Blog
Keep up to date with the latest from Equator and the HD mapping world
Equator Launches Minneapolis LiDAR Data
Equator Launches the Minneapolis LiDAR data set Equator provides unprecedented access to centimeters of accuracy, in a user-friendly online design platform. Last Updated: December 02, 2021 Access LiDAR Data Equator is pleased to announce the launch of the Minneapolis LiDAR dataset in Equator. The Minneapolis LiDAR data set covers approximately 19,400 ha and was collected in 2016. This high-resolution elevation
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,
Equator Launches Westport LiDAR Data
Equator Launches the Westport LiDAR data set Equator provides unprecedented access to centimeters of accuracy, in a user-friendly online design platform. Last Updated: December 01, 2021 Access LiDAR Data Equator is pleased to announce the launch of the Westport LiDAR dataset in Equator. The Westport LiDAR dataset covers all of Westport, the surrounding coast and mountains. It was collected
How to Make 3D Printed Topographic Maps and Terrains
MAKE ANYTHING Making your own 3D printed topographic maps is easy with Equator! Want to learn how to make your own 3D printed Christmas gifts? Follow this tutorial to learn how! How to download and 3d print really detailed maps Step 1: Open the online Equator platform
Deep Learning in Spatial Applications
Deep Learning in Spatial Applications and GIS Machine learning has long been an indispensable tool in the realm of spatial analysis within Geographic Information Systems (GIS). From image classification to enriching data with clustering and modeling spatial relationships, machine learning has significantly advanced the capabilities of GIS tools over the decades. Within the vast landscape of machine learning, a powerful subset known as deep
Critical Questions to Ask When Reading an RFP
Critical Questions to Ask When Reviewing an RFP Love them or hate them, proposals are critical in the civil engineering industry. However, many engineers struggle with finding a balance between proposal writing and project work. They often ask questions such as: How many RFPs should we respond to in a year? Which ones are worth bidding on? How do you know if we will
QA Plans for the Civil Engineer
QA Plans for the Civil Engineer Quality Assurance Plans: What They Are and How to Write Them Written by: Lindsay Mooradian, P.Eng. | July 2024 Around the time of graduation from a professional engineering program, every civil engineer must take an oath. While the proceedings of this ceremony are a secret (seriously, we don’t talk about it to anyone!), it is
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
How to Extract Surface Flow Directions in QGIS
How to Extract Surface Flow Directions in QGIS: Upload DEM Data Fill Sinks Generate the Stream Network Change the Symbology Identify a Threshold Generate the Flow Direction Change the Symbology of Flow Direction Find DEMs for Your Site Step 1 Upload DEM Data Before we can extract any surface flow directions, we will need to upload our DEM (Digital
Forestry Analysis using R and LAS Data
Forestry Analysis Using R and LiDAR Data Tutorial: Use R Language in RStudio and LAS Data to Complete Various Forestry Analyses Using R language in RStudio, and LiDAR point clouds, you are able to complete three distinct types of forestry analyses: Individual Tree Detection, Individual Tree Segmentation, and the creation of Canopy Height Models. These analyses are important to make data-driven decisions in
Top 12 Winning Engineering Proposal Tips for 2024
Top 12 Winning Engineering Proposal Tips for 2025 It’s January 2025, and the time has never been better to brush up on your proposal writing skills. Engineering proposal writing is a skill that no matter who you are, there's room for improvement. It requires a healthy balance of technical and sales know-how to really excel. When you figure out how to make this balance work for
Equator Launches Vancouver LiDAR Data
Equator Launches the Vancouver LiDAR data set Equator provides unprecedented access to centimeters of accuracy, in a user-friendly online design platform. Last Updated: November 12, 2021 Access LiDAR Data Equator is pleased to announce the launch of the Vancouver LiDAR dataset in Equator. The Vancouver LiDAR data set covers approximately 11,500 ha and was collected in 2016. This high-resolution
Equator Launches Washington DC LiDAR Data
Equator Launches the Washington DC LiDAR data set Equator provides unprecedented access to centimeters of accuracy, in a user-friendly online design platform. Last Updated: December 09, 2021 Access LiDAR Data Equator is pleased to announce the launch of the Washington DC LiDAR dataset in Equator. The Washington DC LiDAR data set covers approximately 17,700 ha and was collected in
Equator Launches Hamilton LiDAR Data
