[FAQ252] Where do I get Carlson support? How much will it cost me?
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It’s free. It’s always free. Straight from Carlson. Or straight from That CAD Girl. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re on the latest version or on a version that’s 10 years old – it’s always free.

You can email Carlson tech support or call (606) 564-5028. You might also check Carlson’s Knowledge Base site which provides answers to many common questions including KB 1078: Troubleshooting Guide

Because we have Carlson as our backup, That CAD Girl also tries to answer as many tech support questions as we can. You can follow this link to send us a Request for Tech Support.

Pro-Tip!: When calling or emailing for technical support, the first question you’ll likely get from either me or Carlson is “Are you using the current build?”. If you want us to love you even more and help us answer your question in the first phone call, make sure to say, “Oh, by the way, I’ve already checked and I’m using the current build”.

FAQ: Where do I find the build date or build number of my Carlson Software?

FAQ: What is the latest and greatest version/build of my Carlson Software? (a running thread)


    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.

    [FAQ250] What is Carlson Software’s Maintenance Plan?
    And why you should buy it through an Authorized Carlson Reseller
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    Carlson Software’s Maintenance Plan is a program that helps users stay up-to-date with the latest release of their program(s) at a reasonable cost. Essentially, maintenance allows you to purchase upgrades in advance, and on an annual contract that helps with organizational budgeting.

    The maintenance program is available for programs that include IntelliCAD and/or run on top of a separately purchased license of an AutoCAD-based program. The following modules of Carlson office products are available with maintenance: Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Basic Mining, Geology, Underground Mining, Surface Mining, Natural Regrade, Field, CADnet, GeoTech, Trench and Construction.

    This maintenance program does not include Carlson Survey or Takeoff with embedded AutoCAD (OEM). These programs must be upgraded individually after a new version has been released.

     

    BENEFITS OF MAINTENANCE FROM CARLSON SOFTWARE:

     

    COST OF MAINTENANCE FROM CARLSON SOFTWARE:

    • An active Maintenance Plan can be renewed annually at a cost of 10% of software retail price.
    • If Maintenance is not renewed prior to expiration, Maintenance increases by 10% per year after the expiration date.
    • Importantly… Carlson never charges more than 50% of the retail price of any program to upgrade and bring it up to the current version.

     

    WHY BUY FROM AN AUTHORIZED RESELLER?
    Regardless of your license status (trial, old, prospecting or current), you’ll always get FREE tech support directly from Carlson. So, why not support another small business by buying from them? In many cases, a Reseller will offer discounts and/or training but, at a minimum, you will gain one more level of support when you need it.


      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.

      [FAQxxx] I didn’t buy my software from you, but can you take care of my maintenance and upgrades?
      +
      Yes, we sure can!

      If you’ve recently received a Maintenance Renewal or OEM Upgrade notice from Carlson Software, you can follow this link to Request a Custom Proposal from That CAD Girl. Sending us that report helps us help you, so we’re offering additional discounts if you do that.

      FAQ: What is Carlson Software Maintenance? And why should I buy it from That CAD Girl?

      FAQ: How is Carlson Software Maintenance calculated?


        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.

        [FAQ455] I can’t seem to keep up with my Carlson maintenance – Can you help?
        +
        This is another reason that we recommend that you find an Authorized Carlson Reseller and purchase your maintenance through them! Resellers offer an additional level of support for your purchases and they can help you keep up with your renewals and upgrades.

        Carlson generates and sends renewal notices automatically but they are only sent to you and the Carlson reseller located nearest to you geographically. However, you are free to purchase new licenses, upgrades or maintenance directly from Carlson or any Authorized Reseller.

        If you’ve recently received a Maintenance Renewal or OEM Upgrade notice from Carlson Software, you can forward that report to your Dealer of Choice and ask for them to provide a custom proposal.

        FAQ: What is Carlson Software Maintenance? And why you should buy it from an Authorized Carlson Reseller

        FAQ: How is Carlson Software Maintenance calculated?


          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.

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

            [FAQ308] What features & menus are in Carlson Trench? (a running thread)
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            Carlson Trench 2017

            Features and Benefits of Trench 2017

            Carlson Trench is for calculations related to installing pipes, sewers, or utility lines. The CAD software calculates the volume of the trench cut, the volume of backfill (excluding the pipe size), and the linear footage of pipe broken down by the pipe material, size, and/or depth.

            Carlson Trench is fully integrated with Carlson Civil and Carlson Construction, and also Carlson Hydrology to meet the variety of customers’ needs.

            Menus in Trench 2017

             

            Menu Bar in Trench 2017

             

            The menus below are available in Carlson Trench 2017

            Trench Menu

            Trench 2017 Trench Menu

            Utility Menu

            Trench 2017 Utility Menu

            The menus below are in all non-OEM programs of Carlson 2017 desktop software

            (Click image to see more)

            Carlson Trench 2020

            Features and Benefits of Trench 2020

            Carlson Trench is for calculations related to installing pipes, sewers, or utility lines. The CAD software calculates the volume of the trench cut, the volume of backfill (excluding the pipe size), and the linear footage of pipe broken down by the pipe material, size, and/or depth.

            Carlson Trench is fully integrated with Carlson Civil and Carlson Construction, and also Carlson Hydrology to meet the variety of customers’ needs.

             

            Menu Bar in Trench 2020

             

            The menus below are available in Carlson Trench 2020

            Trench Menu

            Utility Menu

            The menus below are in all non-OEM programs of Carlson 2020 desktop software

            (Click image to see more)

            Carlson Trench 2022

            Features and Benefits of Trench 2022

            Carlson Trench is for calculations related to installing pipes, sewers, or utility lines. The CAD software calculates the volume of the trench cut, the volume of backfill (excluding the pipe size), and the linear footage of pipe broken down by the pipe material, size, and/or depth.

            Carlson Trench is fully integrated with Carlson Civil and Carlson Construction, and also Carlson Hydrology to meet the variety of customers’ needs.

            Menus in Trench 2022

             

            Menu Bar in Trench 2022

             

            The menus below are available in Carlson Trench 2022

            2022 Trench Menu

            2022 Utility Menu

            The menus below are in all non-OEM programs of Carlson 2022 desktop software

            (Click image to see more)

            Carlson Trench 2024

            Features and Benefits of Trench 2024

            Carlson Trench is for calculations related to installing pipes, sewers, or utility lines. The CAD software calculates the volume of the trench cut, the volume of backfill (excluding the pipe size), and the linear footage of pipe broken down by the pipe material, size, and/or depth.

            Carlson Trench is fully integrated with Carlson Civil and Carlson Construction, and also Carlson Hydrology to meet the variety of customers’ needs.

            Menus in Trench 2024

             

            Menu Bar in Trench 2024

             

            The menus below are available in Carlson Trench 2024

            2024 Trench Menu

            2024 Utility Menu

            The menus below are in all non-OEM programs of Carlson 2024 desktop software

            (Click image to see more)


              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)
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              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.

                [FAQ420] I’ve Installed My Carlson Software – Now What Do I Do?
                +
                Just getting started…? Try these FAQs!

                Installing and Registering

                FAQ: How do I register my Carlson Software? And what are change keys?

                FAQ: Can I install my Carlson desktop software on two computers?

                FAQ: What happens if I get a new computer and need to reinstall Carlson?

                FAQ: What happens if I get a new computer and need to reinstall Carlson?

                Tracking my Licenses and Keeping Up to Date

                FAQ: That CAD Girl Customer Portal

                FAQ: My Maintenance is Current… Where’s My Upgrade?

                FAQ: When I upgrade, do I immediately lose access to the older version of my software?

                FAQ: I can’t seem to keep up with my Carlson maintenance – Can you help?

                FAQ: Do I qualify for an automatic upgrade to the new version of Carlson?

                Technical Support

                FAQ: Where do I get support for Carlson Software and how much will it cost me?

                FAQ: How can I be sure I’m running the latest build of my Carlson Software?

                FAQ: How can I find out when new versions or builds of Carlson are released?

                FAQ: Where do I find the build date or build number of my Carlson Software?

                FAQ: I think I found a bug in my Carlson Software – how can I get it resolved?

                FAQ: What is the latest and greatest version/build of my Carlson Software? (a running thread)

                FAQ: What is “The Little CAD Engine That Could” Website?

                Training

                FAQ: What options do I have for training on CAD or Carlson Software?

                FAQ: What is Carlson Academy?

                Self-Study Training Manuals: 1) Getting Started: Settings, Setup, Configuration and Points and 2) Field to Finish

                FAQ: Am I eligible to attend your Carlson Software webinars for free?

                FAQ: Before I buy, can I attend a webinar for free?

                FAQ: Does That CAD Girl training qualify for PDH/CEU/continuing education credit?

                 


                  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.

                  [FAQ430] How do I register my Carlson Software? And what are change keys?
                  +
                  After installation of any Carlson desktop software program, you will be required to register the serial number that was entered during the install process. After the software and serial number has been successfully registered a report will be displayed on screen. The registration report includes a 5-digit “Change Key” that eliminates most steps in the registration process in the event that you need to re-install with the same serial number.  It is best to print or otherwise save this report for future reference.

                  Pro-Tip! 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!

                   
                  In the first tab of the dialog box you must specify your Registration Method. If you have a change key from a previous registration, you can simply choose the option Already have a change key. Otherwise, choose the option Register to obtain a change key.
                   
                  2016_RegScreen01

                   

                   

                   

                   
                  In the next tab you must specify the Reason for Installation from one of these 5 options:
                   
                  2016_RegScreen02

                   

                   

                  1. Initial install or maintenance upgrade of Carlson
                  2. Re-installation of Carlson
                  3. Windows or AutoCAD Upgrade
                  4. Home/Field use. See License Agreement.
                  5. New Hardware (new hard drive, network card, new computer)

                   
                  It’s a little dated but you can refer to this Knowledge Base article from Carlson’s website explaining these options: Carlson KB 893: Desktop Software Reasons for Registration. This FAQ explains where to find your Carlson Software License Agreement (EULA).


                    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.

                    [FAQ204] That CAD Girl’s top reasons to purchase Carlson Software
                    +

                    1

                    You have options as to the platform: embedded AutoCAD (OEM), on top of full-AutoCAD or IntelliCAD

                    2

                    Carlson has Free Technical Support regardless of whether your software is 1 year or 10 years old or even if you’re still trying it out before buying.

                    3

                     Carlson gives you the ability to design dynamically but does it with basic CAD entities such as lines, polylines, text and blocks which makes it easy to share drawings with others.

                    No more proxy entities or AECC Objects to fight with!

                    4

                     Carlson doesn’t retire their products and never forces you to upgrade. Their annual maintenance is optional.

                    5

                     Carlson Plays Well With Others: Their goal is to have their software be compatible with as many other software and hardware manufacturers as possible. There is a seemingly endless list of “Import from…” and “Export to…” commands in the software.

                    6

                     Carlson gives you the tools you need.

                    The first 7 or 8 menus in all programs are identical and have all the basic tools you need to be more productive. Here are just some of the things you can do in every program:

                    Work natively in DWG files and import/export DGN, DXF & DWF
                    Import and Export LandXML/RoadXML/Google Earth files
                    Full management and editing of point data including point groups
                    and edit tracking
                    Esri-powered Search Published Control feature
                    Export files for many GPS-guided machine control systems
                    Customize project folders & sub-folders to organize project data
                    Drawing Cleanup
                    Join Nearest
                    Drawing Inspector
                    Layer Inspector
                    Shrinkwrap Entities
                    Twist Screen
                    2D and 3D Polyline utilities such as reverse polyline, add/remove segments, add/remove vertices, daylight polyline to surface, etc
                    Layer Tools such as Erase and Copy by layer, Isolate, Restore
                    3D Viewer Window
                    Surface 3D Viewer


                      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.

                      [FAQ509] What is Carlson Academy?
                      +
                      Carlson Academy is an online learning system developed by Carlson Software. It is a relatively new addition to Carlson’s User Account Portal.

                       

                      According to Carlson’s website, Carlson users with an active maintenance plan can access the lessons provided in Carlson Academy after creating or logging into their account here.


                        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.

                        [FAQ432] Where do I find the build date or build number of my Carlson Software?
                        +
                        To find the build date/build number of the software you have installed, go to the Help Menu > About Carlson. The build will be listed in the top line of the white text box.

                        The number shown here roughly corresponds to the date that the updated file was posted to Carlson’s downloads page using a YY/MM/DD format. You can reference this FAQ to determine the current build of the software you have installed.


                          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.

                          [FAQ433] What is the latest and greatest version/build of my Carlson Software? (a running thread)
                          +
                          New versions of most Carlson Software desktop products are released on an annual basis (Civil Suite 2016, Takeoff 2016, Takeoff R8, etc) and Carlson field software every 1-2 years (SurvCE 4.0, SurvPC 5.0, etc). However, in between these major releases Carlson will post patches called “Builds” that fix bugs or errors that have been found since the initial release.
                           
                          If you are having trouble or suspect you have found a bug, the first thing to do is make sure you have the latest “Build” installed for your version of software.

                          FAQ: Where do I find the build date or build number of my Carlson Software?

                           
                          You can visit Carlson’s Downloads page to see if a newer Build is available; however, the easiest way to get to the correct page is to go to Help > About Carlson and then click the Registration button from the About Carlson screen to open the Add/Remove Serial Number window.

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           

                           

                          Next, click to highlight your Serial Number and click Downloads to open the download screen specific to your product and version.

                           

                          Carlson Survey/Civil/Mining/Takeoff for CAD

                          This can be installed on AutoCAD or with included Intellicad.

                          The following modules are included: Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Basic Mining, Geology, Underground Mining, Surface Mining, Natural Regrade, Field, CADnet, GeoTech, Trench, Construction and Point Clouds.

                          VersionBuild Date
                          202410/14/2023
                          20239/26/2023
                          202210/11/2022
                          20213/16/2022
                          20209/2/2021
                          201912/20/2019
                          20185/20/2019
                          201711/15/2017
                          20166/29/2016
                          20157/28/2015
                          20148/11/2014

                          Carlson Survey with Embedded AutoCAD (OEM)

                          VersionBuild Date
                          202411/3/2023
                          202311/14/2022
                          20227/22/2022
                          20212/14/2022
                          20206/23/2020
                          20196/28/2019
                          20189/27/2018
                          20176/22/2017
                          20166/15/2016
                          20155/8/2015
                          20147/14/2014

                          Carlson Takeoff with Embedded AutoCAD (OEM)

                          VersionBuild Date
                          2022/R1212/1/2022
                          2022/R126/25/2022
                          2020/R113/10/2021
                          2018/R102/26/2019
                          2017/R97/3/2017
                          2016/R812/11/2015
                          2015/R79/26/2016
                          2014/R65/16/2013

                          SurvPC Data Collection Software

                          VersionBuild Date
                          7.xx8/29/2023
                          6.007/10/2018
                          5.0812/8/2017
                          5.068/1/2017
                          5.054/3/2017
                          5.0412/12/2016
                          5.039/6/2016
                          5.027/25/2016
                          4.0711/19/2015
                          4.067/23/2015
                          4.055/15/2015
                          4.0312/17/2014
                          3.031/24/2014

                          SurvCE Data Collection Software

                          VersionBuild Date
                          6.172/3/2023
                          6.168/16/2022
                          6.091/21/2021
                          6.089/29/2020
                          6.078/4/2020
                          6.035/3/2019
                          6.021/31/2019
                          6.007/10/2018
                          5.0812/8/2017
                          5.068/1/2017
                          5.054/3/2017
                          5.039/6/2016
                          5.027/25/2016
                          4.0711/19/2015
                          4.067/23/2015
                          4.055/15/2015
                          4.0312/17/2014
                          3.031/24/2014

                          Precision 3D Software (Topo, Drill, Blast and Hydro)

                          VersionBuild Date
                          20238/25/2023
                          20226/16/2023
                          20222/28/2023
                          20217/15/2021
                          20215/14/21
                          202012/11/2020
                          20198/13/2019
                          20181/9/2018
                          201711/19/2017
                          20166/6/2016
                          20156/10/2016


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                            [FAQ434] How do I know if I’m running the latest build of my Carlson Software?
                            +
                            The first time you launch your Carlson Software after a computer restart, the program will usually check in with Carlson’s website to see if a new build of the software has been posted; however, sometimes this automatic Check for Updates doesn’t occur and you have to force it to check.
                             
