FAQ
Faq category: Software Updates
What are the improvements to Carlson over previous versions? (a running thread)
+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 2018 version of their desktop products on August 31, 2017. Click here to download a PDF of improvements in Carlson 2018 products.
What is the latest and greatest version/build of my Carlson Software? (a running thread)
+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.
| Version | Build Date |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4/5/2023 |
| 2023 | 2/11/2023 |
| 2023 | 11/77/2022 |
| 2023 | 11/7/2022 |
| 2022 | 10/11/2022 |
| 2021 | 3/16/2022 |
| 2020 | 9/2/2021 |
| 2019 | 12/20/2019 |
| 2018 | 5/20/2019 |
| 2017 | 11/15/2017 |
| 2016 | 6/29/2016 |
| 2015 | 7/28/2015 |
| 2014 | 8/11/2014 |
Carlson Survey with Embedded AutoCAD (OEM)
| Version | Build Date |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 11/14/2022 |
| 2022 | 7/22/2022 |
| 2021 | 2/14/2022 |
| 2020 | 6/23/2020 |
| 2019 | 6/28/2019 |
| 2018 | 9/27/2018 |
| 2017 | 6/22/2017 |
| 2016 | 6/15/2016 |
| 2015 | 5/8/2015 |
| 2014 | 7/14/2014 |
Carlson Takeoff with Embedded AutoCAD (OEM)
| Version | Build Date |
|---|---|
| 2022/R12 | 12/1/2022 |
| 2022/R12 | 6/25/2022 |
| 2020/R11 | 3/10/2021 |
| 2018/R10 | 2/26/2019 |
| 2017/R9 | 7/3/2017 |
| 2016/R8 | 12/11/2015 |
| 2015/R7 | 9/26/2016 |
| 2014/R6 | 5/16/2013 |
SurvCE Data Collection Software
| Version | Build Date |
|---|---|
| 6.17 | 2/3/2023 |
| 6.16 | 8/16/2022 |
| 6.09 | 1/21/2021 |
| 6.08 | 9/29/2020 |
| 6.07 | 8/4/2020 |
| 6.03 | 5/3/2019 |
| 6.02 | 1/31/2019 |
| 6.00 | 7/10/2018 |
| 5.08 | 12/8/2017 |
| 5.06 | 8/1/2017 |
| 5.05 | 4/3/2017 |
| 5.03 | 9/6/2016 |
| 5.02 | 7/25/2016 |
| 4.07 | 11/19/2015 |
| 4.06 | 7/23/2015 |
| 4.05 | 5/15/2015 |
| 4.03 | 12/17/2014 |
| 3.03 | 1/24/2014 |
SurvPC Data Collection Software
| Version | Build Date |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 7/10/2018 |
| 5.08 | 12/8/2017 |
| 5.06 | 8/1/2017 |
| 5.05 | 4/3/2017 |
| 5.04 | 12/12/2016 |
| 5.03 | 9/6/2016 |
| 5.02 | 7/25/2016 |
| 4.07 | 11/19/2015 |
| 4.06 | 7/23/2015 |
| 4.05 | 5/15/2015 |
| 4.03 | 12/17/2014 |
| 3.03 | 1/24/2014 |
Precision 3D Software (Topo, Drill, Blast and Hydro)
| Version | Build Date |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 2/28/2023 |
| 2021 | 7/15/2021 |
| 2021 | 5/14/21 |
| 2020 | 12/11/2020 |
| 2019 | 8/13/2019 |
| 2018 | 1/9/2018 |
| 2017 | 11/19/2017 |
| 2016 | 6/6/2016 |
| 2015 | 6/10/2016 |
My Maintenance is Current… Where’s My Upgrade?
+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
I’ve Installed My Carlson Software – Now What Do I Do?
+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?
Tracking my Licenses and Keeping Up to Date
FAQ: That CAD Girl Customer Portal
FAQ: My Maintenance is Current… Where’s My Upgrade?
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: I think I found a bug in my Carlson Software – how can I get it resolved?
