Bringing Better Terrain Data to Hektar

In the upcoming release of Hektar, we have chosen to focus on one of the most requested features: a better base terrain model. At first glance, this might sound like a fairly straightforward update. After all, there are several high-quality data sources available for terrain data today. But as with most things in geodata, the reality is more complicated.

Different datasets cover different regions, each with its own quirks, and the data is stored in formats tailored to very specific use cases. Some are highly compressed to preserve accuracy while minimizing file size, while others are stored in raw formats meant to be streamed as tiles across different zoom levels. The challenge isn’t whether the data exists — it’s how to actually make use of it.

The problem with Lantmäteriet’s terrain data

In Sweden, the national land survey authority (Lantmäteriet) maintains some of the best terrain data in the world. The good news is that this data is now open and free to use. The bad news? It’s not exactly user-friendly. For many users, accessing the data is still a major hurdle. The files come in technical formats designed for GIS professionals, not for architects, planners, or designers who simply want to work with a terrain model inside their tools.

This gap — between the availability of data and the accessibility of data — is where the real problem lies.

Collaboration with Nimbo.Earth

To bridge this gap, we’ve partnered with Nimbo.Earth. Their expertise in handling large-scale geospatial datasets has been essential in making high-quality terrain data available directly inside Hektar. Through this collaboration, we’ve been able to integrate terrain data from multiple land agencies into one seamless experience.

The result is a terrain model that is:

• High-quality: Sourced directly from authoritative agencies.
• Comprehensive: Covering wide geographical areas with consistent accuracy.
• Accessible: No more wrestling with obscure file formats — it just works in Hektar.

What this means for Hektar users

For anyone working with site planning, landscape analysis, or urban development, this update makes terrain modeling faster, easier, and more reliable. You can now focus on design and decision-making rather than troubleshooting data pipelines.

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Here is a comparison of the old and the new terrain model in Hektar side by side: 

Wrapping up

Terrain is the foundation for almost every project. By bringing high-quality geodata into Hektar in a way that’s easy to use, we’re making sure your projects start on solid ground — literally.

So next time you open Hektar, you won’t just be working on a model. You’ll be working on the real world, mapped into your workflow.