                            There is a link to Check for Updates in your Windows Carlson Software program folder as shown below:
                             
                             


                              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.

                              [FAQ435] How can I find out when new versions or builds of Carlson are released?
                              +
                              You can visit Carlson’s Email Preference Center and sign up to receive emails directly from Carlson for updates.

                              You can also refer to the FAQ below for an active list of the most recent builds for most of the desktop and Carlson field software programs.

                               

                              FAQ: What is the latest and greatest version/build of my Carlson Software? (a running thread)

                              FAQ: How do I know if I’m running the latest build of my Carlson Software?

                              FAQ: Where do I find the build date or build number of my Carlson Software?

                              FAQ: What is “The Little CAD Engine That Could” Website?


                                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.

                                [FAQ458] What is “The Little CAD Engine That Could” Website?
                                +
                                The developers at Carlson Software that work on desktop programs with IntelliCAD are constantly chasing bugs and updating the program. In addition, the IntelliCAD developers at the ITC are also updating that platform program regularly.

                                Across all software platforms, the nature of bug fixes is that, when you fix one… you might create several more. And the new ones may be absolute show-stoppers that Murphy’s Law guarantees will happen on a weekend when projects need to be completed and no one is on-duty at Carlson to help.

                                Fear of that happening on a broad-scale is one reason that Carlson only posts a new Build, with updates to both the IntelliCAD and Carlson programs, every few months.

                                So, as a way to incorporate and test more often, Carlson’s development team has been posting interim TESTING Builds to a separate website – The Little CAD Engine That Could – for many years.

                                Users who are comfortable working in testing/beta releases of Carlson with IntelliCAD can find additional testing Builds at this website and, if you report a bug to Carlson Support, they may point you here as well.

                                Two of my favorite things about the posted Builds at The Little CAD Engine That Could are

                                1) there is a Comment section that allows the developers to describe the bugs that have been fixed in the Build and allows users to provide feedback and comments and

                                2) in addition to providing links to update to the newer testing Build, they also provide links to revert to previous Builds that may end up being more stable.

                                 


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                                  [FAQ277] Carlson Software End User License Agreement (EULA)
                                  +
                                  Users of Carlson Software are bound by the terms of the License Agreement (EULA).
                                   
                                  The most current, up-to-date version of your End User License Agreement can always be found by launching your software, then going to Help > Carlson Help. Search for “License Agreement”.
                                   

                                  The text below is a SAMPLE only

                                   

                                  License Agreement
                                  Copyright 1992-2023 Carlson Software All Rights Reserved

                                  CAUTION! READ THIS NOTICE BEFORE USING SOFTWARE

                                  Please read the following Software License Agreement before using the SOFTWARE. Using this SOFTWARE indicates that you have accepted its terms and conditions.
                                  Carlson 2024

                                  END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR CARLSON SOFTWARE

                                  IMPORTANT-READ CAREFULLY: This Carlson Software End-User License Agreement (“EULA”) is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or a single entity) and Carlson Software, Inc for the software accompanying this EULA, which includes computer software and may include associated media, printed materials, and “online” or electronic documentation (“SOFTWARE PRODUCT” or “SOFTWARE”). By exercising your rights to use the SOFTWARE, you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA. If you do not agree to the terms and conditions of this EULA, you may not use the SOFTWARE. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS EULA, DO NOT INSTALL OR USE ANY PART OF THE SOFTWARE.

                                  Carlson Software, Inc., referred to as “LICENSOR”, develops and/or licenses proprietary computer programs and sells use licenses for such proprietary computer programs together with or apart from accompanying copyrighted material and documentation and;

                                  End User desires to obtain the benefits thereof and, in return for which, is willing to abide by the obligations and fee agreements applicable to LICENSOR’s use licenses in LICENSOR’s proprietary computer programs.

                                  For good and valuable consideration, including but not limited to license grant in accordance with this Agreement by LICENSOR to End User’s covenant regarding LICENSOR’s proprietary rights, LICENSOR agrees to permit End User to utilize materials representing LICENSOR’s product or products subject to the following terms and conditions:

                                  1. License Grant: Subject to the terms, conditions and limitations of this EULA, LICENSOR hereby grants End User a personal, limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, license to utilize the Software Product you have purchased. The license granted in this EULA creates no license, express or implied, to any other intellectual property of Licensor, except for the specific Software Product which they have lawfully purchased from LICENSOR.
                                  This EULA grants you the following rights: You may install and use one copy of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, or any prior version for the same operating system, on a single computer. The primary user of the computer on which the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is installed may make a second copy for his or her exclusive use on a portable computer.
                                  Storage/Network Use. You may also store or install a copy of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT on a storage device, such as a network server, used only to install or run the SOFTWARE PRODUCT on your other computers over an internal network; however, you must acquire and dedicate a license for each separate computer on which the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is installed or run from the storage device. A license for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT may not be shared or used concurrently on different computers.

                                  2. Exclusive Source. End User shall obtain all LICENSOR authorized product materials through LICENSOR or LICENSOR’S authorized representative and no other source. LICENSOR authorized product materials include, but are not limited to, manuals, license agreements and media upon which LICENSOR’s proprietary computer programs are recorded. End User shall make no copies of any kind of any of the materials furnished by LICENSOR or LICENSOR’s authorized representative, except as specifically authorized to do so in this EULA. End User is not entitled to make archival copies of those portions of LICENSOR’s product(s) that are provided on a machine readable media.

                                  3. Proprietary Rights of Licensor. End User agrees that LICENSOR retains exclusive ownership of the trademarks and service marks represented by its company name and logo and all of the documentation and computer recorded data related thereto. End User also agrees that all techniques, algorithms, and processes contained in LICENSOR’s computer program products or any modification or extraction thereof constitute TRADE SECRETS OF LICENSOR and will be safeguarded by End User, but in no event shall End User exercise less than due diligence and care in accordance with the laws of the country of purchase and International Law, whichever operates to best protect the interests of LICENSOR. End User shall not copy, reproduce, re-manufacture or in any way duplicate all or any part of LICENSOR products WHETHER MODIFIED OR TRANSLATED INTO ANOTHER LANGUAGE OR NOT, or in any documentation, or in any other material provided by LICENSOR in association with LICENSOR’s computer program products regardless of what manner of storage and retrieval the product exists, except as specified in this Agreement and in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement which remain in force. End User agrees that in the event End User breaches this EULA, End User will be liable for damages as may be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

                                  4. Restrictions. End User’s rights and obligations under this EULA are nonexclusive and personal in nature, and the intellectual property Licensor grants to End User is subject to applicable law other than bankruptcy law. End User may not transfer or assign the SOFTWARE, rights under this EULA or accompanying user documentation, or any updates of the SOFTWARE which may be provided under this EULA, to a third party unless End User receives written consent from Licensor at least 30 days prior to the completion of transfer. Licensor reserves the right to deny transfer or assignment if, in its sole discretion, Licensor determines the transfer not to be a necessity. Whether or not a transfer or assignment is allowed shall be determined in Licensor’s sole discretion after taking into consideration certain factors to find the existence of a necessity including, but not limited to, merger or acquisition of an entity, complete asset acquisition, change of control, severe economic hardship, severe loss of human resources or significant loss in business divisions, or winding down of entity affairs.

                                  If Carlson consents to a transfer, such transfer shall be allowed only as a one-time permanent transfer of this EULA and Software to another end user, provided the initial End User retains no copies or previous versions of the Software. The transfer must include all of the Software, including all component parts, any media and printed materials, any upgrades, this EULA, and any associated license key. The transfer may not be an indirect transfer, such as a consignment, rental or lease. No corresponding Maintenance Agreement rights shall transfer with the SOFTWARE transfer to the subsequent end user. Prior to the transfer, the subsequent end user receiving the Software from the initial End User must agree to all terms of this EULA, with the added condition that no further transfers to third parties are permitted for any reason whatsoever, and shall agree to the terms and conditions of a new Maintenance Agreement with Licensor.

                                  You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the SOFTWARE or alter the images utilized in the SOFTWARE and user documentation. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed as a single product. Its component parts may not be separated for use on more than one computer. You shall communicate to any individual user in your facility that they are bound by the restrictions of this license agreement may not copy or alter the SOFTWARE for use outside End User’s facilities.
                                  Upgrades. If you purchase an upgrade of a SOFTWARE PRODUCT and you use it on different machine from one where upgraded SOFTWARE PRODUCT was used, use of original SOFTWARE PRODUCT must be discontinued and confirmed within 30 days. If such use is not discontinued, it is a material breach of this EULA and LICENSOR shall be entitled to all remedies available to it under this EULA, and under the laws of Kentucky, USA.

                                  5. Security Mechanisms. Licensor and its affiliated companies take all legal steps to eliminate piracy of their software products. In this context, the Software Product may include a security mechanism that can detect the installation or use of illegal copies of the Software Product, and collect and transmit data about those illegal copies. Data collected will not include any customer data created with the Software. By using the Software Product, you consent to such detection and collection of data, as well as its transmission and use if an illegal copy is detected. Licensor also reserves the right to use a hardware lock device, license administration software, and/or a license authorization key to control access to the Software. You may not take any steps to avoid or defeat the purpose of any such measures. Use of any Software without any required lock device or authorization key provided by Licensor is prohibited.

                                  6. Audit Rights. End User agrees that LICENSOR has the right to require an audit (electronic or otherwise) of the LICENSOR Materials and the Installation thereof and access thereto. As part of any such audit, LICENSOR or its authorized representative will have the right, on fifteen (15) days’ prior notice to End User, to inspect End User’s records, systems and facilities, including machine IDs, serial numbers and related information, to verify that the use of any and all LICENSOR Materials is in conformance with this Agreement. End User will provide full cooperation to enable any such audit. If LICENSOR determines that End User’s use is not in conformity with this EULA, End User will obtain immediately and pay for a valid license to bring End User’s use into compliance with this EULA and other applicable terms and pay the reasonable costs of the audit. In addition to such payment rights, LICENSOR reserves the right to seek any other remedies available at law or in equity, whether under this Agreement or otherwise.

                                  7. Warranty. THE PRODUCT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITH ALL FAULTS. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, LICENSOR HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANITIBILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND WARRANTIES THAT THE PRODUCT IS FREE OF DEFECTS AND NON-INFRINGING, WITH REGARD TO THE SOFTWARE, AND THE ACCOMPANYING WRITTEN MATERIALS. YOU BEAR ENTIRE RISK AS TO SELECTING THE PRODUCT FOR YOUR PURPOSES AND AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT. THIS LIMITATION WILL APPLY NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY REMEDY. In any event, LICENSOR will not honor any warranty shown to exist for which inaccurate or incorrect identifying data has been provided to LICENSOR. The product(s) provided are intended for commercial use only and should not be utilized as the sole data source in clinical decisions as to levels of care.

                                  8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY LAW, LICENSOR AND ITS DISTRIBUTORS, DIRECTORS, LICENSORS, CONTRIBUTORS AND AGENTS (COLLECTIVELY, THE “LICENSOR GROUP”) WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS EULA OR THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF GOODWILL, WORK STOPPAGE, LOST PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA, AND COMPUTER FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND REGARDLESS OF THE THEORY (CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) UPON WHICH SUCH CLAIM IS BASED. THE LICENSOR GROUP’S COLLECTIVE LIABILITY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF $500 (FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS) AND THE FEES PAID BY YOU UNDER THIS LICENSE (IF ANY).

                                  9. Update Policy. LICENSOR may, from time to time, revise the performance of its product(s) and in doing so, incur NO obligation to furnish such revisions to any End User nor shall it warrant or guarantee that any revision to the SOFTWARE will perform as expected by the End User on End User’s equipment. At LICENSOR’s option, LICENSOR may provide such revisions to the End User.

                                  10. Customer Service. Although it is the LICENSOR’s customary practice to provide reasonable assistance and support in the use of its products to its customers, LICENSOR shall not be obligated to any End User to provide technical assistance or support through this Agreement and may at LICENSOR’s sole election charge a fee for customer support.

                                  11. Termination of End User License. If any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement is breached, the license granted by this Agreement is hereby terminated. In the event of such termination, all rights of the LICENSOR shall remain in force and effect. Any protected health information data of End User maintained on LICENSOR’S data base shall upon reasonable notice to End User and at the discretion of LICENSOR may be destroyed.

                                  12. Copyright. The SOFTWARE (including, but not limited to, any images, photographs, animations, video, audio, music and or text incorporated into the SOFTWARE), and all intellectual property rights associated with it, whether exists in a tangible media or in an electronic image media is owned by LICENSOR and is protected by United States copyright laws and international treaty provisions and all other commonwealth or national laws. LICENSOR reserves all intellectual property rights in the Products, except for the rights expressly granted in this Agreement. You may not remove or alter any trademark, logo, copyright or other proprietary notice in or on the Product. This license does not grant you any right to use the trademarks, service marks or logos of LICENSOR or its licensors. You may not copy any user documentation accompanying the SOFTWARE.

                                  13. Injunctive Relief. It is understood and agreed that, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, LICENSOR has the unequivocal right to obtain timely injunctive relief to protect the proprietary rights of LICENSOR.

                                  14. Entire Agreement. This EULA constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior agreements. This EULA may only be changed by mutual written consent.

                                  15. End User Agreement Acknowledgment. The End User hereby accepts all the terms and conditions of this Agreement without exception, deletion, alteration. End User acknowledges they are authorized to enter this agreement on behalf of any organization for which the license is sought. Any unauthorized use of LICENSOR products will be considered a breach of this Agreement, subject to liquidated damages and otherwise unlawful and willful infringement of LICENSOR’s trade secrets and/or proprietary products.

                                  16. Payment and Refund Policy. The use of the SOFTWARE herein is deemed a commercial use and under the terms of this license agreement End User shall not be entitled to any refund of purchase price. End User agrees to pay all user fees promptly. LICENSOR is authorized by End User to suspend any further access to SOFTWARE in the event fees are not fully paid. End user entity shall promptly pay any and all access and use charges incurred regardless of the end user. End user is responsible for protecting any pass word and user identity supplied to End User.

                                  17. Loss/Theft/Misuse. End user shall promptly report to LICENSOR the theft or other loss of any password and/or user identity required to access SOFTWARE. LICENSOR shall not be responsible for maintaining the integrity of End User data in the event that end user’s data base is accessed and/or altered by an unauthorized end user due to the failure of licensed End User to protect its password or user identity. End User shall be responsible for any costs incurred by LICENSOR due to the negligence or reckless disregard of End User’s failure to protect its password or user identity.