Training
FAQ: What options do I have for training on CAD or Carlson Software?
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?
Does Carlson Software Still Offer Perpetual Licenses?
+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
What you should know about purchasing Carlson Software
+
Carlson Platform Options
Carlson Software’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.
Carlson includes the latest version of IntelliCAD with every purchase.
The full-AutoCAD-based program can be AutoCAD, AutoCAD Map, Land Desktop, Civil 3D or other vertical – but does NOT include AutoCAD LT.
Carlson Survey and Takeoff can also be purchased and installed standalone with embedded AutoCAD (also known as the OEM version).
The embedded AutoCAD (OEM) programs include a limited, stripped-down version of AutoCAD that has functionality similar to AutoCAD LT.
The embedded AutoCAD (OEM) programs do not include IntelliCAD and do not require a separate purchase of AutoCAD.
The embedded AutoCAD (OEM) programs are a completely separate install than the programs that run with IntelliCAD or separately purchased license of full-AutoCAD and, although both programs can be installed on the same computer, the programs cannot be “combined”. For instance, if you own a license Survey OEM and also a license of Carlson GIS with IntelliCAD and need to access commands in both programs for work on a single drawing (.dwg) file, you would have to close the drawing out of the Survey OEM and then open it in the GIS program to do the work there.
Retail Pricing for Carlson Software
| Program | Retail Price of Standalone | Retail Price of Network | That CAD Girl Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Select Suite - Pick 6 (from Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Point Cloud Basic, CadNet) | $ 4,750 | $ 5,225 | * See in store |
| Select Suite - Pick 5 (from Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Point Cloud Basic, CadNet) | $ 4,350 | $ 4,785 | * See in store |
| Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4 (from Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Point Cloud Basic, CadNet) | $ 3,950 | $ 4,345 | * See in store |
| Select Suite - Pick 3 (from Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Point Cloud Basic, CadNet) | $ 3,550 | $ 3,905 | * See in store |
| Select Suite - Pick 2 (from Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Point Cloud Basic, CadNet) | $ 2,950 | $ 3,135 | * See in store |
| Survey | $ 1,950 | $ 2,145 | * See in store |
| Civil | $ 1,750 | $ 1,925 | * See in store |
| Hydrology | $ 1,250 | $ 1,375 | * See in store |
| GIS | $ 1,095 | $ 1,205 | * See in store |
| Takeoff Suite (Construction, CADNet, Trench, GeoTech) | $ 7,500 | $ 8,250 | * See in store |
| Construction | $ 3,750 | $ 4,125 | * See in store |
| CADNet | $ 1,595 | $ 1,755 | * See in store |
| Trench | $ 1,595 | $ 1,755 | * See in store |
| GeoTech | $ 1,595 | $ 1,755 | * See in store |
| Takeoff with embedded AutoCAD (OEM) | $ 9,000 | $ 9,900 | * See in store |
| Survey with embedded AutoCAD (OEM) | $ 2,995 | $ 3,295 | * See in store |
| Other Software or Hardware | Request Pricing or *See in store |
Carlson Software Annual Maintenance
If it is renewed prior to expiration, maintenance costs 10% of the retail price of the software. See Upgrading Carlson Software below for more information about renewals after maintenance has expired.
Carlson’s Annual Maintenance is NOT available for embedded AutoCAD (OEM) products, for SurvCE or for SurvPC. It is only available for IntelliCAD/for CAD-based products.
