[FAQ200] What you should know about purchasing Carlson Software
+

About Carlson Software, the Company

Carlson Software is a software developer based out of Maysville, Kentucky. They have been developing land development-focused software since 1983 and their offerings include modules for the land surveying, civil engineering, construction and mining industries.

FAQ: About Carlson Software

About Carlson, the Software

Carlson’s desktop programs run on 64-bit MS Windows-based computers.

Carlson programs work natively and produce DWG format files. There is NO need to convert, import or export – only Open and Save.

The programs are primarily delivered as “vertical” modules that can be installed and run on top of a generic-CAD platform.

Carlson’s desktop modules for land surveying, engineering and construction are built to run on top of the ITC’s IntelliCAD and Autodesk’s AutoCAD platforms. The modules include: Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Geology, Underground Mining, Surface Mining, Natural Regrade, Field, CADnet, GeoTech, Trench, Construction and Point Clouds.

Additionally, Survey and Takeoff are developed and run on top of an embedded AutoCAD (OEM).

You Have Options!
Purchase Carlson with the Platform that's Best for You

Option 1: With IntelliCAD/for YOUR AutoCAD

Carlson’s desktop programs can be installed as a standalone program on top of IntelliCAD or on top of your separately-purchased, full-AutoCAD-based program.

Each purchase includes a license of the latest version of IntelliCAD – it doesn’t have to be purchased separately.

Your separately-purchased, full-AutoCAD-based program can be AutoCAD, AutoCAD Map, Land Desktop, Civil 3D or other vertical – but does NOT include AutoCAD LT.

The following modules are available with IntelliCAD/for YOUR AutoCAD: Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Geology, Underground Mining, Surface Mining, Natural Regrade, Field, CADnet, GeoTech, Trench, Construction and Point Clouds

 

Option 2: With embedded AutoCAD (OEM)

Carlson Survey and Takeoff can be purchased and installed standalone with embedded AutoCAD (also known as the OEM version).

Each purchase includes a license of the latest version of embedded AutoCAD (OEM) – it doesn’t have to be purchased separately.

Note that embedded AutoCAD (OEM) is more similar to AutoCAD LT than AutoCAD – so, experienced AutoCAD users may end up missing much of the functionality they are accustomed to.

The embedded AutoCAD (OEM) programs do not include IntelliCAD and do not require a separate purchase of AutoCAD.

Importantly, although both programs can be installed on the same computer, programs installed with the OEM platform will be completely separate from those installed with IntelliCAD/your AutoCAD.  This means that you will not be able to work in a DWG file and simply switch between menus – you’ll have to close the drawing in one program in order to open it in the other.

Carlson's Versions vs AutoCAD's Versions

Carlson Software typically releases a new version of their programs approximately 4-6 months after Autodesk releases each new version of AutoCAD.

Carlson Software will run on earlier versions of AutoCAD; however, you cannot run a version of Carlson that is older than the AutoCAD. For instance, Carlson 2024 will run on AutoCAD 2018-2024 but Carlson 2022 will only run on AutoCAD 2018-2022.

Which Program or Modules Do I Need?

We definitely recommend that you request a 30-day trial and test it for yourself – but here are links to help you decide!

Retail Pricing for Carlson Software

ProgramRetail Price of Standalone
(effective 10/16/2023)
Retail Price of Network
Select Suite - Pick 6 (from Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Point Cloud Basic, CadNet)$ 4,950$ 5,445
Select Suite - Pick 5 (from Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Point Cloud Basic, CadNet)$ 4,650$ 5,115
Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4 (from Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Point Cloud Basic, CadNet)$ 4,250$ 4,675
Select Suite - Pick 3 (from Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Point Cloud Basic, CadNet)$ 3,850$ 4,235
Select Suite - Pick 2 (from Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Point Cloud Basic, CadNet)$ 3,350$ 3,685
Survey$ 2,150$ 2,365
Civil$ 1,950$ 2,145
Hydrology$ 1,550$ 1,705
GIS$ 1,250$ 1,375
Takeoff Suite
(Construction, CADNet, Trench, GeoTech)
$ 7,500$ 8,250
Construction$ 3,950$ 4,345
CADNet$ 1,750$ 1,925
Trench$ 1,595$ 1,755.50
GeoTech$ 1,595$ 1,755.50
Takeoff with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)$ 9,000$ 9,900
Survey with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)$ 3,250$ 3,575
Other Software or Hardware