                                  18. Civil/Criminal Investigation. End user shall fully cooperate with LICENSOR and or any person authorized by LICENSOR (including local, state, or federal law enforcement officials) to investigate any alleged theft, misuse or unauthorized use of SOFTWARE or data related thereto.

                                  19. U.S. Government Restricted Rights. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT and documentation are provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS. Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (b)(1)(ii) and (c) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013 or subparagraphs (c)(1) and (2) of the Commercial Computer Software-Restricted Rights at 48 CFR 52.227-19, as applicable.

                                  20. Governing Law. This EULA shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, USA.


                                    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.

                                      [FAQ411] Download & install your license of Carlson Software (General)
                                      +
                                      The instructions below are fairly generic and can be used to install many or most licenses of Carlson Software. You can refer to these other FAQs for instructions specific for some programs:

                                      FAQ: Download and install your Carlson Software (with your AutoCAD or IntelliCAD)

                                      FAQ: Download and install your Carlson Survey with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)

                                      FAQ: Download and install your Carlson Takeoff with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)

                                      FAQ: Download and install your Carlson SurvCE

                                       

                                      1. Follow this link: http://www.carlsonsw.com/support/software-downloads/
                                      2. Use the drop-down box below the prompt “Select product you are looking for”, to select the correct program
                                      3. From the drop-down list, select the correct “Product Version”
                                      4. Download #1 or #2 will be the full, complete, up-to-date version of the software. Select “Download”.
                                      5. During installation, enter your serial number when prompted: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

                                       
                                      If you have previously downloaded and installed Carlson and have been running it under a trial serial number, you do not need to re-download and re-install. You can follow the instructions below to update your registration with your new purchased serial number:
                                       

                                      1. Start Carlson Software
                                      2. Go to Help > About Carlson
                                      3. Pick the “Change Registration” button
                                      4. Once the “Add/Remove Serial Number” dialog box is open, pick the “Add” button
                                      5. Complete the Registration Information with your new serial number: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

                                       
                                      For Network Licenses

                                      Instructions for installing the network license manager can be found here: http://www.carlsonsw.com/support/knowledge-base/?action=display_topic&topic_id=55.

                                      You can also refer to this FAQ: Download and Install the Carlson Network License Manager

                                      If you need a new (or updated) network license file, please contact Brian Hammer in Carlson’s Boston office. His email is [email protected] and the phone number is 606-564-5028.

                                       


                                        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.

                                        [FAQ241] Is embedded AutoCAD (OEM) more like AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT?
                                        +
                                        The embedded AutoCAD (OEM) that ships with Carlson Survey (OEM) and Takeoff (OEM) is much closer to an AutoCAD LT than to full-AutoCAD.

                                        FAQ: Compared to AutoCAD or IntelliCAD, what would I miss in the embedded AutoCAD (OEM) versions of Survey & Takeoff? (a running thread)


                                          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.

                                          [FAQ452] When I upgrade, do I immediately lose access to the older version of my software?
                                          +
                                          No!

                                          Actually, when you purchase your upgrade or receive a new serial number by virtue of a maintenance upgrade, nothing happens until you want it to.

                                          Whenever you’re ready to install the upgrade, you can do so on the same computer or on a different computer. When you install and register the license with the new serial number, a 60-day “clock” starts counting down on the older installation. When the 60-days expire, the old license will de-activate and will revert to running in trial mode.


                                            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.

                                            [FAQ302] What features & menus are in Carlson Survey with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)? (a running thread)
                                            +

                                            Survey 2017 with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)

                                            Features and Benefits of Survey 2017 with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)

                                            Carlson Survey is a comprehensive program containing all of the tools that a surveyor needs. Here are some of the things you can do with Carlson Survey:

                                            • Access both the Carlson Survey and the full C & G menus,
                                            • Utilize the very best software tools for all your site design & subdivision design needs,
                                            • Enter deed descriptions and generate a variety of lot reports including fully customizable legal descriptions,
                                            • Enter deed descriptions and correlate field located property corners with deed property corners to find the best fit orientation & alignment,
                                            • Use the Deed Reader command to extract deed line and curve data from a text file (the text file can sometimes be generated using the OCR feature of scanning software),
                                            • Use the Lot Network feature to create a dynamic subdivision design that takes into account road centerline and right of way, building setbacks, wetland or poor soils areas and inserts one or more building footprints onto each lot,
                                            • Have full point CAD management capabilities including data collector download/upload, import/export points in text and most other formats including Civil 3d,
                                            • Process raw data files using various methods including SurvNet Least Squares,
                                            • Perform dozens of COGO functions,
                                            • Use Field to Finish (F2F) to process automatic linework and description key/description code definitions,
                                            • Utilize dozens of time-saving point stake out commands,
                                            • Import surfaces from Civil 3d and Google Earth®,
                                            • Create surface model files for existing and proposed conditions,
                                            • Edit the contours generated from a surface model and automatically update the underlying TIN file,
                                            • Design and balance cut and fill for one or more building pads at a time,
                                            • Calculate earthwork volumes between two surfaces including building pads, stockpiles and borrow pits,
                                            • Create, define, edit and draw centerline alignments using a variety of methods including best fit,
                                            • Create, define, edit and draw profiles using a variety of methods,
                                            • Automatically update stationing when centerlines change, profiles when centerlines or surfaces change, etc,
                                            • Automatically generate plan and profile sheets in model or paper space,
                                            • Import, edit and export GIS shape files,
                                            • Import a variety of image files including MrSid and geo-referenced TIF and JPG files.

                                            Menus in Survey 2017 with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)

                                             

                                            Menu bar in Survey 2017 showing the compact version of the CG-Survey menu

                                            The menus below are available in Carlson Survey 2017 with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)

                                            File Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM File Menu

                                            Edit Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM Edit Menu

                                            View Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM View Menu

                                            Draw Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM Draw Menu

                                            Inquiry Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM Inquiry Menu

                                            Settings Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM Settings Menu

                                            Points Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM Points Menu

                                            Survey Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM Survey Menu

                                            COGO Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM COGO Menu

                                            Centerline Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM Centerline Menu

                                            Area/Layout Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM Area/Layout Menu

                                            Annotate Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM Annotate Menu

                                            Surface Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM Surface Menu

                                            GIS Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM GIS Menu

                                            CG-Survey Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM CG-Survey Menu

                                            Window Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM Window Menu

                                            Help Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM Help Menu

                                            Menu bar in Survey 2017 showing the expanded version of the CG-Survey menu

                                             

                                            The menus below are available when using the expanded version of the CG-Survey menu

                                            CG File Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM CG File Menu

                                            CG Trav Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM CG Trav Menu

                                            CG Cogo Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM CG Cogo Menu

                                            CG Draw Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM CG Draw Menu

                                            CG Mngmt Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM CG Mngmt Menu

                                            CG Topo Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM Topo Menu

                                            CG Tools Menu

                                            Carlson Survey 2017 OEM Tools Menu


                                              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.

                                              [FAQ301] What features & menus are in the non-OEM Carlson Survey program? (a running thread)
                                              +

                                              Survey 2017 with IntelliCAD or for your AutoCAD

                                              Features and Benefits of Survey 2017

                                              Carlson Survey is a comprehensive, CAD software program containing all of the tools that a surveyor needs. Here are some of the things you can do with Carlson Survey:

                                              • Access both the Carlson Survey and the full C & G menus,
                                              • Utilize the very best software tools for all your site design & subdivision design needs,
                                              • Enter deed descriptions and generate a variety of lot reports including fully customizable legal descriptions,
                                              • Enter deed descriptions and correlate field located property corners with deed property corners to find the best fit orientation & alignment,
                                              • Use the Deed Reader command to extract deed line and curve data from a text file (the text file can sometimes be generated using the OCR feature of scanning software),
                                              • Use the Lot Network feature to create a dynamic subdivision design that takes into account road centerline and right of way, building setbacks, wetland or poor soils areas and inserts one or more building footprints onto each lot,
                                              • Have full point management capabilities including data collector download/upload, import/export points in text and most other formats including Civil 3d,
                                              • Process raw data files using various methods via CAD software including SurvNet Least Squares,
                                              • Perform dozens of COGO functions,
                                              • Use Field to Finish (F2F) to process automatic linework and description key/description code definitions,
                                              • Utilize dozens of time-saving point stake out commands,
                                              • Import surfaces from Civil 3d and Google Earth®,
                                              • Create surface model files for existing and proposed conditions,
                                              • Edit the contours generated from a surface model and automatically update the underlying TIN file,
                                              • Design and balance cut and fill for one or more building pads at a time,
                                              • Calculate earthwork volumes between two surfaces including building pads, stockpiles and borrow pits,
                                              • Create, define, edit and draw centerline alignments using a variety of methods including best fit,
                                              • Create, define, edit and draw profiles using a variety of methods,
                                              • Automatically update stationing when centerlines change, profiles when centerlines or surfaces change, etc,
                                              • Automatically generate plan and profile sheets in model or paper space,
                                              • Import, edit and export GIS shape files,
                                              • Import a variety of image files including MrSid and geo-referenced TIF and JPG files.

                                              Menus in Survey 2017

                                               

                                              Menu bar in Survey 2017 showing the compact version of the CG Survey menu

                                              Survey 2017 Menu with compact C & G menu

                                              Survey Menu

                                              Survey 2017 Survey Menu

                                              COGO Menu

                                              Survey 2017 COGO Menu

                                              Centerline Menu

                                              Survey 2017 Centerline Menu

                                              Area/Layout Menu

                                              Survey 2017 Area/Layout Menu

                                              Annotate Menu

                                              Survey 2017 Annotate Menu

                                              Surface Menu

                                              Survey 2017 Surface Menu

                                              GIS Menu

                                              Survey 2017 GIS Menu

                                              CG-Survey Menu

                                              Survey 2017 CG-Survey Menu

                                              Menu bar in Survey 2017 showing the expanded version of the CG-Survey menu

                                              Survey 2017 Menu with the expanded version of the CG-Survey menu

                                               

                                              The menus below are available when using the expanded version of the CG-Survey menu

                                              CG File Menu

                                              Survey 2017 CG File Menu

                                              CG Trav Menu

                                              Survey 2017 CG Trav Menu

                                              CG Cogo Menu

                                              Survey 2017 CG Cogo Menu

                                              CG Draw Menu

                                              Survey 2017 CG Draw Menu

                                              CG Mngmt Menu

                                              Survey 2017 CG Mngmt Menu

                                              CG Topo Menu

                                              Survey 2017 CG Topo Menu

                                              CG Tools Menu

                                              Survey 2017 CG Tools Menu

                                              The menus below are in all non-OEM programs of Carlson 2017 desktop software

                                              (Click image to see more)


                                                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.

                                                [FAQ300] What features & menus are in ALL Carlson, non-OEM, desktop software programs? (a running thread)
                                                +

                                                Carlson 2017

                                                Features and Benefits of all Carlson desktop programs

                                                The list below includes some, but not all, of the commands and functionality that is currently available in ALL Carlson software desktop programs:

                                                • Work natively in DWG format files – whether using the IntelliCAD or AutoCAD platform,
                                                • Import DGN, DXF, DWF files,
                                                • Import and Export LandXML/RoadXML files,
                                                • Export Google Earth KML/KMZ files,
                                                • Export files to be used in GPS guided machine control systems,
                                                • Export DTM, Google, Idan, Microstation, MOSS, Peabody, Topcon, and 12D polyline files
                                                • Customize project folders and sub-folders to organize your project data,
                                                • Incorporate your own CAD Standards Tools into basic drafting functions,
                                                  Import, export and convert points using text or most any other format including Civil 3d,
                                                • Access to the entirety of the Carlson software File, Edit, View, Draw, Inquiry, Settings, Points and 3D Solids menus including these popular commands:
                                                  • Drawing cleanup
                                                  • 2d and 3d polyline editing commands to reverse polylines, add/remove segments or vertices, etc.
                                                  • Shrinkwrap entities
                                                  • Boundary polyline
                                                  • Erase and Copy by layer
                                                  • 3d Viewer Window
                                                  • Surface 3d Viewer
                                                  • Search Published Control – an Esri-powered command

                                                Menus in all non-OEM Carlson desktop programs

                                                File Menu

                                                Carlson 2017 File Menu

                                                Edit Menu

                                                Carlson 2017 Edit Menu

                                                View Menu

                                                Carlson 2017 View Menu

                                                Draw Menu

                                                Carlson 2017 Draw Menu

                                                Inquiry Menu

                                                Carlson 2017 Inquiry Menu

                                                Settings Menu

                                                Carlson 2017 Settings Menu

                                                Points Menu

                                                Carlson 2017 Points Menu

                                                3D Solids Menu

                                                Carlson 2017 3D Solids Menu

                                                Window Menu

                                                Carlson 2017 Window Menu

                                                Help Menu

                                                Carlson 2017 Help Menu


                                                  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.

                                                  [FAQ027] Are there any problems running Carlson on Windows 10?
                                                  +
                                                  Updated August 2019:

                                                  Carlson Software running on Windows 10 seems to present just a couple of issues: registration and graphics card/performance. If you encounter any issues you may also want to check in here to see if you can narrow down the problem: KB 1078: Troubleshooting Guide.

                                                  Registration:

                                                  When Windows 10 originally came out, Carlson 2015 and earlier versions would not install and Carlson had to change the program to make it work, so Carlson 2016 was the first one supported on Windows 10. Microsoft may have changed Windows 10 since then and it’s possible that these versions will install today.

                                                  If you ARE able to install these versions, Carlson will able to help with the registration; however, every time Windows 10 has major update, Carlson products prior to the 2017 release will likely lose their registration and will have to be re-registered because Windows changes the signature that was used for the initial registration. Carlson has re-worked this mechanism to avoid the problem in later releases.

                                                  Graphics Cards and Performance Issues:

                                                  Carlson KB1108: Slow entities creation and modification on Windows 10

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

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


                                                  Only one that seems to show up every once in awhile… But it’s Microsoft’s fault!!

                                                  Windows 10 does updates – automatic updates – a lot. And, sometimes these updates can mess with your Carlson license registration. Carlson has free technical support so you can always call 606.564.5028 or email them at [email protected] during regular business hours but, if this happens on a weekend, their support staff is probably out enjoying Kentucky bourbon. Or something.

                                                  So, when Murphy’s Law strikes, you can refer to this Knowledge Base article on Carlson’s website: Carlson KB 995: Windows 10 effect on previously registered software.


                                                    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.

                                                    [FAQ457] Working with Carlson’s network license manager
                                                    +
                                                    [FAQ307] What features & menus are in Carlson CADNet? (a running thread)
                                                    +

                                                    Carlson CADNet 2017

                                                    Features and Benefits of CADNet 2017

                                                    Carlson CADnet, introduced in 2014, allows users to import faster images and PDF files and, if needed, even to merge multiple images into one file that can be digitized or otherwise converted by CAD software using a variety of raster-to-vector routines. CADNet also gives you many tools to help clean up text and linework generated from raster images.

                                                    Recent updates to CADNet gives you the ability to export drawing entities to 3D PDF files, import Sketchup files and import and export BIM models (doors, windows, walls, roofs, etc.) and bring them into CAD as CAD software entities; plus, CADnet includes a routine to export surfaces into BIM.

                                                    Menus in CADNet 2017

                                                     

                                                    Menu Bar in CADNet 2017

                                                     

                                                    The menus below are available in Carlson CADNet 2017

                                                    Digitize Menu

                                                    CADNet 2017 Digitize Menu

                                                    Raster Menu

                                                    CADNet 2017 Raster Menu

                                                    PDF Menu

                                                    CADNet 2017 PDF Menu

                                                    BIM Menu

                                                    CADNet 2017 BIM Menu

                                                    The menus below are in all non-OEM programs of Carlson 2017 desktop software

                                                    (Click image to see more)


                                                      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.

