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Carlson

by Carlson Software · Since 1983
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ActiveAvailable globallyCloud
Quick facts
VendorCarlson Software
Year launched1983
StatusActive
LocationCarlson Software 102 W. Second St. Maysville, KY 41056
Countries servedGlobal
Languages9
Integrations1+
Free tierN/A
Free trialN/A
Contact salesN/A

About Carlson

Carlson is a CAD software platform from Carlson Software that supports data collection, machine control, and instrumentation for the land surveying, civil engineering, GIS, construction, and mining industries. It includes tools for design drafting, 3D modeling, and project management so users can efficiently manage and execute projects. Carlson provides reliable features for data analysis and visualization, helping professionals make informed decisions based on comprehensive data insights. The software is designed to meet the specific needs of various sectors, ensuring compatibility and integration with existing workflows. Key capabilities: CAD drafting tools Data collection features Machine control integration GIS functionality Project management support Best for: professionals in land surveying and construction that need accurate design and data management solutions.

Carlson Software is a comprehensive suite of civil engineering, land surveying, mining, and construction software developed by Carlson Software Inc., headquartered in Maysville, Kentucky, USA. Founded in 1983 by Bruce Carlson, the company has built a reputation for delivering powerful, affordable, and user-friendly tools that span the entire project lifecycle—from field data collection to final design and construction. Carlson’s modular platform includes specialized products such as Carlson Civil, Carlson Survey, Carlson Hydrology, Carlson GIS, and Carlson Mining, each tailored to meet the needs of professionals in their respective domains. The software integrates seamlessly with AutoCAD and IntelliCAD environments, offering full DWG compatibility and a familiar interface for CAD users. One of Carlson’s key strengths is its emphasis on automation and dynamic updates. Users can make changes to alignments, profiles, or surfaces and see immediate updates across related drawings without relying on custom objects or proprietary formats. This reduces errors and improves workflow efficiency. Carlson also supports field-to-finish workflows, allowing survey data collected in the field to be processed and converted into design-ready formats with minimal manual intervention.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Offers a wide range of modules for civil, survey, and mining workflows.
  • Supports field-to-finish automation for faster project turnaround.
  • Compatible with AutoCAD and IntelliCAD for flexible deployment.
  • Provides perpetual licensing, reducing long-term software costs.
  • Includes dynamic updates without relying on custom CAD objects.
Cons
  • Interface may feel dated compared to newer cloud-native platforms.
  • Limited BIM capabilities for architectural or structural workflows.
  • No built-in task management or team collaboration tools.
  • Mobile access is limited to specific modules like SurvCE.
  • Requires separate installation for each module, increasing setup time.
  • Some advanced features may require additional licensing fees.

Features

Key features

Field-to-Finish Workflow – Convert raw survey data into design-ready drawings automatically.
Road Design Tools – Create alignments, profiles, and cross-sections for roadway projects.
Surface Modeling – Generate and edit terrain surfaces from survey or imported data.
Lot Layout Automation – Design subdivisions and parcels with customizable rules.
Stormwater Management – Model drainage systems and calculate runoff volumes.
Earthwork Volume Calculation – Estimate cut/fill quantities for grading and excavation.
Pipe Network Design – Create and analyze storm and sanitary pipe systems.
CAD Compatibility – Works with AutoCAD and IntelliCAD using DWG formats.
Dynamic Updates – Automatically refresh related drawings when design changes occur.
GIS Integration – Import and manage geospatial data within engineering workflows.
Hydrology Tools – Analyze watershed areas and design detention basins.

Additional features

Carlson Civil – Road design, site grading, and subdivision layout tools.
Carlson Survey – Field data processing and topographic mapping.
Carlson Hydrology – Stormwater modeling and drainage design.
Carlson GIS – Geospatial data management and mapping.
Carlson Mining – Surface and underground mine planning tools.
Carlson CADnet – Convert scanned drawings into CAD-ready formats.
Carlson Point Cloud – Process and visualize LiDAR and 3D scan data.
Carlson Precision 3D – Real-time 3D modeling and visualization.
Carlson Construction – Earthwork, machine control, and site prep tools.
Carlson Field – Mobile data collection and stakeout software.
Carlson SurvCE – Survey data collection for GPS and total stations.
Carlson Takeoff – Quantity estimation and cost analysis for contractors.
Carlson Trench – Design trench networks and calculate volumes.
Carlson Software Academy – Training resources and certification programs.
Carlson Cloud – Optional cloud storage and data sharing platform.

Pricing

Free trial
Free version
Request a quote
Promo Offer

Monthly plans

U-Pick 2
USD 3,500/mo
billed monthly
U-Pick 3
USD 4,000/mo
billed monthly
U-Pick 4
USD 4,450/mo
billed monthly

Countries & Languages

Global
Countries served
9
Interface languages
9
Billing currencies

Interface languages

EnglishSpanishFrenchGermanItalianPortugueseRussianChineseJapanese

Billing currencies

🇺🇸USD🇪🇺EUR🇬🇧GBP🇦🇺AUD🇨🇦CAD🇯🇵JPY🇨🇳CNY🇮🇳INR🇲🇽MXN

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