Upgrading Carlson Software

IntelliCAD/for CAD Products

Upgrades are managed through the Annual Maintenance Plan which, essentially. allows users to pre-pay for future upgrades.  As long as your Maintenance is active at the time a new version is released, you are eligible for an automatic upgrade to the new version.

See additional information about Maintenance below…

 

Survey and Takeoff with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)

Maintenance is NOT available for these products so upgrades are only available after a new version has been released.

The cost to upgrade Carlson’s OEM products is subject to change each year and varies depending on the program and how many versions behind you are.

However, Carlson never charges more than 50% of the current retail price to upgrade any license to the latest and greatest version of the software.

Carlson Software Annual Maintenance

Maintenance with New Licenses

Every new license of Carlson with IntelliCAD/for CAD includes 90 days of free Maintenance. This is Carlson’s way of ensuring that anyone who purchases a new license inside of that 90-day window can be assured of getting the free upgrade.

 

Renewing Maintenance Before it Expires

Renewing Maintenance is optional for users.

However, if you prefer to keep your software up-to-date when new versions are released, keeping the Maintenance plan active is the best way to do that.

If it is renewed prior to expiration, maintenance costs 10% of the retail price of the software.

 

Renewing Expired Maintenance

If your Maintenance has expired, you can pay the regular 10% Maintenance fee plus the expiration fee to activate your Maintenance for one-year. While Maintenance is active, you’ll be eligible for an immediate upgrade to the current version AND for automatic upgrades to any new versions released during the Maintenance year.

 

How Old is Too Old (to Renew)?

For licenses of Carlson with IntelliCAD/for CAD that are more than 4 years old, users can pay 50% of the retail price to activate Maintenance for 1-year.

While Maintenance is active, you’ll be eligible for an immediate upgrade to the current version AND for automatic upgrades to any new versions released during the Maintenance year.

See the tables below for sample pricing for Carlson Maintenance.

 

Carlson Software Maintenance Fees – per Product

Carlson’s policy on Software Maintenance can be viewed by clicking here

ProgramRetail Price
of Standalone
(effective 10/16/2023)
Annual Maintenance
for Standalone
Retail Price
of Network
Annual Maintenance
for Network
Select Suite Pick 6$ 4,950$ 495$ 5,445$ 544.50
Select Suite Pick 5$ 4,650$ 465$ 5,115$ 511.50
Select Suite Pick 4$ 4,250$ 425$ 4,675$ 467.50
Select Suite Pick 3$ 3,850$ 385$ 4,235$ 423.50
Select Suite Pick 2$ 3,350$ 335$ 3,685$ 368.50
Civil Suite$ 4,250$ 425$ 4,675$ 467.50
Survey$ 2,150$ 215$ 2,365$ 236.50
Civil$ 1,950$ 195$ 2,145$ 214.50
Hydrology$ 1,550$ 155$ 1,705$ 170.50
GIS$ 1,250$ 125$ 1,375$ 137.50
Takeoff Suite$ 7,500$ 750$ 8,250$ 825.00
Construction$ 3,950$ 395$ 4,345$ 434.50
CADNet$ 1,750$ 175$ 1,925$ 192.50
Trench$ 1,595$ 159.50$ 1,755$ 175.50
GeoTech$ 1,595$ 159.50$ 1,755$ 175.50

 

Carlson Software Maintenance & Expiration Fees

Carlson’s policy on Software Maintenance can be viewed by clicking here

Maintenance StatusAnnual Maintenance
(Percentage of Retail)
Expiration Fee
(Percentage of Retail)
Total Fee to Renew
(Percentage of Retail)
Active10%010%
Expired, up to 1 year10%10%20%
Expired, up to 2 years10%20%30%
Expired, up to 3 years10%30%40%
Expired, more than 3 years10%40%50%