                                                      [FAQ306] What features & menus are in Carlson Construction? (a running thread)
                                                      +

                                                      Carlson Construction 2017

                                                      Features and Benefits of Construction 2017

                                                      Carlson Construction includes powerful Carlson software tools for designing and modeling different aspects of road design, from new construction to road widening and repaving.

                                                      Fully supporting all of the major 3D Machine Control formats for today’s heavy equipment with 3D Machine Control Systems, Carlson Construction gives you the tools you need for taking your data into the 3D environment. Whether your Carlson software need is “Data Preparation,” “Site Preparation,” or specifically creating Machine Control Guidance Models, Carlson Construction will get the job done for you.

                                                      Menus in Construction 2017

                                                       

                                                      Menu Bar in Construction 2017

                                                       

                                                      The menus below are available in Carlson Construction 2017

                                                      Elevate Menu

                                                      Construction 2017 Elevate Menu

                                                      Surface Menu

                                                      Construction 2017 Surface Menu

                                                      Takeoff Menu

                                                      Construction 2017 Takeoff Menu

                                                      Roads Menu

                                                      Construction 2017 Roads Menu

                                                      Survey Menu

                                                      Construction 2017 Survey Menu

                                                      Annotate Menu

                                                      Construction 2017 Annotate Menu

                                                      Display Menu

                                                      Construction 2017 Display Menu

                                                      The menus below are in all non-OEM programs of Carlson 2017 desktop software

                                                      (Click image to see more)


                                                        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.

                                                        [FAQ305] What features & menus are in Carlson GIS? (a running thread)
                                                        +

                                                        Carlson GIS 2017

                                                        Carlson GIS 2017

                                                        Features and Benefits of GIS 2017

                                                        Here are some of the things you can do with Carlson GIS:

                                                        • Take advantage of the Carlson/Esri® partnership with these and other CAD software commands:
                                                          • Import/Export Esri SHP files
                                                          • Export DWG file with Esri MSC data
                                                          • Export Esri Projection file
                                                        • Import and Export GIS Data between Carlson GIS and Carlson SurvCE
                                                        • Work with many image formats including:
                                                          • Geo-referenced images
                                                          • Google Earth images
                                                          • CAD software images
                                                          • MrSID images
                                                        • Convert GIS data to and from AutoCAD Map
                                                        • Query and Report GIS generated entities
                                                        • Hatch & Label GIS generated polylines
                                                        • Create, Audit and Erase links to GIS database
                                                        • Define Note file prompts for data collection

                                                        Menus in GIS 2017

                                                         

                                                        Menu Bar in GIS 2017

                                                         

                                                        The menus below are available in Carlson GIS 2017

                                                        GIS Data Menu

                                                        GIS 2017 GIS Data Menu

                                                        GIS Tools Menu

                                                        GIS 2017 GIS Tools Menu

                                                        Images Menu

                                                        GIS 2017 Images Menu

                                                        The menus below are in all non-OEM programs of Carlson 2017 desktop software

                                                        (Click image to see more)

                                                         


                                                          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.

                                                          [FAQ304] What features & menus are in Carlson Hydrology? (a running thread)
                                                          +

                                                          Carlson Hydrology 2017

                                                          Features and Benefits of Hydrology 2017

                                                          Carlson Hydrology provides CAD support comparable to the hydrology components of programs such as: DCA®/Softdesk®/Land Desktop, Civil 3d, Eagle Point®, TerraModel®, GeoPak® and InRoads®.

                                                          Here are some of the things you can do with Carlson Hydrology:

                                                          • Use it to perform all of your stormwater modeling and design or use it to compile data that can then be used in other hydrology programs,
                                                          • Link directly to other hydrology programs including HydroCAD®, Pizer HYDRA®, TR-20, SEDCAD, HEC-RAS and HEC-2,
                                                          • Analyze and design using either SCS or Rational method,
                                                          • Determine runoff volumes with easy-to-use, layer-based tools
                                                          • Track runoff and analyze watershed data within the entire watershed or just above a selected point – such as a catch basin,
                                                          • Create surface model files with CAD support for existing and proposed conditions
                                                          • Design and then report storage volumes for bench and valley ponds that can be designed using various design criteria such as adding multiple interior benches and automatically removing the berm in cut conditions,
                                                          • Create custom fields for pipe structures and inlet libraries,
                                                          • Tap extensive libraries for rainfall data, inlets, manholes and outlet structures,
                                                          • Pick a button to “Process” or have updates automatically occur when changes to road designs surfaces affect storm or sewer structures,
                                                          • Design sanitary sewer or storm pipe runs in a dockable palette or in a spreadsheet editor,
                                                          • Tie pipe design criteria to surfaces, centerlines and profiles
                                                          • Calculate inlet intercepted and bypass flows, gutter spread and depth, pipe flow depth and velocity, and hydraulic and energy grade lines
                                                          • Choose to match stormwater pipes at the crown or at the flowline
                                                          • Receive warnings for collisions and when pipe length, cover, slope, flow rates or other design criteria do not fall within an acceptable, customizable range
                                                          • Design ponds, spillways, orifices, weirs, multiple outlets, channels, culverts, pipes and lift stations
                                                          • Draft sewer pipe dynamically in plans, profiles and 3D

                                                          Menus in Hydrology 2017

                                                           

                                                          Menu Bar in Hydrology 2017

                                                           

                                                          The menus below are available in Carlson Hydrology 2017

                                                          Surface Menu

                                                          Hydrology 2017 Surface Menu

                                                          Watershed Menu

                                                          Hydrology 2017 Watershed Menu

                                                          Structure Menu

                                                          Hydrology 2017 Structure Menu

                                                          Network Menu

                                                          Hydrology 2017 Network Menu

                                                          HydroCAD Menu

                                                          Hydrology 2017 HydroCAD Menu

                                                          The menus below are in all non-OEM programs of Carlson 2017 desktop software

                                                          (Click image to see more)

                                                           


                                                            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.

                                                            [FAQ303] What features & menus are in Carlson Civil? (a running thread)
                                                            +

                                                            Carlson Civil 2017

                                                            Features and Benefits of Civil 2017

                                                            Carlson Civil is a fully dynamic, 3d civil design program that contains all the tools an engineer, designer or design build professional needs. Here are some of the things you can do with Carlson Civil:

                                                            • Utilize the very best Carlson software support tools for all your design build, site design & site grading, subdivision design & subdivision grading and road design & road grading needs,
                                                            • Perform tasks associated with civil BIM (Building Information Modeling),
                                                            • Use the Lot Network feature to create a dynamic subdivision design that takes into account road centerline and right of way, building setbacks, wetland or poor soils areas and inserts one or more building footprints onto each lot,
                                                            • Use vehicle path tracking to ensure adequate roadway clearance,
                                                            • Create, define, edit and draw centerline alignments using a variety of methods including best fit,
                                                            • Easily elevate 2d, zero-elevation polylines from points, text or text with a leader for detailed site grading,
                                                            • Label elevation, slope and other properties of polylines,
                                                            • Design a centerline and profile along a surface that maintains a maximum slope,
                                                            • Import surfaces from Civil 3d and Google Earth®,
                                                            • Create surface model files for existing and proposed conditions,
                                                            • Design and balance cut and fill for one or more building pads at a time,
                                                            • Edit the contours generated from a surface model and automatically update the underlying TIN file,
                                                            • Calculate earthwork volumes between two surfaces including building pads, stockpiles and borrow pits,
                                                            • Report storage volumes for bench and valley ponds that can be designed using various design criteria such as adding multiple interior benches and automatically removing the berm in cut conditions,
                                                            • Use the layer-based SiteNet commands to calculate and report volumes and/or quantities:
                                                              • Of an entire site or within a perimeter Polyline,
                                                              • Of cut & fill dirt; of topsoil removal & replacement; of materials such as asphalt, stone, concrete and curb; and of pipe and structure depth,
                                                              • That can be exported directly to Microsoft Excel®,
                                                            • Create cut & fill color maps or a grid of cut and fill labels,
                                                            • Create, define, edit and draw profiles using a variety of methods including best fit,
                                                            • Create, define, edit and draw cross sections using a variety of methods,
                                                            • Define, edit and draw typical cross sections to create a library of roadway templates that meet detailed design standards,
                                                            • Use the Road Network feature to dynamically design a network of highways or roads that automatically tie intersections together, allow detailed grading at each intersection and cul-de-sac and allow real-time volume determination as the road profile is adjusted,
                                                            • Design roads that that incorporate varying roadway widths, multiple templates, super elevation, topsoil removal & replacement, road rehabilitation including overlays after leveling or milling operations and more,
                                                            • Automatically elevate building pads and property lot lines using grading rules applied to a road design,
                                                            • Process Road Design for final sections, final contours and volumes,
                                                            • Pick a button to “Process” or have updates automatically occur when changes to centerlines or surfaces affect profiles, changes to profiles affect cross sections or changes to surfaces affect storm or sewer structures,
                                                            • Automatically generate a Carson software support plan and profile sheets in model or paper space where the plan and profile views can be shifted or rotated incrementally with the pick of a button,
                                                            • View your entities or surfaces in 3d or drive through them in a humvee, police car or school bus.

                                                            Menus in Civil 2017

                                                             

                                                            Menu Bar in Civil 2017

                                                             

                                                            The menus below are available in Carlson Civil 2017

                                                            3D Data Menu

                                                            Civil 2017 3D Data Menu

                                                            Surface Menu

                                                            Civil 2017 Surface Menu

                                                            SiteNet Menu

                                                            Civil 2017 SiteNet Menu

                                                            Centerline Menu

                                                            Civil 2017 Centerline Menu

                                                            Profiles Menu

                                                            Civil 2017 Profiles Menu

                                                            Sections Menu

                                                            Civil 2017 Sections Menu

                                                            Roads Menu

                                                            Civil 2017 Roads Menu

                                                            Area Layout Menu

                                                            Civil 2017 Area Layout Menu

                                                            Annotate Menu

                                                            Civil 2017 Annotate Menu

                                                            The menus below are in all non-OEM programs of Carlson 2017 desktop software

                                                            (Click image to see more)


                                                              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.

                                                              [FAQ211] I’m a land surveyor. What software do I need?
                                                              +
                                                              Carlson Survey, of course! And, if you truly need ONLY Carlson Survey, you have an option between Survey with IntelliCAD or For Your AutoCAD or Survey with embedded AutoCAD (OEM).

                                                              But, I find a lot of surveyors also need Carlson GIS for bringing in aerial photos, images of quad and soils maps.

                                                              And, this is a little out of the box, but if you’re a surveyor who does a lot of construction staking, I highly recommend Carlson Civil as well. Carlson Civil has a lot of tools that are meant to be used for design but, in my experience, can be invaluable for stakeout.

                                                              Most of these tools are in the 3D Data menu of Carlson Civil and include:

                                                              • 2D to 3D Polyline by Points and by Text with Leader
                                                              • Assign Contour Elevations
                                                              • Pad Polyline by Interior Text
                                                              • Draw Building Perimeter Polyline
                                                              • Convert Spot Elevations to Points
                                                              • Points by Slope

                                                              If you need Survey plus any of these other programs, you will have to use Carlson Survey with IntelliCAD or For Your AutoCAD because Survey and Takeoff are the only programs available on the embedded AutoCAD (OEM) platform.

                                                              And if you need Survey plus any of these other programs, you may want to consider the Civil Suite because the bundled pricing is often better than buying 2 or more individual modules.


                                                                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.

                                                                [FAQ212] I’m a civil engineer. What software do I need?
                                                                +
                                                                Primarily you’ll probably need Carlson Civil and Hydrology but GIS has a lot of nifty tools for importing images so you may also consider that program a “need” instead of just a “want” as well.

                                                                Since all three of these modules are included in the Carlson Civil Suite, that’s usually the better deal.

                                                                 


                                                                  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.

                                                                  [FAQ021] Does Carlson with IntelliCAD have an option to print to PDF?
                                                                  +
                                                                  No, not at this time.
                                                                   
                                                                  It’s my understanding that the cost of each license of Carlson would have had to increase by quite a bit to absorb the cost of embedding an Adobe PDF writer into the software. So, Carlson decided to not add it and to just encourage users to use one of the many after-market AtoCAD to PDF writers on the market.
                                                                   
                                                                  Creating PDFs for CAD training and other tasks is a large part of my job so I actually use Adobe Acrobat which is rather pricey. Here are a few more that range from free to pretty cheap to pricey:
                                                                   


                                                                    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.

                                                                    [FAQ213] I’m a contractor and need to do takeoffs and create machine control files.
                                                                    What software do I need?
                                                                    +
                                                                    Probably some version of Takeoff – either Takeoff Suite which is modular and includes Construction, CADNet, Trench and GeoTech or the Takeoff with embedded AutoCAD (OEM).

                                                                    The good thing about the Takeoff Suite is that you can buy the whole thing or just the pieces and parts you need. Many contractors only need the functionality of Construction and CADNet so, unless you need Trench and GeoTech as well, you could save a little money by just buying those modules. And you could always add the other pieces later if necessary.

                                                                    Construction includes most of the functionality you will need for building models and doing takeoffs: tools for elevating 2D to 3D, site and roadway surface modeling (including resurfacing), quantity calcs, exporting to machine control and more.

                                                                    CADNet includes the digitizing and imaging tools such as raster to vector, importing PDFs and BIM files and more.

                                                                    GeoTech is for importing borehole data for analyzing subsurface conditions and materials.

                                                                    Trench is for calculations related to installing pipes, sewers, or utility lines.

                                                                    One other thing to note is that Construction is mostly a blend of the functionality you’ll find in Carlson Survey & Civil. Since the pricing of Civil Suite is the same as Construction, you may find that purchasing Civil Suite and CADNet is a good alternative to Construction and CADNet.

                                                                    These images were current for the Carlson 2021 products but I don’t think much has changed…


                                                                      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.

                                                                      [FAQ020] Are Express Tools available in Carlson?
                                                                      +
                                                                      Technically, no. But through Carlson software training, you’ll learn that they have their own set of layer management commands that handles most of the functionality you might miss from the Express Layer Tools and Layers II Toolbar commands. These tools are available in programs with IntelliCAD software as well as those with embedded AutoCAD (OEM).

                                                                      Carlson Layer Tools are highlighted in the View menu below:

                                                                      2017_Carlson_Menu_View_LayersHighlighted

                                                                       
                                                                      And the Carlson Layers toolbar has many of those handy commands such as Isolate Layers, Restore Layers, Freeze or Off by Picking and Erase by Layer.

                                                                      2017_Carlson_Toolbar_CarlsonLayers


                                                                        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.

                                                                                [FAQ240] Is IntelliCAD more like AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT?
                                                                                +
                                                                                I believe you will find the functionality of IntelliCAD to be MUCH closer to that found in full-versions of AutoCAD than to AutoCAD LT or even the embedded AutoCAD (OEM) programs that Carlson offers.

                                                                                Now, you also shouldn’t expect IntelliCAD to be the equivalent of today’s AutoCAD. IntelliCAD is a generic version of AutoCAD and will have the feel of an older “model” of AutoCAD and be missing some of the bells and whistles included in newer releases of AutoCAD.

                                                                                But, it’s more customizable, supports LISP routines and 3D drafting.

                                                                                Follow these links to see my FAQs that explain the differences between AutoCAD, Carlson’s IntelliCAD and the embedded AutoCAD  (OEM) platforms.

