Blog
Keep up to date with the latest from Equator and the HD mapping world
How to Create a Hillshade in QGIS
How to Create a Hillshade in QGIS: Upload DEM Data Generate a Hillshade Change the Symbology Download DEM from Equator Step 1 Upload DEM Data Before you can create a hillshade, you will need data. We begin with uploading our DEM (Digital Elevation Model) from the Equator Site Builder. We use Equator’s Site Builder as it provides us with
Key Mapping and GIS Terms
Key Mapping and GIS Terms: A Clear and Concise Glossary Updated 2023-08-23 Terms related to mapping and GIS can be confusing, especially if you are new to the topic. Understanding these terms is essential to realizing just how powerful a tool mapping can be. Once you understand these key words and phrases, you can use a piece of software to its full potential, or complete
How to create a Civil 3D surface from a contour shapefile?
User Guide / How to create a Civil 3D surface from a contour shapefile? How to create a Civil 3D surface from a contour shapefile? This tutorial will show you one of the fastest and easiest ways to create a surface in Civil 3D from GIS data, specifically contours in shapefile format. Check out
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
Equator Launches Timaru LiDAR Data
Equator Launches the Timaru 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 Timaru LiDAR dataset in Equator. This LiDAR covers approximately 2,700km squared and was collected in 2014. This high-resolution elevation data, provided through
How Rebecca finds archeological discoveries faster with LiDAR and Equator
How Rebecca uncovers hidden history with Equator and LiDAR! About Rebecca: Founder, Principal Investigator and Executive Director Organization: Smyrnéa Archaeological Research Institute (SARI) Location: Florida Meet Rebecca! Rebecca is the founder, principal investigator and executive director of Smyrnéa Archaeological Research Institute (SARI) in New Smyrna Beach, Florida (pictured here with Vice President of Research
USGS Point Cloud Sample Gallery in Equator
Gallery: USGS Point Cloud This post includes a gallery of images created in Equator from the USGS point cloud. Data Source: USGS Access in in Equator: Click Here New Mexico Colorado Smoky Mountains Hoover Dike Texas
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
How to Make an Aspect Map in QGIS in 3 Minutes
How to Make an Aspect Map in QGIS in 3 Minutes Aspect measures the compass direction that a slope faces, expressed in degrees from 0° (true north) clockwise to 360°. Information such as sun exposure, hydrological flow direction, vegetation patterns, and microclimates could be extracted from these maps. Whether you're planning solar farm layouts, analyzing watershed drainage, or planning agricultural operations, an aspect map provides
AutoCAD vs Civil 3D
AutoCAD vs Civil 3D Which one is right for you? We have a lot of questions come through our help chat about AutoCAD or Civil 3D, which one is better and which one should I purchase? The answer to that is completely dependent on your intended use of the product. We break down the difference between them below. Download Topography Data for AutoCAD or
Equator Launches Blenheim LiDAR Data
Equator Launches the Blenheim 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 Blenheim LiDAR dataset in Equator. The Blenheim LiDAR data set covers approximately 4,000ha and was collected in 2014. This high-resolution elevation data,
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
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 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. 1. Visit Equator Studios and go to the Data Menu 2. Select Digital Elevation Model from the left-hand Data menu 3. Select
Projected vs. Geographic Coordinate Systems
Projected vs. Geographic Coordinate Systems Thought there was only one type of coordinate system? Think again. There are many different kinds that are used for different purposes. This post will be covering the two kinds that are most useful for surveying: projected and geographic. Projected Coordinate Systems Projected coordinate systems are grids of straight lines that are used
How to Delineate All Watersheds in QGIS
How to Delineate All Watersheds in QGIS Delineating a single watershed is a common task, but what if you need a complete watershed inventory for an entire region or river network? Performing a watershed analysis in QGIS allows you to systematically map every drainage area within your study area. This is essential for comprehensive flood risk modeling, regional water resource planning, sediment load assessment, and
West Texas LiDAR Project
West Texas LiDAR Project The West Texas LiDAR project was completed for the USGS in 2019. The data can be accessed in Equator by clicking below. Access USGS Data The West Texas LiDAR Project The West Texas LiDAR project was completed between February 16 and May 14, 2019. The following counties were included in the survey: Culberson,
How to Convert LAZ to LAS
Tutorial: How to Convert LAZ Files to LAS Files When you receive LiDAR point clouds from a surveyor or if you download a file from government sources or sites such as Equator, they are usually downloaded as a .laz file. An LAZ file is a compressed version of a point cloud file. However, when importing the point cloud into many programs to complete analysis, you
Texas Coastal LiDAR Project (Houston and Surrounds)
Texas Coastal LiDAR Project This page includes a summary of the Texas Coastal LiDAR project, completed for the Texas Water Development Board. You can read more about the data, or access it right away by clicking on the link below. Access USGS Data The Texas Coastal LiDAR Project The Texas Coastal LiDAR project was completed between January
Create a Surface in AutoCAD Civil 3D
Tutorial: Create a Surface in Civil 3D In this tutorial, we will learn how to use Equator to source a Contour Drawing File (.dwg) that can easily be brought into AutoCAD Civil 3D to create a surface. Do you already have an elevation or survey drawing file that you'd like to use? Not a problem, just jump down to Step 2. If you get stuck with
The Difference Between GNSS and GPS
The Difference Between GNSS and GPS Most people are familiar Global Positioning System (GPS) as it has probably saved you from getting lost in an unfamiliar place on at least one occasion. GNSS, however, is a term heard much less frequently. It stands for Global Navigation Satellite System, and while it is similar to GPS, there are a few key differences
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 and Who Uses It Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software created by Autodesk and used by architects, engineers, and construction professionals. It is a design and documentation tool that allows you to
Creating a Mesh from a Contours Drawing in MicroStation
Tutorial: Creating a 3D Mesh from a Contour Drawing in Bentley MicroStation In this tutorial, learn how to create a 3D surface mesh in MicroStation from a topography or contour drawing file (.dwg file) exported from Equator If you already have a .dwg file, not a problem! Just jump down to Step 2. Need elevation data for your Bentley MicroStation project? We have you
Satellite Imagery
Satellite Imagery A Product of The 'Data Revolution' Satellite Imagery are images of the Earth captured using satellites and other similar aircraft-based sensor technologies. These images are an asset in obtaining crucial information, with constant updates that track the ever changing human footprint across the Earth. It is likely you have come to harness the capabilities of Satellite imagery at one point or another – whether
The Benefits of Map Making
The Benefits of Map Making Maps have been an essential tool for humans throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, map making has played a crucial role in helping us navigate, understand, and interpret the world around us. The benefits of map making are numerous, and they extend far beyond simple navigation. Below, we will explore some of the key advantages of map