--- title: "Best Earthwork Estimating Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Earthwork Estimating Software for your organization. Compare top Earthwork Estimating Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/sitework-excavating-software-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Earthwork Estimating Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Earthwork Estimating Software of 2026 Updated November 9, 2026 ## Earthwork Estimating FAQs - How do I choose the right Earthwork Estimating software for my business? Selecting the right earthwork estimating tool depends on how well it fits a team's construction workflows and project requirements, based on advisor calls. Buyers frequently mention the need for features like accurate cut-and-fill calculations, trench volume estimates, and 3D modeling, so checking that a tool covers these earthwork-specific needs is a key requirement. Another consideration is whether the software can integrate with other systems used for takeoff or bidding, since buyers often want to avoid friction from switching between tools. - What should businesses watch out for when choosing Earthwork Estimating software? During advisor calls, buyers looking at earthwork estimating systems are typically from the Construction industry, so industry-specific features and compatibility with construction workflows are a key priority. Deployment preferences and questions have not come up in recent conversations, so most buyers focus their decision on how well a system fits their estimating processes and project needs rather than on cloud versus on-premise options. - What is Earthwork Estimating software and what does it do? Earthwork Estimating software helps construction and engineering teams calculate how much land needs to be cut or filled on a project, according to our advisors, buyers often need tools that handle these complex measurements. The software can estimate trench volumes, create 3D surface models, and generate detailed cut-and-fill reports for planning and bidding. It is closely related to Takeoff software but focuses on earthwork-specific calculations. On this page 1. Popular Comparisons 2. Buyers Guide 3. Frequently Asked Questions 4. Related Software Filter products 30 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 30 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Earthwork Quantities](/construction/ewinex-pro-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 73 - Starting price: $4,950.00one time - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Roctek’s WinEx Grade is a quantity takeoff and analysis tool. This solution allows you to take a PDF or other supported image formats and import PDF linework, import CAD linework, [Read more](/construction/ewinex-pro-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Electronic Plans: 5/5 - Takeoff: 5/5 - Annotations: 5/5 - Cut & Fill Estimates: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - 3D Imaging: 3.5/5 - Data Import/Export: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/ewinex-pro-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Purchase - Price: $4,950.00one time [See full pricing details](/construction/ewinex-pro-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Estimating Link](/construction/estimating-link-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 67 - Starting price: $225.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Estimating Link software is designed specifically for heavy civil construction estimating and bidding. This easy-to-use program helps you centralize your data, increase your speed [Read more](/construction/estimating-link-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Document Storage: 5/5 - Mobile Access: 5/5 - Commercial/Industrial: 5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Financial Management: 3/5 - Cut & Fill Estimates: 3.5/5 - Status Tracking: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/estimating-link-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Estimating Link Pro Desktop - Price: $225.00/month - Heavy Construction Estimating Software for Windows Desktop. Annual Subscription pricing. One-Time ##### Estimating Link Cloud-Hosted - Price: $375.00/month - Cloud-Hosted Heavy Construction Estimating Software. Access your Software from any location on any [See full pricing details](/construction/estimating-link-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [InSite Elevation Pro](/construction/insite-sitework-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 207 - Starting price: $3,900.00/year - Best for: Project Estimating - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Earthwork and utility professionals face mounting pressure: tighter deadlines, complex projects, and the constant need for precision. InSite Elevation Pro answers these challenges [Read more](/construction/insite-sitework-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - For AEC Industry: 5/5 - Cut & Fill Estimates: 4.9/5 - Takeoff: 4.8/5 - Project Estimating: 4.7/5 ##### Worst rated features - Geographic Maps: 3.8/5 - Customizable Templates: 4.0/5 - Customizable Reports: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/insite-sitework-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $3,900.00/year [See full pricing details](/construction/insite-sitework-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [SharpeSoft Estimator](/construction/sharpesoft-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 26 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview SharpeSoft Estimator is an on-premise & cloud cost estimating software for contractors and sub-contractors in the construction industry. Offered on a best-of-breed basis, [Read more](/construction/sharpesoft-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 - What-if Analysis: 5/5 - Visual Assemblies: 5/5 - Proposal Generation: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Bill of Materials: 4/5 - Accounting Integration: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/sharpesoft-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### SharpeSoft Estimator - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - SharpeSoft Estimator builds custom database to have users up and running bidding new jobs in 2 ##### SharpeSoft Estimator Express - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - Smaller version of the estimator software. SharpeSoft Estimator have users bidding new jobs in 24 [See full pricing details](/construction/sharpesoft-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [ArcSite](/physical-security/arc-site-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 162 - Starting price: $15.