Carlson’s policy on Software Maintenance can be viewed by clicking here.
| Program | Retail Price of Standalone | Annual Maintenance for Standalone | Retail Price of Network | Annual Maintenance for Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select Suite Pick 6 | $ 4,750 | $ 475 | $ 5,225 | $ 522.50 |
| Select Suite Pick 5 | $ 4,350 | $ 435 | $ 4,785 | $ 478.50 |
| Select Suite Pick 4 | $ 3,950 | $ 395 | $ 4,345 | $ 434.50 |
| Select Suite Pick 3 | $ 3,550 | $ 355 | $ 3,905 | $ 390.50 |
| Select Suite Pick 2 | $ 2,750 | $ 275 | $ 3,025 | $ 302.50 |
| Civil Suite | $ 3,950 | $ 395 | $ 4,345 | $ 434.50 |
| Survey | $ 1,950 | $ 195 | $ 2,145 | $ 214.50 |
| Civil | $ 1,750 | $ 175 | $ 1,925 | $ 192.50 |
| Hydrology | $ 1,250 | $ 125 | $ 1,375 | $ 137.50 |
| GIS | $ 1,095 | $ 109.50 | $ 1,205 | $ 120.50 |
| Takeoff Suite | $ 7,500 | $ 750 | $ 8,250 | $ 825.00 |
| Construction | $ 3,750 | $ 375 | $ 4,125 | $ 412.50 |
| CADNet | $ 1,595 | $ 159.50 | $ 1,755 | $ 175.45 |
| Trench | $ 1,595 | $ 159.50 | $ 1,755 | $ 175.50 |
| GeoTech | $ 1,595 | $ 159.50 | $ 1,755 | $ 175.50 |
Upgrading Carlson Software
Upgrading Carlson’s non-OEM desktop products is done through the Maintenance Plan.
If it is renewed prior to expiration, maintenance costs 10% of the retail price of the software. If Maintenance is not renewed prior to expiration, a 1-year Maintenance Plan costs 15% of software list price and increases by 5% per year after the expiration date.
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.
| Maintenance Status | Annual Maintenance (Percentage of Retail) | Expiration Fee (Percentage of Retail) | Total Fee (Percentage of Retail) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current | 10% | 0 | 10% |
| 1 year behind | 10% | 10% | 15% |
| 2 years behind | 10% | 20% | 20% |
| 3 years behind | 10% | 30% | 25% |
| 4 or more years behind | 10% | 40% | 50% |
Sample Upgrade & Maintenance Renewal Pricing
| Program | # of Years Expired | Retail Price | Total Fee (Percentage of Retail) | Total Fee to Upgrade and/or Renew Maintenance for 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Survey | 0 maintenance is current | $ 1,850 | 10% | $ 185.00 |
| Survey | Less than 1 maintenance has expired | $ 1,850 | 20% | $ 370.00 |
| Networked Survey | Less than 1 maintenance has expired | $ 2,035 | 20% | $ 407.00 |
| Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4 | 0 maintenance is current | $ 3,950 | 10% | $ 395.00 |
| Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4 | Less than 1 maintenance has expired | $ 3,950 | 20% | $ 790.00 |
| Networked Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4 | Less than 1 maintenance has expired | $ 4,345 | 20% | $ 869.00 |
The cost to upgrade Carlson’s OEM products varies depending on the program and how many versions behind you are.
Follow this link then click on Request a Custom Proposal to request upgrade pricing.
Competitive Upgrades
Follow this link then click on Request a Custom Proposal to see if additional discounts are available.
System Requirements for Desktop Software
Because it changes from version to version, my “go-to” answer is going to always point to this page where Carlson lists the minimum system requirements for running Carlson with embedded AutoCAD (OEM), on top of AutoCAD and with IntelliCAD.
You may also keep an eye on our System Requirements and Hardware Compatibility FAQs for the latest information.
30 Day Trials
Then click on Request a 30 day Trial Serial Number
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.
Technical Support & Training
You can see all the opportunities for training with That CAD Girl here and you can follow these links for to see our FAQs about the training and technical support available from Carlson and That CAD Girl.
How is the price of Carlson maintenance calculated?
+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 it is renewed prior to expiration, maintenance costs 10% of the retail price of the software. If Maintenance is not renewed prior to expiration, a 1-year Maintenance Plan costs 15% of software list price and increases by 5% per year after the expiration date.
