COORDINATE SYSTEM

Coordinate System Software (CRS)

STREAM's coordinate system software respects the reference system of every layer you load, so DEMs, orthophotos, point clouds and CAD data line up correctly. It resolves each dataset's CRS by EPSG code, works in projected systems such as UTM and opens geographic data on WGS84, and shows live coordinates under the cursor.

Why does the CRS matter?

A coordinate reference system (CRS) defines how coordinates map to the earth. If two layers use different systems and are not handled correctly, they drift apart by metres — or land in the wrong place entirely.

Reading and respecting each layer's CRS is what keeps a DEM, an orthophoto and vectors perfectly aligned in one scene.

Coordinate System Software in STREAM

Reads each layer's CRS

STREAM reads the coordinate system embedded in GeoTIFF, LAS/LAZ and project data — resolved by EPSG code — so layers place correctly.

Projected and geographic

Work in projected systems such as UTM (metres/feet) for measurement, and open geographic data on a datum like WGS84 with clear handling.

Live coordinate readout

See the real-world coordinates under the cursor as you move across the terrain.

Consistent units

Measurement and display units stay consistent across the project, with metric/imperial switching.

How to set the coordinate system for a project

  1. 1

    Check what the file declares

    When a dataset is loaded, STREAM reads the CRS out of it and shows it for confirmation before the layer is added.

  2. 2

    Assign or transform — they are not the same

    Assigning a CRS says the coordinates were always in that system; transforming moves them into a different one. Choosing the wrong action is what puts data in the wrong place.

  3. 3

    Keep the scenario consistent

    Every dataset in a terrain scenario should share one system, so measurements between them are meaningful.

  4. 4

    Set the units

    Choose metric or imperial for display and measurement; the setting stays consistent across the whole project.

  5. 5

    Export with georeferencing intact

    Rasters go out as GeoTIFF and vectors as DXF or CSV, carrying the coordinate system with them.

Supported formats

GeoTIFF
Coordinate system read from embedded raster metadata
LAS / LAZ
Coordinate system read from point cloud metadata
DXF
Coordinate system read from project/CAD data

Frequently asked questions

Does STREAM keep layers aligned by coordinate system?

Yes. STREAM reads each layer's CRS so DEMs, orthophotos, point clouds and vectors overlay correctly in the same scene.

Can I see coordinates under the cursor?

Yes. STREAM shows a live coordinate readout as you move across the terrain, in the project's coordinate system.

Does STREAM handle geographic and projected systems?

Yes. STREAM works with projected systems such as UTM for measurement and opens geographic (latitude/longitude) data on a datum like WGS84 with clear handling.

Does STREAM use EPSG codes?

Yes. Each dataset's coordinate reference system is resolved by its EPSG code, read from the file's own metadata, and shown for confirmation before the layer is added to the project.

What is the difference between assigning and transforming a coordinate system?

Assigning a CRS declares that the coordinates were always in that system — the numbers do not change. Transforming converts the coordinates into a different system — the numbers do change. Choosing the wrong action is the most common way data ends up in the wrong place, which is why STREAM shows the CRS it read for confirmation before adding a layer.

Try Coordinate System in STREAM

Free beta for Windows x64. Works fully offline with GeoTIFF, LAS/LAZ and DXF.

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