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ArcSite is the go-to solution for mobile-first drawing, takeoff, and estimating. Designed for professionals who need to work fast and stay organized, ArcSite empowers you to create [Read more](/physical-security/arc-site-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Drag & Drop: 5/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 5/5 - Mobile App: 5/5 - Takeoff: 5/5 [See all features](/physical-security/arc-site-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Draw Basic - Price: $15.00/month - Powerful and precise CAD drawing solution for individual users ##### Draw Pro - Price: $30.00 - Optimized for Pros: Advanced features, robust exports, and basic integrations ##### Takeoff - Price: $99.00 - Efficient, accurate takeoffs enhanced by premium integrations and support [See full pricing details](/physical-security/arc-site-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [ConWize](/construction/conwize-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 45 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ConWize is a cutting-edge cloud-based software utilized today by general contractors, developers, subcontractors, and management companies. Our customers' biggest challenge in [Read more](/construction/conwize-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Takeoff: 5/5 - Quotes/Estimates: 5/5 - Contractor Management: 5/5 - Cost Database: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Data Import/Export: 3/5 - Change Order Management: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/conwize-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/construction/conwize-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Methvin](/construction/methvin-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 36 - Starting price: $0.00 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Methvin redefines construction estimating with powerful features designed for precision and efficiency. Automate complex equations, streamline assemblies, and generate accurate [Read more](/construction/methvin-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Cost Estimating: 5/5 - Real-Time Updates: 5/5 - Task Scheduling: 5/5 - Scheduling: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Bill of Materials: 4/5 - Project Management: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/methvin-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Starter - Price: $0.00 - Shared Apps are read only Project Management (PMIS)² One free App 24/7 Support ##### Business - Price: $79.00/month - Team of 5 Free Plan, plus... Two Apps included API - Xero, SAP & JDE Support < 24 hours ##### Enterprise - Price: $179.00/month - Unlimited Users All Apps Included Access to trusted advisor Critical support < one hour [See full pricing details](/construction/methvin-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [BusyBusy](/project-management/busybusy-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 442 - Starting price: $0.00/month - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview busybusy is the #1 GPS Time Tracking and Job Costing Software for Construction. Accurately track field hours and reduce payroll time by 67%. Employees love this simple-to-use [Read more](/project-management/busybusy-profile/) ##### What users love - User-friendly and accessible design - Streamlined payroll processing tools - Reliable diGital time tracking ##### To take in mind - Unreliable clock in/out experience - Limited employee management features - Cumbersome and glitchy data entry #### Features ##### Best rated features - Real-Time Data: 5/5 - Projections: 5/5 - Progress Tracking: 5/5 - Accounting Integration: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Inventory Management: 1/5 - Electronic Signature: 3/5 - Expense Tracking: 3.8/5 [See all features](/project-management/busybusy-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Free - Price: $0.00/month ##### Pro - Price: $9.99/month ##### Premium - Price: $14.99/month [See full pricing details](/project-management/busybusy-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [CostOS](/construction/costos-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 21 - Starting price: $2,800.00one time - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview CostOS is a cost estimating software that combines traditional estimating methods with BIM 3D, 2D, and GIS capabilities. With its GIS module, users can create conceptual [Read more](/construction/costos-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Estimating: 5/5 - Activity Tracking: 5/5 - Real-Time Updates: 5/5 - Cost Estimating: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Subcontractor Management: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/costos-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Kubla Cubed](/construction/kubla-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 16 - Starting price: $295.00/year - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Kubla Cubed is an on-premise earthwork estimation solution designed for construction companies of all sizes. It offers project takeoff and estimation and is compatible with Windows [Read more](/construction/kubla-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Takeoff: 5/5 - Cut & Fill Estimates: 5/5 - Proposal Generation: 4.5/5 [See all features](/construction/kubla-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Subscription - Price: $295.00/year - Single User License. Can be installed on two devices. ##### Perpetual - Price: $741.00one time - Single User License. Can be installed on two devices. [See full pricing details](/construction/kubla-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [JobFLEX](/construction/job-flex-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 7 - Starting price: $8.