Equator Launches the Hamilton, New Zealand LiDAR data set Equator provides unprecedented access to centimeters of accuracy, in a user-friendly online design platform. Last Updated: November 26, 2021 Access LiDAR Data Equator is pleased to announce the launch of the Hamilton LiDAR dataset in Equator. The Hamilton, New Zealand LiDAR data set covers approximately 39,470ha and was collected in
ArcGIS Create DEM and Profile from LAS
Tutorial: Create a DEM and Profile from an LAS File in ESRI ArcGIS Map In this tutorial, you will learn how to use Equator to source a LiDAR point cloud, or LAZ file, then use ArcGIS Map to convert the LAZ file to an LAS file, create a digital elevation model (DEM) from the LAS file, and create a profile from the DEM. Step
Equator Launches 3DEP USGS Topographic Maps
Equator Launches 3DEP High-Resolution USGS Topographic Maps Equator provides unprecedented access to inches of accuracy, in a user-friendly online design platform. Last Updated: November 7, 2021 Launch Equator Equator has recently launched support for high-resolution USGS topographic maps, provided through the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP). The program aims to collect Quality Level 1, 2 and 3 LiDAR data, which
What is a Digital Elevation Model (DEM)? Where can I download DEM Data for my state? Top 2 free DEMs 4 PC!
What is a Digital Elevation Model (DEM)? Where can I Download Data? (and other answers) This article provides answers to commonly asked questions about Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), and highlights examples of how they are used in various applications. What is a Digital Elevation Model (DEM)? Equator Studios is the largest repository of high
Equator Launches Salt Lake City LiDAR Data
Equator Launches the Salt Lake City LiDAR data set Equator provides unprecedented access to centimeters of accuracy, in a user-friendly online design platform. Last Updated: December 08, 2021 Access LiDAR Data Equator is pleased to announce the launch of the Salt Lake City LiDAR dataset in Equator. The Salt Lake City LiDAR data set covers approximately 28,000 ha and was collected
Free Civil Engineering Proposal Template
Template Free Civil Engineering Proposal Template Download a proposal template designed for civil engineering firms Embarking on a new civil engineering project can be both thrilling and daunting. As seasoned civil engineers ourselves, we understand the importance of starting off on the right foot. That's why we're excited to introduce our latest offering: a comprehensive and
Topographic Survey
Topographic Surveying EquatorStudios | January 11, 2022 1,721 words | 10 min read Navigating Earth Our planet is a fascinating place—full of peaks, valleys, natural habitats, and man-made features. When navigating Earth’s diverse terrain, topographic maps and their data provides a plethora of information. Presenting us with a detailed overview of a landscape, topographic data outlines elements such as contours
Top Free LiDAR (LAZ) Data Sources
The Top Free LiDAR (LAZ) Data Sources How To Find The Best Point Cloud Data! Our mission at Equator Studios is to help our users find the best LiDAR data for their projects. We've scoured the internet for data so you don't have to! Equator combines thousands of scraped data sources onto one map, making it easier than ever to find the best data
How to Create Contours in QGIS
How to Create Contours in 3 Steps: Upload DEM Data Fill Sinks Generate Contours Step 1 Upload DEM Data Before we can create contours, we need data! We begin by uploading our DEM (Digital Elevation Model) from the Equator Site Builder. We use Equator’s Site Builder as it provides us with a plethora of high-resolution elevation data, with advanced features
The Importance of a Single Narrative
The Importance of a Single Narrative Use a Unified Narrative to Write a Stronger Civil Engineering Proposal By: Lindsay Mooradian, P.Eng. | Written: July 2024 As civil engineers, who worked in the consulting industry for a number of years, we know that it is a very competitive world. We also know that when it comes to proposals or responding
How to Make a Topographic Map
How to Make a Topographic Map How to Make a Topographic Map using Equator Visit Equator Studios Search for a location that you would like to create a topographic map using the search bar or scroll into your location Select the +NEW SITE button at the bottom of your screen. Create your site using one of Equator's premade
Key Phrases for Winning Proposals
Key Phrases for Winning Proposals Our list of the best keywords to use when responding to a civil engineering RFP Author: Lindsay Mooradian | Written: May 2024 Keywords alone are not going to win a civil engineering proposal, but they can certainly help. Here at Equator Studios, we have compiled a list of key phrases that clients love to hear