperial units, make sure to select a coordinate system option with “ftUS” in the names.

Civil engineers are using data from Equator to help with all sorts of projects. They have designed stormwater facilities, designed roads roads, completed slope stability assessments, and selected sites for residential and commercial buildings. We’ve also heard from people in other industries including archaeologists, artists, geologists, researchers, educators and more. Check out Equator’s Civil Engineering Academy for resources, tutorials and case studies to find out more about how Civil Engineers are using Equator.