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview JobFLEX is a cloud-based construction estimation solution for small and midsize businesses that allows users to create professional quotes on site, while still in the field with a [Read more](/construction/job-flex-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Customizable Invoices: 5/5 - Email Management: 5/5 - Estimating: 5/5 - Quotes/Estimates: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Cost Database: 3/5 - Invoice History: 4/5 - Accounting Integration: 4/5 - Proposal Generation: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/job-flex-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### TRY IT FREE - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request ##### Basic - Price: $8.00/month - Small Business with Single User ##### Pro - Price: $15.00/month - Multi-user Management Controls [See full pricing details](/construction/job-flex-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Bhoomi](/construction/bhoomi-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 1 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview BHOOMI is a cloud-based and on-premise construction and inventory management solution for midsize residential and commercial construction companies. Primary features include [Read more](/construction/bhoomi-profile/) --- ### [Cyanic LEM](/construction/cyanic-automation-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 1 - Starting price: $50.00 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Cyanic Automation is a cloud-based construction management solution that helps small to midsize businesses manage inventory, equipment maintenance and field service operations. [Read more](/construction/cyanic-automation-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $50.00 [See full pricing details](/construction/cyanic-automation-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Carlson Takeoff](/engineering-cad/carlson-takeoff-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 2 - Starting price: $7,500.00 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Carlson Takeoff offers both on-screen and digitizer 3D takeoff for all sizes of heavy civil contractors. The system's integrated highlighter and overlays make it easy for [Read more](/engineering-cad/carlson-takeoff-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $7,500.00 [See full pricing details](/engineering-cad/carlson-takeoff-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [LEVESYS](/construction/levesys-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.5/5 - Reviews: 2 - Starting price: A$149.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview LEVESYS is a construction project management solution designed to help contractors in a variety of industries create estimates, manage bids, schedule projects, correspond with [Read more](/construction/levesys-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Project Management: 5/5 - Purchase Order Management: 5/5 - Contract/License Management: 5/5 - Document Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Mobile Access: 2/5 [See all features](/construction/levesys-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Sigma](/construction/sigma-estimates-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 19 - Starting price: $199.00 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Sigma is a construction estimating software for commercial and residential contractors. Whether you are a small subcontractor, general contractor or large engineering firm, this [Read more](/construction/sigma-estimates-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - For AEC Industry: 5/5 - Customizable Reports: 5/5 - Customizable Templates: 5/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Visual Assemblies: 3/5 - Project Management: 3/5 - Accounting Integration: 4/5 - Data Import/Export: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/sigma-estimates-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Sigma Enterprise - Price: $1,980.00/year - This plan is billed on a yearly basis for general contractors and design builds that come with ##### Sigma Professional - Price: $1,380.00/year - This plan is billed on a yearly basis for trade contractors and sub-contractors that come with ##### 1:1 Custom Training and Setup - Price: $199.00 - The plan includes: $199 for 1 license : Up to 3:30 hrs. $249 for 2 license : Up to 4:30 hrs. $299 [See full pricing details](/construction/sigma-estimates-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [EarthWorks](/construction/tally-systems-earthworks-software-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 7 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview EarthWorks Excavation by TrakWare is a takeoff system for excavation plans that comes with features like onscreen takeoff, digitizer integration, CAD file integration, and 3D [Read more](/construction/tally-systems-earthworks-software-profile/) --- ### [Bluebook ProEstimator](/construction/bluebook-proestimator-profile/) - Overall rating: 4/5 - Reviews: 6 - Starting price: $49.99/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Bluebook ProEstimator is a cloud-based construction solution for small businesses. Primary features include estimates, work order, invoicing, line item editing, vendor and customer [Read more](/construction/bluebook-proestimator-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $49.99/month [See full pricing details](/construction/bluebook-proestimator-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [ConstructBuy](/construction/constructbuy-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 18 - Starting price: CA$25.