                                                                                You may also want to read this Software Review: AutoCAD and IntelliCAD that I wrote for Professional Surveyor Magazine several years ago.


                                                                                  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.

                                                                                  [FAQ453] How is the price of Carlson maintenance calculated?
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                                                                                  If you always want to have the latest and greatest version of your Carlson Desktop Software with IntelliCAD (or with your own CAD), the cheapest way to do that is to keep your maintenance current. If it is renewed prior to expiration, the price will remain the same – 10% of the retail price of the software.

                                                                                  However, if Maintenance is not renewed prior to expiration, a 1-year Maintenance Plan costs 20% of software list price and increases by 10% per year after the expiration date.

                                                                                  But, regardless of how many years you’ve fallen behind, Carlson will never charge more than 50% of the current retail price of the software in order to bring your license up to the current version.

                                                                                  If your license is not currently on maintenance, you can pay the maintenance fee plus an expiration fee which will both upgrade you to the current version of the program AND include any upgrades that are released within the maintenance year.

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

                                                                                  That CAD Girl tries to keep a copy of your most current Maintenance Report uploaded and available to you on your That CAD Girl Customer Portal.

                                                                                  Click here to request pricing for your Maintenance Renewals or Upgrades – if you upload a current Maintenance or Upgrade Report you received from Carlson, you may receive discounted renewal or upgrade pricing!

                                                                                  FAQ: I can’t seem to keep up with my Carlson maintenance – Can you help?

                                                                                  FAQ: What is Carlson Software Maintenance? And why should I buy it from That CAD Girl?

                                                                                  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%

                                                                                  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

                                                                                  Sample Upgrade & Maintenance Renewal Pricing

                                                                                  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


                                                                                    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.

                                                                                    [FAQ470] Maintenance for my SurvCE & SurvPC – Since when?
                                                                                    +
                                                                                    Yeah, well, that was short-lived. Carlson offered maintenance on SurvCE & SurvPC for only about a year and then discontinued it because there’s no guarantee a new version will come out every year. Carlson has now gone back to a straight upgrade type program. You can follow this link then click on Request a Custom Proposal to request upgrade pricing.

                                                                                    If you purchased maintenance during that time feel free to send me a message and I’ll see if you’re eligible for an automatic upgrade.


                                                                                      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.

                                                                                      [FAQ242] What’s the difference between Carlson with IntelliCAD and with the embedded AutoCAD (OEM) platform?
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                                                                                      The price is the biggest difference.

                                                                                      Whether you’re using Carlson Survey or Takeoff on the IntelliCAD or embedded AutoCAD (OEM) platform, the Survey and Takeoff functionality will be identical. Any differences are going to be strictly limited to the underlying engine – IntelliCAD or embedded AutoCAD.

                                                                                      • From a feature and functionality standpoint, IntelliCAD will be closer to a full AutoCAD and embedded AutoCAD (OEM) will be closer to an AutoCAD LT.
                                                                                      • IntelliCAD is generic version of AutoCAD and tracks closer to a 4-5 year old version of AutoCAD. See this FAQ comparing IntelliCAD and AutoCAD
                                                                                      • Embedded AutoCAD (OEM) will look more like today’s AutoCAD and may have more of the current bells and whistles – but it’ll also be missing some key functionality such as the ability to create aliases (command shortcuts) and load LISP routines. See this FAQ comparing embedded AutoCAD (OEM) and AutoCAD

                                                                                      It’s a work in progress but you can check out this FAQ where I’m starting a list of the differences between the two programs.


                                                                                        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.

                                                                                        [FAQ231] Is it better to network Carlson than use standalone licenses?
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                                                                                        This is another one of those maybes

                                                                                        The only time I’d recommend networking individual licenses such as Survey, Survey OEM, Civil, etc. is if you have 2 or more people who can literally share a license. For instance, if you have a technician who works in one office or on one computer from 8-12 and another who works in a different office or computer from 1-5 then, yes, network away!

                                                                                        Using this example, only one license will ever be in use at any one time so you would only need to buy one networked license that can be shared on multiple computers.

                                                                                        Networking one or more licenses of individual seats can also be beneficial if you have several people using the software part-time. Maybe you buy 3 licenses for 4 to share because only 3 people will ever be using it at the same time.

                                                                                        All that being said, networking one of Carlson’s Suites (Civil or Takeoff) can potentially save a lot of money. Civil Suite includes 4 programs: Survey, Civil, Hydrology and GIS. Takeoff Suite includes 4 as well: Construction, CADNet, GeoTech and Trench. If you network either of the Suites, each of those programs acts like an individual license. Sweet Suite!

                                                                                        So, if you buy one standalone license of Civil Suite, that license is registered to one user who can access any of the 4 programs at will. But, if you network that Civil Suite, you can have one person working in Survey at the same time someone else is working in Civil, while a 3rd person is working in Hydrology and a 4th is in GIS.

                                                                                        Even though this sounds like a great way to save money, you should also be aware that sharing licenses can also become a headache to your staff and lead to some loss in productivity. It’s like anything else, networking the Suites has its pros and cons.

                                                                                        You may also want to refer to this updated FAQ: Working with Carlson’s network license manager for more information.


                                                                                          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.

                                                                                          [FAQ260] Why do you prefer Carlson Civil Suite over Civil 3d?
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                                                                                          Well, how long do you have? Better grab a cup of coffee. Make it a Grande… isn’t that the biggest one? Anyhoo, no surprise, I think Carlson is the best option in software for land surveyors, engineers and contractors on the market these days.

                                                                                          I always qualify my endorsement by acknowledging the fact that I make my living selling their software; but, I’m independent. And, if some day I get to the point where I no longer believe Carlson is the best option, I’ll be up front and admit that too.

                                                                                          I’ve written several times and in various formats over the years about Carlson vs Civil 3d and those word-storms seem to hold up pretty well so, rather than repeat everything, I’ll just link to the old stuff and put a few new comments in at the bottom here.

                                                                                          And, yes, it’s pretty much cheating but I’m stealing most of the rest of this from my FAQ I miss my Land Desktop/LDD! What is my next, best option?

                                                                                          One Reason I’m a Carlson Fan

                                                                                          Carlson has a lot of the dynamic functionality (RoadNet, LotNet, Design Pad Template, etc.) that we wanted in Land Desktop. But, the entities created by these cool automated tools are all standard CAD entities such as polylines and 3d polylines and text.

                                                                                          The benefit is that, when you get to the end of your design and need to pinpoint and tweak an area, you have the option of doing basic CAD-editing of standard polylines or text to make changes the old-fashioned way.

                                                                                          One of my complaints about Civil 3d is that users get very little credit for knowing AutoCAD. Civil 3d requires you to create “Styles” for everything and these styles override basic CAD management of all other properties such as colors, layers, linetypes, text styles, formatting and so on.

                                                                                          Here is one of my favorite examples to illustrate the point. I have a 100 x 200 lot below that has a label inside for area in square footage and acres. The labels are generic and crappy-looking but I can change that later. At this point, all I want to do is add a silly comma so that the area in SF reads “20,000 SF”.

                                                                                           

                                                                                           

                                                                                           

                                                                                           

                                                                                           

                                                                                           

                                                                                           

                                                                                           

                                                                                           

                                                                                           

                                                                                          If I’m in Carlson, I double-click on the label and edit it – because it’s CAD and it’s text.

                                                                                          If I’m in Civil 3d, that label is tied to the parcel-object and the style of the object must be changed. Unless you explode the object and lose all the perceived benefits of Civil 3d, there are many clicks and digging deep into dialog boxes to make the same change.


                                                                                            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.

                                                                                            [FAQ275] About IntelliCAD
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                                                                                            IntelliCAD is a cooperative CAD development platform that is becoming more and more accepted as an alternative to AutoCAD.

                                                                                            IntelliCAD – An IntroductionThe development of IntelliCAD is overseen by the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium, “an organization of CAD software developers, who develop applications for IntelliCAD, a Computer-aided design engine. The IntelliCAD engine, which is based on the DWGdirect library from the Open Design Alliance reads and writes the ‘.dwg’ data format – a widely used file format for storing both graphic and textual information of CAD-related software applications.”

                                                                                            The primary goals of the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium are to “research and develop CAD technology, the IntelliCAD platform, and to deliver CAD solutions to customers worldwide.” In other words, to provide the personal and commercial CAD markets with a cost-effective solution that is capable of reading and writing the common drawing (DWG) file.

                                                                                            The ITC is a non-profit, independent organization of commercial software developers (members). The ITC has an elected, volunteer, member based Board of Directors which guide its strategic vision. An independent (non-member) President manages the tactical business operations. Members pay annual dues that fund the ITC. Today the ITC has over 50 members who support 13 languages and ship product in more than 35 countries.

                                                                                            IntelliCAD – A Trip through Time

                                                                                            Except where noted, each of the following items were obtained from An Outside Look in at IntelliCAD (used by permission) which requires the free Adobe Reader.

                                                                                            “Where did the name come from? The name of the software ‘IntelliCAD’ comes from a programming company that was formed in the early 1990s in San Diego, CA, USA. Their main claim to fame was ADE (AutoCAD Data Extension), which they sold to Autodesk, and which eventually became part of Autodesk Map.”

                                                                                            “IntelliCAD the software has a complex and fascinating history that winds its way through Softdesk, Autodesk, Boomerang, Visio, just missing Microsoft, then onto the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium, and now [includes] a variety of brand names, such as CADopia, Bricscad, and DWGEditor.”

                                                                                            1994, August: “IntelliCAD is purchased by Softdesk of Henniker, NH.”
                                                                                            1996, December: “Autodesk acquires Softdesk… Softdesk apparently did not tell Autodesk about its AutoCAD clone.”
                                                                                            1997, March: “Autodesk investigated by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) over the alleged monopoly status of AutoCAD… The FTC allowed Autodesk to purchase Softdesk after Autodesk agreed to: (1) spin off IntelliCAD; (2) not attempt re-acquire the technology; (3) not attempt to acquire any company that owns or controls IntelliCAD; and (4) not interfere with employees who leave Autodesk to work with IntelliCAD… IntelliCAD was spun off as Boomerang Technology in San Jose, CA.”
                                                                                            1997, March: “Visio bought Boomerang.”
                                                                                            1998, March: “IntelliCAD 98 ships. The price was originally pegged at US$495; upon release, the price dropped to $349 as a ‘special introductory price’; the price drops further to $149 at computer superstores, such as CompUSA. Through to the end of June, the first three months of sales for IntelliCAD were nearly 12,000 licenses, producing $3 million in gross revenue — an average of $250 per license.”
                                                                                            1998, May: “IntelliCAD is suddenly incompatible with AutoCAD! Autodesk releases a maintenance release for AutoCAD R14.01 that makes a change to the .dwg format, and preventing IntelliCAD from reading drawing files… Visio updated IntelliCAD 98 to work with 14.01 files.”
                                                                                            1999, July 27: “Visio cuts IntelliCAD loose by granting the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium a royalty-free, perpetual license for the source code of the IntelliCAD 2000 technology. The ITC was set up by Visio, but run by an independent board of directors.
                                                                                            1999, September: “IntelliCAD Technical Consortium opens its Web site at http://www.intellicad.org/.”
                                                                                            Subsequent releases of IntelliCAD through the ITC occur every year since its initial release (see the IntelliCAD version history link under the Press section of the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium web site).

                                                                                            IntelliCAD Release History

                                                                                            IntelliCAD 6.4 July 27, 2007
                                                                                            IntelliCAD 6.3 February 28, 2007
                                                                                            IntelliCAD 6.2 May 27, 2006
                                                                                            IntelliCAD 6.1 September 5, 2005
                                                                                            IntelliCAD 6.0 May 3, 2005
                                                                                            IntelliCAD 5.1 January 12, 2005
                                                                                            IntelliCAD 5.0 October 24, 2004
                                                                                            IntelliCAD 4.0 March 14, 2003
                                                                                            IntelliCAD 2001 version 3.3 July 19, 2002
                                                                                            IntelliCAD 2001 May 22, 2001
                                                                                            IntelliCAD 2000 March 6, 2000
                                                                                            IntelliCAD 98 May 1, 1998
                                                                                            Carlson Support for IntelliCAD

                                                                                            The Carlson 2009 installation comes with IntelliCAD 6.4 built-in. When you choose IntelliCAD as the CAD platform during installation, the IntelliCAD engine is installed along with the Carlson program files. Carlson 2009 only works with this built-in version of IntelliCAD and not on any other version of IntelliCAD or other IntelliCAD based products like Bricscad.

                                                                                            Running Carlson 2009 on IntelliCAD is largely the same as running on AutoCAD. IntelliCAD supports a development environment with a similar interface as AutoCAD which allows Carlson Software to use the same code base on both CAD platforms. Of the over 1700 Carlson commands across the Carlson 2009 products, there are 11 commands that are not supported with IntelliCAD for the Carlson 2009 release. These are:

                                                                                            Editor Reactors (ie Link Points To Coordinate File)
                                                                                            Point Object Snap (node snap does work)
                                                                                            Text Explode To Polylines
                                                                                            Edit Centerline On-Screen
                                                                                            Extract Centroid Data
                                                                                            Label Object Data Areas
                                                                                            Drape Image On Surface
                                                                                            Retaining Wall Placement
                                                                                            Pillar Cut
                                                                                            Calculate Variogram
                                                                                            Production By Block Model
                                                                                            IntelliCAD – AutoCAD Comparison

                                                                                            IntelliCAD has a very similar user interface as AutoCAD, supports the core AutoCAD commands and uses the DWG drawing formats 2009 to R14. For some Carlson commands, creating entities in AutoCAD is twice as fast as IntelliCAD which makes a significant difference in routines that create lots of entities.

                                                                                            The upcoming IntelliCAD 7 will be built on DWGdirect from the Open Design Alliance and will add a “DRX development environment” similar to ObjectARX with AutoCAD. Using DRX should greatly improve the speed of entity creation within IntelliCAD.

                                                                                            While most of the AutoCAD commands Carlson clients use in AutoCAD can also be found in IntelliCAD 6.4, there are many features in AutoCAD that are not in IntelliCAD. Among these features are ones for architectural and mechanical applications that don’t apply to Carlson customers. For this initial release of Carlson 2009 on IntelliCAD 6.4, here are AutoCAD commands that Carlson customers might miss:

                                                                                            Spell Check
                                                                                            DGN import/export
                                                                                            Orbit command
                                                                                            Find command
                                                                                            Express Tools
                                                                                            Tool Palettes
                                                                                            Annotative Text
                                                                                            Sheet Set Manager
                                                                                            Page Setup Manager
                                                                                            Import .PC3 Files
                                                                                            Irregular viewports
                                                                                            Clipboard commands for copybase and paste to original
                                                                                            VBA not supported for custom applications; VB with COM is supported
                                                                                            Object Enablers for LDT points and contours
                                                                                            User-interface for menu customizaiton (no CUI, old MNU method)
                                                                                            Ctrl-pick cycle for object selection
                                                                                            Dialog user interface for WBlock
                                                                                            Dialog user interface for Purge command
                                                                                            Dialog user interface for Filter command
                                                                                            Right-Click menus
                                                                                            Entity Properties as docked-dialog
                                                                                            Grip snapping to other grips
                                                                                            Highlighting of entities when dragging cursor over them
                                                                                            Mudst hatch pattern
                                                                                            If you identify any other AutoCAD feature that you miss when running Carlson with IntelliCAD, please email us at [email protected] and we willl add to this list which helps guide future developments.