 

Sample Pricing for Active and Expired Maintenance Renewal Fees

Carlson’s policy on Software Maintenance can be viewed by clicking here

Program# of Years ExpiredRetail PriceTotal Fee
(Percentage of Retail)
Total Fee to Upgrade and/or
Renew Maintenance for 1 Year
SurveyNot expired, maintenance is current$ 2,15010%$ 215.00
SurveyExpired for less than 1 year$ 2,15020%$ 430.00
Networked SurveyExpired for less than 1 year$ 2,365
20%$ 473.00
Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4Not expired, maintenance is current$ 4,25010%$ 425.00
Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4Expired for less than 1 year$ 4,25020%$ 850.00
Networked Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4Expired for less than 1 year$ 4,67520%$935.00

Carlson Licensing

Perpetual Licensing

A purchase of Carlson Software grants a perpetual license to the owner. This means that, once purchased, you “own it” and never need to pay additional fees to use it.

 
Network Licensing

Carlson allows users to “network” their licenses for an additional fee. The fee is 10% of the retail price of the software being networked.

 
Installing and Re-Installing

When installing their desktop software, Carlson recognizes 5 different “Reasons for Installation”:

 

 

 

 

 

After installation and registration, Carlson provides a Registration Report that includes a “Change Key” and it’s a good idea to save the report and the change key.

And here’s a Pro-Tip for you! The Serial Number screen on your That CAD Girl Customer Portal has a “Customer Notes” section – that’s a great place to save your Change Key and other important information about each license!

System Requirements for Desktop Software

Because it changes from version to version, my “go-to” answer is this FAQ which links directly to Carlson’s website and their recommendations for running Carlson with embedded AutoCAD (OEM), on top of AutoCAD and with IntelliCAD.

FAQ: What are the system requirements to run Carlson Software in the office? Do I need a monster computer?

Technical Support & Training

Carlson Software offers FREE technical support for Carlson Software and IntelliCAD. This is the case whether you are running the latest version of Carlson or one that’s 10 years old or, even, if you’re only trying before you buy.

You can see all the opportunities for training with That CAD Girl here and you can follow these links to see our FAQs about the training and technical support available from Carlson and That CAD Girl.

30-Day Trials

Want to try before you buy? Any Carlson desktop software is available for a 30 day trial – just Click here to request a 30 day trial.

Once you decide to purchase, you won’t even need to uninstall. You can activate your software by simply updating your registration with your purchased serial number.

Why Buy from That CAD Girl?

Want to try before you buy? Any Carlson desktop software is available for a 30 day trial – just Click here to request a 30 day trial.

Once you decide to purchase, you won’t even need to uninstall. You can activate your software by simply updating your registration with your purchased serial number.


    If you find the material on this website helpful, please consider supporting That CAD Girl by purchasing or referring others to us for CAD and Carlson Software support and training.

    [FAQ431] What are the improvements to Carlson over previous versions? (a running thread)
    +
    Carlson released the 2024 version of their desktop products on October 16, 2023. Click here to download a PDF of improvements in Carlson 2024 products. They released Survey OEM 2024 on November 3, 2023.
     
    Carlson released the 2023 version of their desktop products on November 1, 2022. They released Survey OEM 2023 on November 14, 2022. Click here to download a PDF of improvements in Carlson 2023 products.
     
    Carlson released the 2022 version of their desktop products on December 30, 2021. Click here to download a PDF of improvements in Carlson 2022 products.
     
    Carlson released the 2021 version of their desktop products on September 23, 2020. Click here to download a PDF of improvements in Carlson 2021 products.
     
    Carlson released the 2020/R11 version of Carlson Takeoff with embedded AutoCAD (OEM) on October 21, 2019. Click here to download a PDF of improvements in Takeoff T11.