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ConstructBuy is a construction platform to help general contractors, subcontractors and trade specialists. It includes an online TAKEOFF tool, project management features, task [Read more](/construction/constructbuy-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: CA$25.00/month [See full pricing details](/construction/constructbuy-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [PlanSwift](/construction/planswift-takeoff-estimating-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 402 - Starting price: $2,000.00/year - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview PlanSwift is a cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating software designed to help commercial, industrial, institutional, residential and subcontractors manage material [Read more](/construction/planswift-takeoff-estimating-profile/) ##### What users love - Streamlined diGital takeoff process - Flexible and accurate estimating - User-friendly and intuitive interface ##### To take in mind - Expensive for small businesses - Slow and unreliable phone support #### Features ##### Best rated features - For AEC Industry: 5/5 - Visual Assemblies: 5/5 - Electronic Plans: 4.7/5 - Cost Database: 4.7/5 ##### Worst rated features - Issue Management: 3/5 - Audit Trail: 3/5 - Cost Tracking: 3/5 - Accounting Integration: 3/5 [See all features](/construction/planswift-takeoff-estimating-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### PlanSwift Professional - Price: $2,000.00/year [See full pricing details](/construction/planswift-takeoff-estimating-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [AGTEK Gradework](/product/531860-Gradework/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 53 - Starting price: $650.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview AGTEK's Gradework is a takeoff solution that streamlines the construction lifecycle from bidding through completion. The tool analyzes data from PDF, CAD or manual entry to create [Read more](/product/531860-Gradework/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - API: 5/5 - Document Management: 5/5 - Mobile Access: 5/5 - Takeoff: 4.9/5 ##### Worst rated features - Reporting/Analytics: 4/5 - Project Tracking: 4/5 [See all features](/product/531860-Gradework/#key-features) --- ### [Ecobot](/environmental/ecobot-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 25 - Starting price: $0.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Ecobot helps wetland scientists, civil engineers and environmental permitters manage pre-construction compliance to reduce data collection time and post-processing activities. Use [Read more](/environmental/ecobot-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Free - Price: $0.00/month - For small projects or small teams just getting started. ##### Essential - Price: $19.00/month - Perfect for small teams that need longer project history access. Add Streams, integrated with your ##### Pro - Price: $125.00/month - For growing teams that need advanced collaboration and full project history access. Add Ecobot for [See full pricing details](/environmental/ecobot-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [hh2 Document Flow](/product/523298-hh2-Document-Flow/) - Overall rating: 4/5 - Reviews: 1 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview hh2 AP Payments is a cloud-based accounts payable solution built for construction companies that want to automate AP workflows while maintaining control and visibility.  The [Read more](/product/523298-hh2-Document-Flow/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Document Management: 5/5 - Invoice Management: 5/5 - Compliance Management: 5/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 4/5 ##### Worst rated features - Alerts/Notifications: 4/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 4/5 [See all features](/product/523298-hh2-Document-Flow/#key-features) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/sitework-excavating-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2) ## Popular Comparisons [ Estimating Link vs InSite Elevation Pro ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/estimating-link-profile/vs/insite-sitework/) ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. Earthwork takeoff and costing is dramatically different than vertical construction estimates. As such, earthwork and site work estimators require a very different set of cost estimate tools. The primary challenge in earthwork is the takeoff process, rather than the actual estimate process. During takeoff, companies need more sophisticated three-dimensional tools for calculating cuts and fills, profiling trenches and planning concrete or asphalt work. With a top-rated earthwork takeoff system, excavation contractors can dramatically reduce their tracing time, calculate more accurate measures and win more bids. These tools are also effective for new business owners just learning how to estimate excavation. We recommend shoppers in this category exercise extreme scrutiny if a site offers an earthwork software free download or other free earthwork calculation software.  