FAQ

About Carlson Software, the Company

Carlson Software, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Maysville, Kentucky, is a developer of CAD-based software for land surveying, civil engineering, construction and mining. The company provides desktop software, data collection solutions and OEM hardware integration through an extensive global dealer network. Carlson is known for delivering customer-focused software with perpetual licenses, low maintenance fees and long-term product support.

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About the Software

Carlson Software offers modular desktop solutions for land development professionals. Core modules for surveying, civil engineering and construction include Survey, Civil, GIS, Hydrology, Construction, CADnet, Trench and GeoTech.

Carlson works with both IntelliCAD and AutoCAD platforms and maintains full compatibility with DWG file formats. Specialized software is also available for 3D point cloud processing and embedded field data collection using Carlson SurvPC.

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Operating System Compatibility

• Carlson 2020–2025 with IntelliCAD 9.x–12.x: 64-bit Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11
• Carlson on AutoCAD 2022 Embedded: Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit only)
• Takeoff R12, R13 / Survey OEM 2022–2025: Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit only)
• Vista and 32-bit versions are not supported

System Requirements

Carlson 2020–2025 with IntelliCAD 9.x–12.x:

• Minimum CPU: Intel Pentium 4 or comparable
• Recommended CPU: Intel i5 or i7 (use cpubenchmark.net for comparisons)
• Minimum RAM: 2 GB (64-bit Windows 7–11); 8+ GB recommended
• Graphics card: Compatible with OpenGL 1.4 or higher
• Recommended GPU: Discrete Nvidia Geforce preferred; ATI/AMD acceptable but less consistent driver support
• Not recommended: Nvidia Quadro and powerful gaming cards

Carlson with AutoCAD 2022 Embedded (including Takeoff R12, R13 / Survey OEM 2022–2025):

• OS: 64-bit Windows 10 or 11
• Processor: Basic 2.5–2.9 GHz; Recommended 3+ GHz
• RAM: 8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended
• Disk Space: 10 GB free for installation
• Monitor: 1920 x 1080 or higher, up to 3840 x 2160
• Display card: Minimum 1 GB GPU with DirectX 11; Recommended 4 GB GPU with DirectX 12
• Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or later

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CAD Platform Options

Carlson Software modules provide options for CAD platform:

• “for CAD” programs include a license of IntelliCAD
• Embedded AutoCAD (OEM) programs include a license of AutoCAD OEM
• Modules with IntelliCAD can also be installed on full AutoCAD, AutoCAD Map or Civil 3D

How and Where to Purchase

Carlson Software is available for purchase directly from Carlson or through an authorized dealer network.

Upgrades and Crossgrades

Carlson users can purchase upgrades from older versions at discounted prices. Crossgrades are also available for switching between platforms or changing product bundles.

Maintenance customers receive version upgrades annually (typically each fall). Users without maintenance can upgrade their perpetual license at any time.

License Types and Terms

• Perpetual Standalone: One-time purchase with two activations per seat
• Perpetual Network: Floating license with server-based access and license borrowing

Users may choose software modules individually or as part of bundled suites such as Survey/Civil, Civil Suite or Takeoff Suite.

Software Trials

Free 30-day trials of Carlson desktop software are available.

Support and Training Options

Carlson Software provides technical support by email and phone.

That CAD Girl offers a variety of training options for CAD and Carlson Software including live, custom training, recorded sessions and printed manuals.