                                                                                            Bibliography

                                                                                            “IntelliCAD Technology Consortium – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia”
                                                                                            Available at:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IntelliCAD_Technology_Consortium 09 April 2008

                                                                                            “IntelliCAD® Technology Consortium: The intelligent alternative for CAD developers.”
                                                                                            Available at: http://www.intellicad.org/join/index.php 09 April 2008

                                                                                            “Natural monopoly – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.”
                                                                                            Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_monopoly#Regulation 09 April 2008

                                                                                            “An Outside Look in at IntelliCAD.”
                                                                                            Available at: http://www.intellicad.org/WorldMeeting2004/presentations/OutsideLookAtIntelliCAD.pdf 09 April 2008

                                                                                            Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor.

                                                                                            IntelliCAD® is a registered trademark of the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium, Inc. and is used under permission.

                                                                                            AutoCAD® is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc.

                                                                                            Windows® and Visio® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

                                                                                            All other registered or unregistered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

                                                                                            All links contained herein open in a new web-browser window.


                                                                                              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.

                                                                                              [FAQ503] How much training will I need to learn Carlson?
                                                                                              +
                                                                                              It really depends on what program(s) you’ve used in the past. Online CAD program training may be a good option for you.

                                                                                              If you’ve used anything AutoCAD-based (such as Land Desktop, Eagle Point, Civil 3d) then the only thing you will need to learn is how Carlson manages points or surfaces compared to those programs. In many ways Carlson Software and Land Desktop are more similar than Land Desktop and Civil 3d so the learning curve is pretty short.

                                                                                              But, if you’re coming from TerraModel or Microstation-based program, learning the AutoCAD or IntelliCAD platform underneath Carlson programs will probably double the time it takes to learn the program. It’s all CAD so you’re not starting from scratch, but figuring out the fundamental differences between layers and levels, templates and seed files, cells and blocks, paper space and plan/profile views and so on will take some time.

                                                                                              Refer to this FAQ for training that’s available if you need to learn CAD or Carlson Software.


                                                                                                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.

                                                                                                [FAQ501] What options do I have for training on CAD or Carlson Software?
                                                                                                +
                                                                                                Lots!

                                                                                                But, don’t forget – there’s a difference between Carlson software TRAINING and Carlson Software TECH SUPPORT… you have to pay for one and the other is free!

                                                                                                I recommend you Click here to complete our Training Questionnaire – this will help you (and us) identify the training that will work best for you.

                                                                                                If it’s training you need, the best and most timely training I provide is through my live webinars or custom online training. You can see the list of upcoming webinars here or follow this link to Request Custom Training to schedule one-on-one custom training.

                                                                                                If it’s movies and videos you want, Carlson has an extensive library of recorded webinars and I’ve posted the webinars I presented on Carlson’s behalf here in my Video Library.

                                                                                                And, if you prefer written material, you may be interested in my Carlson Self-Study Training Manuals. These don’t cover everything Carlson… they’re more of the inch-wide but mile deep variety.


                                                                                                  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.

                                                                                                  [FAQ416] Download & install your license of Carlson SurvPC
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                                                                                                  Related FAQ: Download and install your Carlson SurvCE

                                                                                                  When downloading Carlson SurvPC (and SurvCE), you are first required to enter a serial number before being directed to the correct page to download. This is to ensure you have the correct version (due to device compatibility).

                                                                                                  How to install and run a trial: During installation you will be prompted for your serial number. If you are installing for the purpose of running a trial, it is not necessary to enter the serial number during installation; however, without a serial number, SurvPC will run in 15-point demo-mode for an unlimited number of days. If you use the  trial serial number during installation, it will unlock unlimited points but will also reduce the trial period to 30 days.

                                                                                                   

                                                                                                  1. Follow this link: https://web.carlsonsw.com/files/updates/updates05.php?ss_email=&product=SurvPC
                                                                                                  2. Enter your serial number XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
                                                                                                  3. Enter your email address (for a trial)
                                                                                                  4. Click on “Show Files”
                                                                                                  5. Download #1 or #2 will be the full, complete, up-to-date version of the software. Select “Download”.
                                                                                                  6. During installation, enter your serial number when prompted: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

                                                                                                   


                                                                                                    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.

                                                                                                    [FAQ414] Download & install your license of Carlson Takeoff with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)
                                                                                                    +
                                                                                                    The instructions below are for installing your Carlson Takeoff with embedded AutoCAD (OEM).
                                                                                                     

                                                                                                    1. Follow this link: http://www.carlsonsw.com/support/software-downloads/?ss_email=&product=TakeOff
                                                                                                    2. Next to, “Takeoff”, pick “Show Files”.
                                                                                                    3. From the drop-down list, select the correct “Product Version”
                                                                                                    4. Download #1 or #2 will be the full, complete, up-to-date version of the software. Select “Download”.
                                                                                                    5. During installation, enter your serial number when prompted: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

                                                                                                     
                                                                                                    If you have previously downloaded and installed Carlson and have been running it under a trial serial number, you do not need to re-download and re-install. You can follow the instructions below to update your registration with your new purchased serial number:
                                                                                                     

                                                                                                    1. Start Carlson Software
                                                                                                    2. Go to Help > About Carlson
                                                                                                    3. Pick the “Change Registration” button
                                                                                                    4. Once the “Add/Remove Serial Number” dialog box is open, pick the “Add” button
                                                                                                    5. Complete the Registration Information with your new serial number: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

                                                                                                     
                                                                                                    For Network Licenses

                                                                                                    Instructions for installing the network license manager can be found here: http://www.carlsonsw.com/support/knowledge-base/?action=display_topic&topic_id=55.

                                                                                                    You can also refer to this FAQ: Download and Install the Carlson Network License Manager

                                                                                                    If you need a new (or updated) network license file, please contact Brian Hammer in Carlson’s Boston office. His email is [email protected] and the phone number is 606-564-5028.

                                                                                                     


                                                                                                      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.

                                                                                                      [FAQ413] Download & install your license of Carlson Survey with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)
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                                                                                                      The instructions below are for installing your Carlson Survey with embedded AutoCAD (OEM).
                                                                                                       

                                                                                                      1. Follow this link: http://www.carlsonsw.com/support/software-downloads/?product=CarlsonSurveyEmbedded
                                                                                                      2. Next to, “Carlson Survey Embedded”, pick “Show Files”.
                                                                                                      3. From the drop-down list, select the correct “Product Version”
                                                                                                      4. Download #1 or #2 will be the full, complete, up-to-date version of the software. Select “Download”.
                                                                                                      5. During installation, enter your serial number when prompted: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

                                                                                                       
                                                                                                      If you have previously downloaded and installed Carlson and have been running it under a trial serial number, you do not need to re-download and re-install. You can follow the instructions below to update your registration with your new purchased serial number:
                                                                                                       

                                                                                                      1. Start Carlson Software
                                                                                                      2. Go to Help > About Carlson
                                                                                                      3. Pick the “Change Registration” button
                                                                                                      4. Once the “Add/Remove Serial Number” dialog box is open, pick the “Add” button
                                                                                                      5. Complete the Registration Information with your new serial number: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

                                                                                                       
                                                                                                      For Network Licenses

                                                                                                      Instructions for installing the network license manager can be found here: http://www.carlsonsw.com/support/knowledge-base/?action=display_topic&topic_id=55.

                                                                                                      You can also refer to this FAQ: Download and Install the Carlson Network License Manager

                                                                                                      If you need a new (or updated) network license file, please contact Brian Hammer in Carlson’s Boston office. His email is [email protected] and the phone number is 606-564-5028.

                                                                                                       


                                                                                                        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.

                                                                                                        [FAQ412] Download & install your license of Carlson Software (with your AutoCAD or IntelliCAD)
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                                                                                                        The instructions below are for installing your Carlson Software on top of a separately purchased license of AutoCAD or the IntelliCAD that comes with the program.

                                                                                                        These instructions are applicable to perpetual licenses, 90-day licenses and 30-day trials for the following modules: Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Geology, Underground Mining, Surface Mining, Natural Regrade, Field, CADnet, GeoTech, Trench, Construction and Point Clouds.

                                                                                                         
                                                                                                        If you are installing this license for the first time

                                                                                                        1. Follow this link: http://www.carlsonsw.com/support/software-downloads/
                                                                                                        2. Next to, “Carlson Survey/Civil/Mining/Takeoff for CAD”, pick “Show Files”
                                                                                                        3. From the drop-down list, select the correct “Product Version”
                                                                                                        4. Download #1 or #2 will be the full, complete, up-to-date version of the software. Select “Download”.
                                                                                                        5. During installation, enter your serial number when prompted: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
                                                                                                        6. When prompted for the platform, select IntelliCAD or your current version of AutoCAD.

                                                                                                         
                                                                                                        If you only need to change or update the serial number

                                                                                                        If you have previously downloaded and installed this same version of Carlson and have been running it under a trial serial number or you’ve purchased additional modules, you do not need to re-download and re-install.

                                                                                                        You can follow the instructions below to update your registration with your new purchased serial number:

                                                                                                        1. Start Carlson Software
                                                                                                        2. Go to Help > About Carlson
                                                                                                        3. Pick the “Change Registration” button
                                                                                                        4. Once the “Add/Remove Serial Number” dialog box is open, pick the “Add” button
                                                                                                        5. Complete the Registration Information with your new serial number: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

                                                                                                         
                                                                                                        For Network Licenses

                                                                                                        Instructions for installing the network license manager can be found here: http://www.carlsonsw.com/support/knowledge-base/?action=display_topic&topic_id=55.

                                                                                                        You can also refer to this FAQ: Download and Install the Carlson Network License Manager

                                                                                                        If you need a new (or updated) network license file, please contact Brian Hammer in Carlson’s Boston office. His email is [email protected] and the phone number is 606-564-5028.

                                                                                                         


                                                                                                          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.

                                                                                                          [FAQ410] Where can I download my Carlson Software?
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                                                                                                          If you are installing for the first time, you can go to Carlson’s Software Download page to download complete installation files. Or, if you have already installed, you can also visit this page to download files that will update your current installation to the newest build.

                                                                                                          If you are doing this manually, you will first have to select the correct program and version for downloading. You can choose your Carlson program and version from a drop-down list or, if you’re not sure of one or both, you can also enter your serial number to find the right download.

                                                                                                           

                                                                                                           

                                                                                                           

                                                                                                           
                                                                                                          If you’re choosing your own product, here are some tips:
                                                                                                           

                                                                                                          • For any of the Carlson Software desktop products that run on top of AutoCAD or come with IntelliCAD, select the default product Carlson Survey/Civil/Mining/Takeoff for CAD
                                                                                                          • For Survey with embedded AutoCAD (OEM) select Carlson Survey Embedded
                                                                                                          • For Takeoff with embedded AutoCAD (OEM) select Takeoff

                                                                                                           
                                                                                                          After selecting the correct product, pick the Show Files button and then select the correct version.
                                                                                                           
                                                                                                          Depending on the program and version you choose, you may be presented with a long list of downloadable files including full versions for 32-bit or 64-bit computers and various files that will update your current installation to the newest build. Just read the download file descriptions carefully and download the one that matches your system.

                                                                                                           

                                                                                                          FAQ: How do I know if I’m running the latest build of my Carlson Software?

                                                                                                          FAQ: What is the latest and greatest version/build of my Carlson Software? (a running thread)


                                                                                                            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.

                                                                                                            [FAQ314] What features are in Carlson Precision 3D? (a running thread)
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                                                                                                            Shortly after each new release of the program, we will update this FAQ to show the updated list of features in the new release.

                                                                                                            Refer to this FAQ to see the latest improvements to Carlson’s desktop software products

                                                                                                            Carlson Precision 3d Topo 2017

                                                                                                            Features and Benefits of Precision 3D 2017

                                                                                                            With Carlson Software’s Precision 3D Topo… True 3D Topo Editing in a 3D Environment is Here!

                                                                                                            Carlson Precision 3D Topo’s editing ability of digital terrain models (DTMs) offers many benefits:

                                                                                                            • Load and review the two most common formats for surfaces: LandXML and DXF files of 3D Faces, in addition to TIN and Grd files from Carlson Software.
                                                                                                            • Overlay other LandXML file types such as points, alignments, parcels, storm and sanitary sewers, culvert pipes and other piping systems.
                                                                                                            • View the 3D Surface with user-controlled textures to quickly spot errors in the DTM.
                                                                                                            • Fix the errors in the DTM for re-saving and use in CAD programs, or for direct output for machine control and survey stakeout.

                                                                                                            Never before has there been such an array of tools to locate and correct DTM errors, all in a sharp 3D interface. Surveyors, contractors and engineers alike can use the software to make sure the final DTM surface is of the highest quality. Editing tools include surface blending, spike and dimple removal, DTM vertex editing and surface pad placement by defined polygon and outslope conditions. Multiple undoes and redoes allow you to study your changes and makes things perfect.


                                                                                                              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.

                                                                                                              [FAQ312] What features & menus are in Carlson SurvCE and SurvPC? (a running thread)
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                                                                                                              SurvCE and SurvPC 5.xx

                                                                                                              Features and Benefits of SurvCE and SurvPC 5.x

                                                                                                              Carlson SurvCE is the first choice in data collection software, combining advanced functionality, ease-of-use, and sheer capability:

                                                                                                              • Get the software that supports a wide variety of equipment, old or new.
                                                                                                              • Enjoy excellent, free (and prompt) technical support
                                                                                                              • Be heard – Carlson listens to its customers’ input for new features or drivers for all of its products

                                                                                                              Carlson SurvCE is a complete data collection system for Real Time (RTK) GPS and Total Stations with in-field coordinate geometry. It supports the widest range of popular and new release RTK GPS and conventional/robotic total stations.

                                                                                                              SurvCE and its full-windows companion SurvPC can be configured with various combinations of 4 modules: Total Station (Basic), Robotics (requires Basic), Carlson GPS and Advanced Roading (Requires Basic or other Carlson GPS).

                                                                                                              Refer to this FAQ to see if your hardware is supported in SurvCE & SurvPC

                                                                                                              Refer to this FAQ for system requirements

                                                                                                              Menus in SurvCE and SurvPC 5.x

                                                                                                              File Menu

                                                                                                              SurvCE and SurvPC 5 File Menu

                                                                                                              Equip Menu

                                                                                                              SurvCE and SurvPC 5 Equip Menu

                                                                                                              Survey Menu

                                                                                                              SurvCE and SurvPC 5 Survey Menu

                                                                                                              COGO Menu

                                                                                                              SurvCE and SurvPC 5 COGO Menu

                                                                                                              Road Menu

                                                                                                              SurvCE and SurvPC 5 Road Menu

                                                                                                              Select Equipment

                                                                                                              SurvCE and SurvPC Select Equipment Options

                                                                                                              Map View | FILE Menu

                                                                                                              SurvCE and SurvPC 5 Map View | FILE Menu

                                                                                                              Map View | VIEW Menu

                                                                                                              SurvCE and SurvPC 5 Map View | VIEW Menu

                                                                                                              Map View | DRAW Menu

                                                                                                              SurvCE and SurvPC 5 Map View | DRAW Menu

                                                                                                              Map View | COGO Menu

                                                                                                              SurvCE and SurvPC 5 Map View | COGO Menu

                                                                                                              Map View | TOOLS Menu

                                                                                                              SurvCE and SurvPC 5 Map View | TOOLS Menu


                                                                                                                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.