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.
| Maintenance Status | Annual Maintenance (Percentage of Retail) | Expiration Fee (Percentage of Retail) | Total Fee (Percentage of Retail) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current | 10% | 0 | 10% |
| 1 year behind | 10% | 10% | 15% |
| 2 years behind | 10% | 20% | 20% |
| 3 years behind | 10% | 30% | 25% |
| 4 or more years behind | 10% | 40% | 50% |
| Program | Retail Price of Standalone | Annual Maintenance for Standalone | Retail Price of Network | Annual Maintenance for Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select Suite Pick 6 | $ 4,750 | $ 475 | $ 5,225 | $ 522.50 |
| Select Suite Pick 5 | $ 4,350 | $ 435 | $ 4,785 | $ 478.50 |
| Select Suite Pick 4 | $ 3,950 | $ 395 | $ 4,345 | $ 434.50 |
| Select Suite Pick 3 | $ 3,550 | $ 355 | $ 3,905 | $ 390.50 |
| Select Suite Pick 2 | $ 2,750 | $ 275 | $ 3,025 | $ 302.50 |
| Civil Suite | $ 3,950 | $ 395 | $ 4,345 | $ 434.50 |
| Survey | $ 1,950 | $ 195 | $ 2,145 | $ 214.50 |
| Civil | $ 1,750 | $ 175 | $ 1,925 | $ 192.50 |
| Hydrology | $ 1,250 | $ 125 | $ 1,375 | $ 137.50 |
| GIS | $ 1,095 | $ 109.50 | $ 1,205 | $ 120.50 |
| Takeoff Suite | $ 7,500 | $ 750 | $ 8,250 | $ 825.00 |
| Construction | $ 3,750 | $ 375 | $ 4,125 | $ 412.50 |
| CADNet | $ 1,595 | $ 159.50 | $ 1,755 | $ 175.45 |
| 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 Expired | Retail Price | Total Fee (Percentage of Retail) | Total Fee to Upgrade and/or Renew Maintenance for 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Survey | 0 maintenance is current | $ 1,850 | 10% | $ 185.00 |
| Survey | Less than 1 maintenance has expired | $ 1,850 | 20% | $ 370.00 |
| Networked Survey | Less than 1 maintenance has expired | $ 2,035 | 20% | $ 407.00 |
| Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4 | 0 maintenance is current | $ 3,950 | 10% | $ 395.00 |
| Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4 | Less than 1 maintenance has expired | $ 3,950 | 20% | $ 790.00 |
| Networked Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4 | Less than 1 maintenance has expired | $ 4,345 | 20% | $ 869.00 |
Are there any problems running Carlson on Windows 10?
+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 support@carlsonsw.com 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.
How can I find out when new versions or builds of Carlson are released?
+You can also refer to this FAQ for an active list of the most recent builds for most of the desktop and Carlson field software programs.
How do I know if I’m running the latest build of my Carlson Software?
+
Maintenance for my SurvCE & SurvPC – Since when?
+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.
Do I qualify for an automatic upgrade to the new version of Carlson?
+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.
I’m not in your state/region/country – can I buy my software from you?
+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!
I can’t seem to keep up with my Carlson maintenance – Can you help?
+Whether you’re using one of the programs eligible for maintenance or an embedded AutoCAD (OEM) product that requires basic upgrades, you can contact us to request a report of your current licenses and I will request the information Carlson, get your report and follow up with you.
If you already know what you need, you can follow this link then click on Request a Custom Proposal to request pricing.
I didn’t buy my software from you, but can you take care of my maintenance and upgrades?
+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!
I think I found a bug in my Carlson Software – how can I get it resolved?
+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:
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.
Where do I find the build date or build number of my Carlson Software?
+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. Refer to this FAQ to find the current build of the software you have installed.
What’s the difference between Carlson’s annual maintenance and an Autodesk subscription?
+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
Does Carlson retire their products?
+How do I register my Carlson Software? And what are change keys?
+
- Initial install or maintenance upgrade of Carlson
- Re-installation of Carlson
- Windows or AutoCAD Upgrade
- Home/Field use. See License Agreement.
- New Hardware (new hard drive, network card, new computer)