We put this guide together to help you better understand the market for earthwork estimating software. Here’s what we’ll cover: [What is Earthwork Estimating Software?](#WhatisEarthworkEstimatingSoftware) [Common Features of Earthwork Estimating Software](#CommonFeaturesofEarthworkEstimatingSoftware) [Earthwork Estimating Software Pricing](#EarthworkEstimatingSoftwarePricing) [Earthwork Estimating Software Deployment](#EarthworkEstimatingSoftwareDeployment) ## What is Earthwork Estimating Software? Earthwork estimating software is specialized construction software typically used for large excavations in construction projects. Unlike other general estimating software applications, earthwork estimating software is specially designed with a number of features to assist with the earthwork planning process. For example, many earthwork estimating platforms offer computer-assisted design and GPS modules so users can draw up 3D blueprints of the project for every step along the way. With earthwork estimating software, users can perform takeoffs from a variety of different image files of the job site. With 3D modeling they can easily determine the scope of the project and how long it will take to complete. ## Common Features of Earthwork Estimating & Excavation Software To determine which costing solution will meet your unique company requirements, your earthwork estimator should evaluate and compare the following functions. Business software for small excavating, for example, could differ from solutions for creating a canal earthwork excavation estimate. Your buyer should take extra care in assessing offers described as an earth work program free download or earthworks software free download. | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | Cut & fill estimating program | The primary requirement of any earthwork takeoff program is the ability to measure cuts and fills. The system must present existing and final elevation maps and calculate the amount of earth to be cut or filled in each section. | | Strata layer breakdowns | Most excavation takeoff software should be able to map the various strata and code them by color. It should calculate earthwork by taking inputs from the earth samples and engineers’ notes so that the type of strata is known for each part of the job site. | | Grid views | Sophisticated cut and fill software should allow the estimator to select any grid from grid staking reports and view the cut and fill measurements associated with that area. | | Trench profiling | The earth filling calculation program should allow the estimator to measure trench plans and profiles, as well as determine slope, widths and heights. This includes determining how much earth will need to be excavated and what materials will be required for trench utilities, including piping and footings. | | 3D, multi-color elevation maps | In contrast to two-dimensional vertical cost estimate solutions, top earthwork estimating software must offer more sophisticated, three-dimensional and multi-color visualizations of existing and final elevations. | | Trench profiling | The system should allow the user to create a cost estimation for earthwork using measurements of trench plan and profile, slope, widths and heights. This includes determining how much earth will need to be excavated and what materials will be required for trench utilities, including piping and footings. | | 3D, multi-color elevation maps | In contrast to two-dimensional vertical estimating solutions, an earthwork estimating system must offer more sophisticated, three-dimensional and multi-color visualizations of existing and final elevations. | | Pad takeoff | The sitework takeoff software should allow the user to perform takeoffs for flat pads, such as those used for building pads. The system should allow the estimator to specify the area that is, or should be flat. | | Retaining wall takeoff | The earth work calculating software should support takeoff of vertical elements, such as cliffs and retaining walls. These should be visualized and measured during takeoff, as well as include a material library. | | Material library | The cuts and fills software vendor should offer a material library that is specific to earthwork. This may just consist of a library of subgrade materials, but more likely will also need to include an asphalt estimating tool and materials required for concrete work, walls and other hardscape or roadwork. | --- ## Earthwork Estimating Software Pricing Earthwork estimating software is typically priced one of two ways: perpetual licensing and monthly subscription. With a perpetual license, you pay a large fee up front and own the software outright. However, you may still have to pay annual fees for support, maintenance and updates. With subscription pricing on the other hand, you will generally pay a monthly fee that is often assessed based on the size of your business or the volume of construction work your business is doing. Be sure to consider what the long term cost of the software will be. Each method of pricing has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. ## Earthwork Estimating Software Deployment Earthwork estimating software is deployed one of two ways: on-premise and cloud-based. **Cloud-based.** Cloud-based software is hosted on the software vendor’s servers and is accessible through any web browser on a computer or a smart device. For contractors on the go who are juggling multiple projects, the mobility and convenience of cloud-based software can be very appealing. **On-premise.** On-premise software is installed on the company’s computers or servers and accessed locally. Some contractors might prefer on-premise software due to the familiarity they have with it or because of other reasons such as security or sometimes lower price. When it comes to pricing, in general, cloud-based services are priced as subscriptions and on-premise software is priced as a perpetual license. Keep in mind that on-premise software can sometimes require specific hardware setups to work properly. ### Related Earthwork Estimating Software - [Construction Estimating Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/cost-estimating-software-comparison/) - [Takeoff Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/takeoff-software-comparison/)