                                                                                                                [FAQ311] What features & menus are in Carlson Takeoff with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)? (a running thread)
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                                                                                                                Takeoff 2017 (R9) with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)

                                                                                                                Features and Benefits of Takeoff 2017 (R9) with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff is a cut/fill volumes and data prep (for layout or machine control) program that can estimate jobs using paper plan digitizing, PDFs, or electronic CAD files which is ideal for CAD management.

                                                                                                                Key features include:

                                                                                                                • Calculate site cut & fill and topsoil
                                                                                                                • Differentiate strata volumes & dirt vs. rock
                                                                                                                • Accurately determine subgrade quantities
                                                                                                                • Estimate trench and pipe quantities
                                                                                                                • Estimate roadways from cross-sections
                                                                                                                • Prepare the design info for exact staking
                                                                                                                • Create a 3D model for machine control

                                                                                                                Menus in Takeoff 2017 (R9) with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)

                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                Menu bar in Takeoff 2017 (R9)

                                                                                                                The menus below are available in Carlson Takeoff 2017 (R9) with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)

                                                                                                                File Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM File Menu

                                                                                                                Edit Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM Edit Menu

                                                                                                                View Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM View Menu

                                                                                                                Draw Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM Draw Menu

                                                                                                                Digitize Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM Digitize Menu

                                                                                                                Raster Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM Raster Menu

                                                                                                                Elevate Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM Elevate Menu

                                                                                                                Takeoff Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM Takeoff Menu

                                                                                                                Drillhole Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM Drillhole Menu

                                                                                                                Trench Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM Trench Menu

                                                                                                                Roads Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM Roads Menu

                                                                                                                Points Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM Points Menu

                                                                                                                Surface Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM Surface Menu

                                                                                                                Inquiry Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM Inquiry Menu

                                                                                                                Settings Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM Settings Menu

                                                                                                                Display Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM Display Menu

                                                                                                                Window Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM Window Menu

                                                                                                                Help Menu

                                                                                                                Carlson Takeoff 2017 OEM Help Menu


                                                                                                                  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.

                                                                                                                  [FAQ310] What features & menus are in Carlson Point Cloud? (a running thread)
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                                                                                                                  Carlson Point Cloud 2019 - Basic and Advanced

                                                                                                                  Features and Benefits of Point Cloud 2019

                                                                                                                  With the release of their 2019 products, Carlson now offers Basic and Advanced versions of their Point Cloud program.

                                                                                                                  Comparison: Point Cloud Basic vs Point Cloud Advanced

                                                                                                                  Commands in Point Cloud Basic and Point Cloud Advanced

                                                                                                                  View product page for Point Cloud Basic

                                                                                                                  View product page for Point Cloud Advanced

                                                                                                                  Carlson Point Cloud is a modular program that provides this powerful ability to go from field scan to finished plat, all with seamless integration to Carlson Survey, Carlson Civil and Carlson Mining. Carlson Point Cloud delivers a whole new level of powerful automation for large data sets. It gives laser scanner users the ability to process millions of data points with Carlson Software ease-of-use.

                                                                                                                  Register your scan to local coordinates, filter or decimate the points, overlay raster images in 3D, snap to edges and code the descriptions for automated field-to finish processing of linework and symbols and create contours, profiles, sections, and breaklines. You will be able to read scan data from many instruments, view and process up to 1 billion points, and then perform the Field-to-Finish from the scanned data!

                                                                                                                  This Carlson Software office product allows users to export surface models, points, contours, breaklines, grid and profiles to CAD.

                                                                                                                  Carlson Point Cloud 2017

                                                                                                                  Features and Benefits of Point Cloud 2017

                                                                                                                  Carlson Point Cloud is a modular program that provides this powerful ability to go from field scan to finished plat, all with seamless integration to Carlson Survey, Carlson Civil and Carlson Mining. Carlson Point Cloud delivers a whole new level of powerful automation for large data sets. It gives laser scanner users the ability to process millions of data points with Carlson Software ease-of-use.

                                                                                                                  Register your scan to local coordinates, filter or decimate the points, overlay raster images in 3D, snap to edges and code the descriptions for automated field-to finish processing of linework and symbols and create contours, profiles, sections, and breaklines. You will be able to read scan data from many instruments, view and process up to 1 billion points, and then perform the Field-to-Finish from the scanned data!

                                                                                                                  This Carlson Software office product allows users to export surface models, points, contours, breaklines, grid and profiles to CAD.

                                                                                                                  Menus in Point Cloud 2017

                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                  Menu Bar in Point Cloud 2017

                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                  The menus below are available in Carlson Point Cloud 2017

                                                                                                                  Point Clouds Menu

                                                                                                                  Point Clouds 2017

                                                                                                                  The menus below are in all non-OEM programs of Carlson 2017 desktop software

                                                                                                                  (Click image to see more)


                                                                                                                    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.

                                                                                                                    [FAQ309] What features & menus are in Carlson GeoTech? (a running thread)
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                                                                                                                    Shortly after each new release of the program, we will update this FAQ to show the menus that come with the installation.

                                                                                                                    Refer to this FAQ to see the latest improvements to Carlson’s desktop software products

                                                                                                                    Carlson GeoTech 2017

                                                                                                                    Features and Benefits of GeoTech 2017

                                                                                                                    Carlson GeoTech provides the ability to import borehole data for analyzing subsurface conditions and materials.

                                                                                                                    “GeoTech will model all core samples and produce a detailed, easy-to-read report for drill logs, cross sections, and plan view,” says Dave Carlson, V.P. of Development for Carlson Software.

                                                                                                                    In addition, this information is fully integrated with Carlson Civil, for determining site stability and suitability, and also Carlson Construction, for accurate strata takeoff estimation.

                                                                                                                    Menus in GeoTech 2017

                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                    Menu Bar in GeoTech 2017

                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                    The menus below are available in Carlson GeoTech 2017

                                                                                                                    Drillhole Menu

                                                                                                                    GeoTech 2017 Drillhole Menu

                                                                                                                    StrataCalc Menu

                                                                                                                    GeoTech 2017 StrataCalc Menu

                                                                                                                    Grids Menu

                                                                                                                    GeoTech 2017 Grids Menu

                                                                                                                    Map Menu

                                                                                                                    GeoTech 2017 Map Menu

                                                                                                                    The menus below are in all non-OEM programs of Carlson 2017 desktop software

                                                                                                                    (Click image to see more)


                                                                                                                      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.

                                                                                                                      [FAQ276] About Carlson Software
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                                                                                                                      Carlson Software has been developing quality software solutions for land development professionals in the surveying, civil engineering, mining, and construction fields since 1983. Originally, the company offered a variety of products in support of the engineering & mining industries.

                                                                                                                      Today, according to a recent article in GIM International Magazine:

                                                                                                                      Carlson Mining is now in use by 90% of the US coal industry, and coal mining from Columbia to Russia, India and Australia, as well as mineral mining. In 2001 Carlson released SurvCE, a data-collection product now adopted by partners such as Magellan, Navcom, Sokkia, Leica and Topcon, and translated into fourteen languages.

                                                                                                                      Carlson developed the stand-alone Carlson Survey program in 1996 and in 1999 Autodesk contracted to market and sell a version of it called Autodesk® Field Survey®. Autodesk did away with Field Survey after a few years and Carlson migrated most users over to Carlson Survey where it has grown to become a favorite of surveyors.

                                                                                                                      Again, as noted in GIM International’s Independence All the Way article:

                                                                                                                      The Carlson Software mission is to become the premiere independent developer of land survey, civil engineering, construction and mining software; to maintain its reputation for technological innovation; to provide industry-leading customer service and support; and to provide one-source technology solutions from data collection to design, on through to construction. A complete suite of solutions is offered for land-development professionals, covering data collection, surveying, engineering design and drafting, mine planning and modelling, construction estimation and machine control; data-collection expertise produces accident and crime reconstruction field and office software for law-enforcement personnel or law consultants.

                                                                                                                      Customers are encouraged into a ‘positive feedback loop’ that ensures annual software releases are full of customer-driven new features. There is a high rate of customer retention, and the company continues its own tradition of providing free technical support.

                                                                                                                      BNP Media (POB magazine) recently conducted a survey of industry professionals through Clear Seas Research and Carlson ranked #1 in product support for both CAD and Data Collection software. Carlson also ranked in the top spots for price fairness and product quality.

                                                                                                                      Beginning in 2009, Carlson introduced a 2nd platform to its offerings. Now, in addition to Carlson Civil Suite and TakeOff products running on top of any AutoCAD® or Map® versions 2004-current (for Carlson 2012 and prior, the programs run on top of AutoCAD programs as old as 2000), these programs are now delivered with built-in IntelliCAD® — a robust, DWG-compatible CAD platform that looks, acts and feels like AutoCAD. An IntelliCAD version comes with each license of these Carlson products.

                                                                                                                      This CE News case study profiles the extensive review the civil engineering firm Dewberry went through to ultimately choose the Carlson Civil Suite for its 40 offices nationwide:

                                                                                                                      “Carlson works for us,” says Dave Palumbo, PE, Technology Manager for Infrastructure Services for Dewberry. “It is highly cost effective and people are doing better work… I think they are also having fun!”

                                                                                                                      Carlson Data Cycle

                                                                                                                      Carlson Products allow for complete control of the data flow through concept through construction and as-built records. View the video showcasing the many products that are offered by Carlson Software and how they work together to work for you.

                                                                                                                       


                                                                                                                        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.

                                                                                                                        [FAQ267] Does Carlson retire their products?
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                                                                                                                        Well, to my knowledge, they haven’t retired any yet.
                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                        That doesn’t mean they won’t in the future or that you’ll get a “we’ll fix that tomorrow!” answer for every problem for every past release… but I am not aware of any programs they have stopped supporting.


                                                                                                                          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.

                                                                                                                          [FAQ244] Compared to AutoCAD or IntelliCAD, what would I miss in the embedded AutoCAD (OEM) versions of Survey & Takeoff? (a running thread)
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                                                                                                                          I can’t say that I use the embedded AutoCAD (OEM) version a lot because, to me, the platform underneath is much closer to an AutoCAD LT than it is to an AutoCAD and there are many functions I miss. And, since AutoCAD and IntelliCAD are so similar, it makes sense to also compare the features and functionality of the embedded AutoCAD products with IntelliCAD.

                                                                                                                          Some AutoCAD commands, such as the Layer Tools that used to be in Express Tools and are now in the Layers II toolbar of AutoCAD, have been built into the Carlson menus. So even though you may not find the Layers II toolbar you can still freeze and isolate layers by picking entities on the screen.

                                                                                                                          I’ll keep this post as a running thread and will add to it as I come across functions or features you may miss.

                                                                                                                          Differences between embedded AutoCAD (OEM) and full AutoCAD or IntelliCAD:

                                                                                                                          • In OEM – Can’t load LSP files (verified in 2016). This is possible in AutoCAD and IntelliCAD.
                                                                                                                          • In OEM – Can’t change command aliases (acad.pgp) or Carlson QuickKeys (verified in 2016) – although you may find a workaround in this Carlson KB Article:Bits and Pieces. This is possible in AutoCAD and IntelliCAD.
                                                                                                                          • In OEM – The command REGEN is available but REGENALL is not (verified in 2016). This is possible in AutoCAD and IntelliCAD.
                                                                                                                          • In OEM – Carlson Startup Settings (aka Launch Options) such as setting a default template (.dwt) file are not available in the OEM (verified in 2016). This is possible in AutoCAD and IntelliCAD.
                                                                                                                          • In OEM and IntelliCAD – Express Tools aren’t available. However, you can use Carlson’s Layer Tools and Layer Toolbar as a workaround to replace the Express Tools Layers commands and the Layers II toolbar.


                                                                                                                            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.

                                                                                                                            [FAQ251] What’s the difference between Carlson’s annual maintenance and an Autodesk subscription?
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                                                                                                                            Other than one being wildly expensive and like doing a stint in Supermax? Just kidding…

                                                                                                                            The main difference between Carlson’s maintenance plan and Autodesk’s subscription is that Carlson’s tech support is not tied to maintenance at all while Autodesk tech support is only available for no additional fee to those who are current on subscription.

                                                                                                                            Also, in the past few years, there have been so many changes to Autodesk’s Subscription policies that it’s practically impossible to keep up and know exactly what you’re getting for that big price tag.

                                                                                                                            Regardless of whether you’re current on maintenance, whether you’ve let it lapse, whether you’re using today’s version of the software or whether you’re using a version that’s 10 years old, tech support is free from Carlson.

                                                                                                                            You can view the Carlson Software Maintenance Policy here


                                                                                                                              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.

                                                                                                                              [FAQ243] If I buy Carlson, should I go with the embedded AutoCAD (OEM)? Or with IntelliCAD? or just buy AutoCAD?
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                                                                                                                              In my opinion, if you’ve been using any program that includes a full-license of AutoCAD as a platform (AutoCAD, Map, Land Desktop, Civil 3d) for years, you will be greatly disappointed and frustrated with the embedded AutoCAD (OEM) version. You may think you’re getting AutoCAD, but you’re getting something closer to AutoCAD LT.
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                              So… long-time, mostly happy AutoCAD users should only consider running Carlson on IntelliCAD or installing on top of a separate license of AutoCAD.
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                              The next part is the hard part: IntelliCAD? Or AutoCAD? The answer to this will basically come down to $$$ dollar-signs $$$.
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                              If you already have a licensed version of AutoCAD, Map, Land Desktop or Civil 3d that can be installed under your Carlson then you are in great shape. You can hope for the best and install Carlson with IntelliCAD but you’re also prepared for the worst. If you’re not happy with IntelliCAD, you can install your same Carlson license on top of your AutoCAD.
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                              But, what if you don’t own a copy of AutoCAD or would need to pay to upgrade an old copy to run with Carlson? Is it worth it?
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                              It might be. If you’re a power-user and are truly losing productivity with IntelliCAD then I believe you can justify the cost to buy a new or upgrade an old AutoCAD. I usually recommend it this way, “If and when your frustration level reaches about 4000-bucks, buy AutoCAD!”.
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                              I know you’ll be shocked to learn that most sole-proprietors/business owners will stick with IntelliCAD much longer (or forever!) before they can justify the outlay of money for AutoCAD.
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                              For a more detailed look, see this Software Review: AutoCAD and IntelliCAD from Professional Surveyor magazine.
                                                                                                                               


                                                                                                                                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.

                                                                                                                                [FAQ203] I’m not in your state/region/country – can I buy my software from you?
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                                                                                                                                Yes, you sure can!

                                                                                                                                And sometimes I’m able to give discounts or access to my monthly webinars for new customers so give me a call, send me an email or follow this link and click on Request a Custom Proposal to see what is available!


                                                                                                                                  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.

                                                                                                                                  [FAQ451] Do I qualify for an automatic upgrade to the new version of Carlson?
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                                                                                                                                  Maybe.

                                                                                                                                  With every new license of Carlson that includes IntelliCAD or runs on top of your AutoCAD, Carlson includes 90 days of free Maintenance at no charge. This is Carlson’s way of guaranteeing that, if a new version of the software is released within 90 days of purchase, you will automatically be upgraded.

                                                                                                                                  Also, you have the option of purchasing Maintenance for any of the desktop software with IntelliCAD or for your AutoCAD.

                                                                                                                                  Bottom line: If your Maintenance is current when a new version is released, you’re eligible for an automatic upgrade to the new version.

                                                                                                                                  Follow this link then click on Request a Custom Proposal to get pricing for upgrades or maintenance renewal or even just to request a report of your current licensing.


                                                                                                                                    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.

