Equator Studios is a powerful LiDAR mapping platform that has replaced the need for traditional survey.
Trillion of Survey Points
You no longer need to hire a surveyor to go into the field to get the best available data. Equator’s virtual survey tool has trillions of high-quality LiDAR survey points available to ensure that you get the best data for your project.
Build LiDAR point clouds, contours, DEMs and more out of trillions of points with Equator.
The New Data Solution
Use Equator’s Virtual Surveyor to find the exact data you’re looking for instantly.
Need your data in a different format? We’ve got you covered. Visualize your data however you need with our conversion tools!
Save Time and Money—Produce Better Results
As technology marches forwards there are often breakthroughs that allow us to do the same job faster and cheaper while producing higher quality results. That time has come for mapping.
Get your projects finished faster, draw more insights from your analysis and produce beautiful visuals. Equator is the all-in-one mapping solution (AMS) engineers need to outperform the competition.
Shaping a better built world
Our mission at Equator is this: We want to elevate the work of our fellow infrastructure designers by providing them with unprecedented access to the world’s data.
Our Beliefs
We believe that equal access to earth insights means better outcomes for everyone. And that starts with reimagining the way that we work.
Before Equator
Our story begins with a very relatable problem. Reliable topographic data is too hard to find online.
Our founders were working in the civil engineering industry. While performing a drainage study, one of them had her work grind to a halt when she found it was nearly impossible to get her hands on the topographic data she needed.
After waiting weeks for answers and project delays, she thought there must be a better way.
The Opportunity
It turns out there was a simple explanation. While infrastructure to easily find and share, high-resolution elevation data simply didn’t exist online.
Even though high-resolution elevation data, like LiDAR point clouds, have become extremely accurate and available in abundance, no one had (yet) found a way to make this information easily accessible to those who need it to do their jobs.
The Equator Way
So, Equator was founded to fix the problem. By compiling the largest library of public LiDAR point cloud data on the planet, making it available through a central search engine, and creating purpose-built design tools, we’re able to give all infrastructure designers instant access to the answers they need to shape a better built world.
View Point Clouds Instantly
Find and view USGS lidar data on a globe in a few simple clicks.
Export to CAD
Export LiDAR data in a format that works for you with one-button generation of LAZ, DWG, SHP and GeoTIFF products.
Generate Contours
Create 1ft contours or any other interval. Equator is flexible to the needs of your project.
Data Quality Report
Easily check out the metadata to learn more about the coordinate system and data quality.
Interactive 3D Surface
Create and view 3D surfaces from USGS point clouds using the lidar viewer.
Share with Others
One-click sharing of USGS lidar with others.
What is LiDAR data?
What is LiDAR? LiDAR (light detection and ranging) is a remote-sensing technique that uses laser light to capture the surface of the earth, often producing measurements within several centimeters of accuracy. This process creates mass point cloud datasets that can be managed, visualized, analyzed, and shared. LiDAR mapping is commonly used to support projects such as:
- Soil mapping
- Infrastructure assessment and development
- Forest modelling and management
- Land hazard/erosion mapping
- Flood control
Benefits of LiDAR data
Technology to acquire accurate and high-resolution LiDAR data is quickly improving. Now, digital elevation data can be sourced and shared in a few clicks. This allows infrastructure designers to focus on designing innovative solutions rather than spending weeks of time for collecting, formatting, and manipulating topographic data.
Equator is being used as part of the due diligence process for civil engineers, construction contractors, and real estate professionals.
LiDAR Data Classification
LiDAR data can include classifications such as: ground, buildings, vegetation and water just to name a few. Classifications are important because they define the type of object that has reflected the laser pulse.
To turn on and off points of different classification, navigate to the layer manager and click on the LiDAR layer you want to modify. Here, you will find the option to select and view points of various classification.
Cross Section from LiDAR Points
If you want to take a cross section on a LiDAR data, you can quickly do so by using the “Cross Section” tool in the top ribbon. Simply draw a section through the area of interest, then select “View Cross Section.”
What is a Study Area Map?
A study area map is a visual representation of a geographic region or area that is under investigation. It shows the boundaries, key features, and relevant data associated with the area of interest. These maps allow researchers, planners, and decision-makers to better understand the spatial characteristics of the area and can clearly and concisely present stakeholders with the findings.
When referring to environmental assessments and public consultation, having a well-designed study area map is crucial. A study area map provides stakeholders and decision-makers with a clear understanding of the geographical boundaries and scope of a project.
Integrate your map with other software
We’ve made it easy to integrate into your current workflow to get you up and running without friction.
Equator supports popular GIS and CAD data formats, so map layers like LiDAR can be easily exported to Civil 3D, ArcGIS, Google Earth, or other platforms.
What is a point cloud map?
A point cloud map is a three-dimensional representation of a physical space. It consists of points in space, usually generated by lasers, that are clustered together to create a mesh. This mesh can be used to generate a variety of maps, including topographical maps, cityscapes, and even 3D models of buildings. Point cloud mapping is an increasingly important technology for engineers and students who need to understand physical spaces.
How are point clouds generated?
Point cloud maps can be generated from laser scans, sonar scans, or photogrammetry. They are often used in engineering and architecture projects, as well as in land surveying and 3D printing
Who uses point cloud mapping?
A wide variety of industries use point cloud mapping, including but not limited to: the construction industry, civil engineers, and architectures. Point cloud map’s detailed representation of real-world objects and terrain make its applications more and more popular
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