    Carlson released the 2020 version of their desktop products on October 1, 2019. Click here to download a PDF of improvements in Carlson 2020 products.

     
    Carlson released the 2019 version of their desktop products on September 25, 2018. Click here to download a PDF of improvements in Carlson 2019 products.
     
    And, they released the 2018/T10 version of Carlson Takeoff with embedded AutoCAD (OEM) on October 20, 2017. Click here to download a PDF of improvements in Takeoff T10.

    Carlson released the 2018 version of their desktop products on August 31, 2017. Click here to download a PDF of improvements in Carlson 2018 products.

     
    Carlson released the 2017 version of their desktop products on July 28, 2016. Click here to download a PDF of improvements in Carlson 2017 products.
     
    Carlson released the 2016 version of their desktop products on August 3, 2015. Click here to download a PDF of improvements in Carlson 2016 products.
     
    Carlson released the 2015 version of their desktop products on July 22, 2014. Click here to download a PDF of improvements in Carlson 2015 products.


      If you find the material on this website helpful, please consider supporting That CAD Girl by purchasing or referring others to us for CAD and Carlson Software support and training.

      [FAQ220] What versions of AutoCAD & IntelliCAD & Windows does Carlson run on top of? Does it run on AutoCAD LT? (a running thread)
      +

      Carlson Desktop Software with IntelliCAD or for Your AutoCAD

      Carlson can be installed on top of any full-AutoCAD-based program such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD Map, Land Desktop or Civil 3d.

      Carlson cannot be installed on top of any version AutoCAD LT.

      Carlson VersionAutoCAD & IntelliCAD PlatformsWindows Platforms
      2024AutoCAD 2018-2024, IntelliCAD 10.1a and 11.164 bit Windows
      2023AutoCAD 2018-2023, IntelliCAD 10.1a and 11.064 bit Windows
      2022AutoCAD 2017-2022, IntelliCAD 10.0a and 10.1a64 bit Windows 10
      2021AutoCAD 2017-2021, Intellicad 10.0a64 bit Windows 10
      2020AutoCAD 2015-2020, IntelliCAD 9.264 bit Windows 10
      2019AutoCAD 2010-2019, IntelliCAD 932 or 64 bit Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
      2018AutoCAD 2010-2018, IntelliCAD 8.232 or 64 bit Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
      2017AutoCAD 2010-2017, IntelliCAD 8.232 or 64 bit Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
      2016AutoCAD 2007-2016, IntelliCAD 8.132 or 64 bit Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
      2015AutoCAD 2007-2015, IntelliCAD 8.0XP, 32 or 64 bit Windows Vista, 7, 8 and 8.1
      2014AutoCAD 2004-2014, IntelliCAD 7.2XP, 32 or 64 bit Windows Vista, 7, 8 and 8.1

       

      Carlson Desktop Software with Embedded AutoCAD (OEM)

      Carlson VersionEmbedded AutoCAD EngineWindows Platforms
      Survey 20242022264 bit Windows
      Survey 2023202264 bit Windows
      Survey 2022/Takeoff R12202264 bit Windows
      Survey 2021201864 bit Windows
      Survey 2020201864 bit Windows
      Survey 2019/Takeoff R11201864 bit Windows
      Survey 2018/Takeoff R102018Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
      Survey 2017/Takeoff R92013Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
      Survey 20162013Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
      Survey 2015/Takeoff R82013Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
      Survey 2014/Takeoff R72013Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10


        If you find the material on this website helpful, please consider supporting That CAD Girl by purchasing or referring others to us for CAD and Carlson Software support and training.

        [FAQ026] How can I install Land Desktop on a Windows 7 computer?
        +
        Here’s a little trick that may allow you to install Land Desktop on Windows 7 machines without using a virtual machine or XP Mode…

        I had actually forgotten about this but recently had to re-install Land Desktop myself and I figured it was worth sharing. This method is not guaranteed but it just might work.

        Instead of trying to install Land Desktop from the original DVD, try copying the contents of the DVD to a new folder on the hard drive of the Windows 7 machine. Then, run the installation from there by clicking on the Setup.exe file.