                                                                                                                                    [FAQ456] I think I found a bug in my Carlson Software – how can I get it resolved?
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                                                                                                                                    In addition to the annual release of new versions of their software (2015, 2016, 2017, etc), Carlson posts minor updates called “Builds” through the year to fix bugs and other problems found after the initial release.

                                                                                                                                    If you encounter a bug in the program, you’ll first want to check for updates to see if you’re running the latest build of your program. If not, the latest build might resolve the issue.

                                                                                                                                    There is a link to Check for Updates in your Windows Carlson Software program folder as shown below:

                                                                                                                                    2017_WindowsStartMenu_CheckForUpdates

                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                    Rather than use the Check for Updates link, you can follow these FAQs to see if the build you currently have installed is the same as the one posted on Carlson’s Software Downloads page.

                                                                                                                                    Once you’ve confirmed you’re running the latest build, you have several ways to submit a request for tech support.

                                                                                                                                    After they have verified it’s a repeatable error/bug, Carlson may handle it a couple of ways. If it’s a stop-work situation for you in the latest version, Carlson will work to correct it and send you updated program files with instruction on how and where to copy them. Anyone else who stumbles upon the same issue will get the same files sent to them.

                                                                                                                                    Your bug fix will be incorporated into the next build of the program when it’s posted to Carlson’s website.


                                                                                                                                      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.

                                                                                                                                      [FAQ233] What happens if I get a new computer and need to reinstall Carlson?
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                                                                                                                                      No problem. Carlson’s registration process provides for that scenario.
                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                      When you reinstall on the new computer, follow the same steps to download and, during the installation process, use your same serial number. The key to NOT getting in trouble is how you register it the first time it launches on the new computer. The image below shows the Install Info tab of the registration dialog box.
                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                      You must specify the Reason for Installation from one of these 5 options:
                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                      2016_RegScreen02

                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                      1. Initial install or maintenance upgrade of Carlson
                                                                                                                                      2. Re-installation of Carlson
                                                                                                                                      3. Windows or AutoCAD Upgrade
                                                                                                                                      4. Home/Field use. See License Agreement.
                                                                                                                                      5. New Hardware (new hard drive, network card, new computer)

                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                      For your reinstall, you’d choose option #5. It’s a little dated but you can refer to this Knowledge Base article from Carlson’s website explaining these options: Carlson KB 893: Desktop Software Reasons for Registration. This FAQ explains where to find your Carlson Software License Agreement (EULA).


                                                                                                                                        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.

                                                                                                                                        [FAQ263] I miss my Land Desktop/LDD! What is my next, best option?
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                                                                                                                                        I feel ya!

                                                                                                                                        I really do miss the days when we had several options for our design software but the market has consolidated down to, pretty much, Civil 3d or Carlson Software.

                                                                                                                                        My biases are obviously clear but, in my opinion, Carlson is far and away the closest thing to an upgrade to Land Desktop that’s on the market today. Carlson has a lot of the dynamic functionality (RoadNet, LotNet, Design Pad Template, etc.) that we wanted in Land Desktop. But, the entities created by these cool automated tools are all standard CAD entities such as polylines and 3d polylines and text.

                                                                                                                                        The benefit is that, when you get to the end of your design and need to pinpoint and tweak an area, you have the option of doing basic CAD-editing of standard polylines or text to make changes the old-fashioned way.

                                                                                                                                        One of my complaints about Civil 3d is that users get very little credit for knowing AutoCAD. Civil 3d requires you to create “Styles” for everything and these styles override basic CAD management of all other properties such as colors, layers, linetypes, text styles, formatting and so on.

                                                                                                                                        Here is one of my favorite examples to illustrate my point. I have a 100 x 200 lot below that has a label inside for area in square footage and acres. The labels are generic and ugly but I can change that later. At this point, all I want to do is add a silly comma so that the area in SF reads “20,000 SF”.

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                        If I’m in Carlson, I double-click on the label and edit it – because it’s CAD and it’s text.

                                                                                                                                        If I’m in Civil 3d, that label is tied to the parcel-object and the style of the object must be changed. Unless you explode the object and lose all the perceived benefits of Civil 3d, there are many clicks and digging deep into dialog boxes to make the same change.


                                                                                                                                          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.

                                                                                                                                          [FAQ266] Does Carlson have student or academic licenses?
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                                                                                                                                          At this time, August 2016… Student? No, not to my knowledge.
                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                          But, for Academic licenses? Yes.
                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                          Carlson Software provides unlimited desktop licensing to qualified colleges and universities around the world.


                                                                                                                                            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.

                                                                                                                                            [FAQ232] Can I install my Carlson desktop software on two computers?
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                                                                                                                                            Yes. Each standalone license of Carlson can be installed on two computers for your personal use. For instance, install at home and at the office or on your office desktop computer and your field laptop. But, if you own one license, both computers cannot be using Carlson at the same time or it is a violation of your Carlson Software License Agreement (EULA).

                                                                                                                                            For your 2nd installation, follow the same steps to download and, during the installation process, use your same serial number. The key to NOT getting in trouble is how you register it the first time it launches on the 2nd computer. The image below shows the Install Info tab of the registration dialog box.

                                                                                                                                            You must specify the Reason for Installation from one of these 5 options:

                                                                                                                                            2016_RegScreen02

                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                            1. Initial install or maintenance update of Carlson
                                                                                                                                            2. Re-installation of Carlson
                                                                                                                                            3. Windows or AutoCAD Upgrade
                                                                                                                                            4. Home/Field use. See License Agreement.
                                                                                                                                            5. New Hardware (new hard drive, network card, new computer)

                                                                                                                                            For your 2nd installation, you’d choose option #4. It’s a little dated but you can refer to this Knowledge Base article from Carlson’s website explaining these options: Carlson KB 893: Desktop Software Reasons for Registration. This FAQ explains where to find your Carlson Software License Agreement (EULA).


                                                                                                                                              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.

                                                                                                                                              [FAQ264] What is the relationship between Carlson and IntelliCAD?
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                                                                                                                                              Starting in 2009, Carlson Software began including a license of IntelliCAD with their desktop software that, previously, only worked on top of AutoCAD. So, now, each user has an option of installing and running these products standalone with IntelliCAD or on top of a separately purchased, full license of AutoCAD.
                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                              For more information about the version of IntelliCAD that currently ships with Carlson, refer to this FAQ What versions of AutoCAD & IntelliCAD does Carlson run on top of? And what about AutoCAD LT?.


                                                                                                                                                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.

                                                                                                                                                [FAQ024] GIS Starter Kit for Carlson’s IntelliCAD users
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                                                                                                                                                Update July 2020: I’ve recently been informed that this offer is not being offered by Esri at this time.

                                                                                                                                                Esri offers this promotion intermittently so I’ll just keep these details posted and will provide updates if and when I get word the promotion is currently “On” or “Off”…

                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                I can’t remember when I received the last confirmation so, until I hear differently, we’ll assume it’s ON…!
                                                                                                                                                 


                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                Those currently using Carlson with IntelliCAD are eligible for a FREE “GIS for surveyors Starter Kit” from ESRI. The Kit includes 3 books:
                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                • ArcGIS for Desktop Basic
                                                                                                                                                • A to Z GIS: An Illustrated Dictionary of Geographic Information Systems
                                                                                                                                                • Getting to Know ArcGIS for Desktop, Third Edition

                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                To take advantage of the offer, call 1-800-GIS-XPRT FREE (1-800-447-9778 FREE) and request the Carlson-IntelliCAD GIS Starter Kit and please have your Carlson Serial Number available.
                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                You can learn more about ESRI’s commitment to survey and engineering by attending the Esri AEC Summit or by visiting www.esri.com.


                                                                                                                                                  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.

                                                                                                                                                  [FAQ210] What should I buy if I need a basic CAD program (like AutoCAD LT)?
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                                                                                                                                                  Update October 2017

                                                                                                                                                  In September, Carlson Software introduced a new program in their lineup: Carlson iCAD. This program is comparable to AutoCAD LT with basic drafting and inquiry tools but is built on IntelliCAD 8.3.

                                                                                                                                                  FAQ: What features are in Carlson iCAD? (a running thread)

                                                                                                                                                  View Carlson iCAD in our online store


                                                                                                                                                  Original post is below

                                                                                                                                                  If you truly, truly only need generic-CAD functionality, I recommend purchasing Carlson GIS with IntelliCAD. It’s the cheapest of all the desktop products and you can load this basic IntelliCAD menu:

                                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                                  2016_IntelliCADMenu
                                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                                  by picking the IntelliCAD button from the Carlson Programs toolbar:
                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                  2017_Programs_Toolbar

                                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                                  Extra Bonus! IntelliCAD is much closer to AutoCAD than AutoCAD LT… you’ll have much more functionality at a cheaper price! And, if you ever need a little bit of GIS, you can do that too.


                                                                                                                                                    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?
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                                                                                                                                                    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.

                                                                                                                                                      [FAQ270] P3D? or Point Cloud? then Point Cloud Basic? or Point Cloud Advanced?
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                                                                                                                                                      With their 2023 release, Carlson Software has made dozens of improvements to both Point Cloud Basic and Point Cloud Advanced. So, I thought it was appropriate to “re-purpose” this blog post from 2019 as an FAQ and update it as the products continue to improve.

                                                                                                                                                      Here is a handy chart – current as of the 2023 product release: Comparison: Point Cloud Basic vs Point Cloud Advanced

                                                                                                                                                      Point Cloud Advanced 2023 – Quick Guide

                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                      Point Cloud Advanced Videos

                                                                                                                                                      Carlson Point Cloud Advanced 2023 – Part 1
                                                                                                                                                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2Sgk21HnPw&t=34s 

                                                                                                                                                      Carlson Point Cloud Advanced 2023 – Part 2
                                                                                                                                                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftIdxr9cPmU&t=36s 

                                                                                                                                                      Carlson Point Cloud Advanced 2023 – Part 3
                                                                                                                                                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXchPkwVPcE&t=33s 

                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                      From the 2019 post:

                                                                                                                                                      I don’t know about you but the new Carlson product offerings for P3D Topo and Point Cloud Basic and Point Cloud Advanced confuse me. Admittedly, these are products I haven’t dived into much and have relied on Mark Long and Doug Aaberg for their advice and direction. So, I put the question to them, “Who Needs Point Cloud? And Who Needs P3D Topo?”

                                                                                                                                                      Doug Aaberg: I feel that while Carlson P3D topo is a good solution for producing, manipulating surface models as well as some hydrology capabilities while Carlson Point Cloud is a good solution for performing virtual surveys and extracting existing data out of a cloud. It is probably to simple to surmise by saying Engineers would like P3D while Surveyors would like Point Cloud but I sort of think that way. The truth is, there is a lot of overlap between the two products.

                                                                                                                                                      Mark Long says: Carlson P3D Topo is intended to take large point clouds and create surface models for design professionals via Drones or Lidar.

                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                      And as to the difference between Point Cloud Basic and Advanced? Doug says: Point Cloud Basic – designed to work within a CAD environment to manipulate and extract data from a point cloud. It has a very large capacity (up to a billion points) and is a great program for performing a “virtual survey” directly in a cloud. It allows the creation of Carlson points and 3D polylines utilizing a typical Carlson Field to Finish code table (FLD file) and draws entities directly into an open CAD drawing with no additional export function. A notable feature is Survey by Grid which sets points at any specified grid spacing.

                                                                                                                                                      Point Cloud Advanced – contains all of the functionality of Carlson Point Cloud Basic plus the ability to extract features such as trees, hydrants and poles. It also allows the creation of solids and utilizes typical Carlson cross section alignments (mxs files) to extract cross sections and profiles. You can select cloud data by color or elevation and create regions for isolating portions of a cloud for editing or extracting features.. A notable feature is the ability to simplify a TIN and create smoother looking contour lines.


                                                                                                                                                        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.

                                                                                                                                                        [FAQ450] My Maintenance is Current… Where’s My Upgrade?
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                                                                                                                                                        One of the best things about keeping your Carlson Software maintenance plan up-to-date is that you have access to the latest and greatest version of the software whenever you’re ready to take the plunge! Some users can’t wait to install the newest version as soon as it’s released but others wait for the first new Build to be posted and then go for it.

                                                                                                                                                        With the building out of your That CAD Girl Customer Portal, we are doing our best to have all the information you need about your serial numbers easily accessible and available to you.

                                                                                                                                                        As soon as possible after a new release, we will post your new, upgraded serial number(s) to your Customer Portal and will upload a new maintenance report showing your new serial number(s). However, if you get to this before we do… you can use the Carlson Software Serial Number Upgrade Lookup site to get your new serial number as soon as it’s released.

                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                        You will need the items listed below. Your serial number and Carlson Customer ID can be found on your That CAD Girl Customer Portal:

                                                                                                                                                        • Your current serial number
                                                                                                                                                        • Your Carlson Customer ID
                                                                                                                                                        • Phone Number
                                                                                                                                                        • Email Address


                                                                                                                                                          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.

                                                                                                                                                          [FAQ022] Is Carlson Field to Finish the same as Land Desktop or Civil 3d Description Keys?
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                                                                                                                                                          Similar, but not the same.
                                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                                          Land Desktop and Civil 3D Description Keys are used to sort inserted points onto layers, insert symbols and do various other point-related tasks based on a point’s raw description. There are separate routines in the programs for creating automatic linework that connects points using additional field-coding.
                                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                                          Carlson combines all of that functionality into the Field to Finish routine. Whether you need to sort points to layers, insert symbols or create automatic linework based on field-coding, Field to Finish manages it all.


                                                                                                                                                            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.

                                                                                                                                                            [FAQ230] Does Carlson Software Still Offer Perpetual Licenses?
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                                                                                                                                                            Yes!!!

                                                                                                                                                            The change from a perpetual license model (you purchase once and continue to use it forever) to a subscription license model (you pay by the month or by the year for access) in our little CAD corner of the world has sparked a lot of questions, debate and heartburn.

                                                                                                                                                            In 2015 Autodesk announced they would be shifting toward a subscription model of delivery for their AutoCAD-based products. Although some Autodesk accounts and products were grandfathered in, any new purchases of AutoCAD are now available by subscription only. And, the kicker, you stop paying, you can’t access the software or your data.

                                                                                                                                                            Carlson Software remains committed to the perpetual license model where you, the user, never have to worry about losing access to your software or data. Carlson’s desktop software includes a license of IntelliCAD so, if you ever stop paying for your AutoCAD, Carlson with IntelliCAD can give you another option to open your DWG files. If you want to ensure you have “perpetual” access to all your other data such as points, surfaces, road designs and more – make sure you archive your project data to Land XML files so that it can be retrieved with other land development, survey, civil and construction software programs.

                                                                                                                                                            See also: How can I access and use my old Civil 3d, Land Desktop, Eagle Point or Terra Model data?

                                                                                                                                                            See also: Get a Perpetual License with Carlson or download PDF

                                                                                                                                                            See also: Robert Green’s CAD Manager’s Newsletter #350 Autodesk Goes Subscription-Only in 2016 or download PDF

                                                                                                                                                            See also: Autodesk Courtesy Notice: End of Perpetual Licenses Sales, including individual products and suites


                                                                                                                                                              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.

                                                                                                                                                              [FAQ265] Does Carlson run on a Mac?
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                                                                                                                                                              No, not at this time.
                                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                              I have several customers who run Carlson and CAD software for Mac using Windows emulation apps. The two that I am aware of are Parallels and Boot Camp.


                                                                                                                                                                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.

                                                                                                                                                                 

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