        I haven’t tried this with anything newer than Windows 7 but it worked flawlessly on my Windows 7 64 bit computer.


          If you find the material on this website helpful, please consider supporting That CAD Girl by purchasing or referring others to us for CAD and Carlson Software support and training.

          [FAQ471] I lost my data collector with SurvCE, am I outta luck?
          +
          Not at all.
           
          Carlson allows you to purchase hardware and software separately so all you need to do is purchase a new collector and install your SurvCE on it. You will need your SurvCE serial number but, if you have trouble finding it, just email me and I’ll help you track it down.


            If you find the material on this website helpful, please consider supporting That CAD Girl by purchasing or referring others to us for CAD and Carlson Software support and training.

            [FAQ268] If I use Carlson Survey in the office, do I have to use SurvCE on my data collector?
            +
            Nope.

            Carlson Survey allows you to import, export and convert points and raw data from dozens of different formats and from a wide variety of manufacturers. Carlson Software, as a company, does everything within their power to make their software and hardware compatible with as many other manufacturers’ products as possible. Carlson wants their users to have the option of mixing and matching their software and equipment in a way that works best for their individual needs.

            Here are just two examples of many throughout the program allowing you to import, export or convert external data.

            The Convert Point Format menu:

            2017_ConvertPointFormat

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

            The Import Raw File menu:

            2017_ImportRawFile

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             

             


              If you find the material on this website helpful, please consider supporting That CAD Girl by purchasing or referring others to us for CAD and Carlson Software support and training.

              [FAQ315] What data collectors, GPS and total stations can I run with my Carlson SurvCE or SurvPC?
              +
              Click here for the list of data collectors, GPS and total stations that are supported in the various versions of SurvCE and SurvPC.
               
              It’s easy to overlook but the “micro-links” at the bottom of the table let you switch between Carlson data collectors, Carlson GPS and total stations.
               
              SurvCE_SupportedHardwareTable

               

               

               

               

               

               

               


                If you find the material on this website helpful, please consider supporting That CAD Girl by purchasing or referring others to us for CAD and Carlson Software support and training.

                [FAQ221] What are the system requirements to run Carlson Software in the office? Do I need a monster computer?
                +
                Save your money! You only need a monster computer if you’re running it on top of an Autodesk product that requires a lot of horsepower. If you’re running Carlson on top of AutoCAD or one of their vertical applications like Civil 3d, then yes, you will want to make sure your computer is configured to meet Autodesk’s specifications.

                But, Carlson’s core product and IntelliCAD can run on pretty light-duty machines.

                The minimum system requirements for running Carlson with embedded AutoCAD (OEM), on top of AutoCAD and with IntelliCAD are posted here.

                Updated for 2020: Carlson 2020 software will no longer run on 32 bit machines.

                Note: If you are using an Nvidia video card, you will want to make sure you get the driver and updates directly from Nvidia.com and not just let Windows search for updates.

                See also: Carlson KB1123: Changing graphics card settings to use your dedicated GPU on a Windows computer

                See also: Carlson KB1131: NVidia video card: visual artifacts, pixelized lines, wrong text display


                  If you find the material on this website helpful, please consider supporting That CAD Girl by purchasing or referring others to us for CAD and Carlson Software support and training.

                  [FAQ269] What are the system requirements to run Carlson SurvPC?
                  +
                  Carlson’s field data collection software comes in two formats: Carlson SurvCE for mobile, hand-held collectors running on Windows Mobile and Carlson SurvPC which can be installed on PCs, tablets and laptops running full-Windows 7, 8, 10, etc.

                  Click here to review the minimum system requirements for SurvPC.


                    If you find the material on this website helpful, please consider supporting That CAD Girl by purchasing or referring others to us for CAD and Carlson Software support and training.

                     

                    Your browser is out of date. It has security vulnerabilities and may not display all features on this site and other sites.

                    Please update your browser using one of modern browsers (Google Chrome, Opera, Firefox, IE 10).

                    X