Buying Guide
All CAD licenses are perpetual licenses with annual software maintenance plans available
CAD Platform Options
IntelliCAD version
Carlson Software desktop modules can be installed as a standalone program or integrated into your separately purchased AutoCAD-based program.
The various Carlson IntelliCAD modules can be combined into one license, where all modules are easily accessible from one seamless application, e.g. Carlson Select Suite.
Carlson Software includes the latest version of IntelliCAD with every desktop CAD license purchase, excluding AutoCAD OEM version. The IntelliCAD version can import and export CAD files into multiple file formats including; AutoCAD, AutoCAD Map, Land Desktop (LDD), and Civil 3D.
Embedded AutoCAD OEM version
Carlson Survey OEM and Takeoff can be purchased and installed standalone with embedded AutoCAD, e.g. Carlson OEM version.
The embedded AutoCAD OEM modules do not include IntelliCAD and do not require a separate purchase of AutoCAD.
The embedded AutoCAD OEM module(s) are a separate install as compared to the Carlson IntelliCAD modules, or separately purchased license of AutoCAD. Although both programs can be installed on the same computer, IntelliCAD and OEM modules cannot be combined. For example, if you own a Survey OEM license and Carlson GIS lntelliCAD license, you will need to access commands in both programs to work on a single drawing (.dwg) file. You would have to close the drawing out of Carlson Survey OEM, and then open in the Carlson GIS module to finish the job.
Whether you’re using Carlson Survey or Takeoff on the IntelliCAD or embedded AutoCAD OEM platform, the Carlson Survey and Takeoff module functionality will be identical. Differences will be limited to the underlying CAD engine, e.g. IntelliCAD vs AutoCAD
• From a feature and functionality perspective, the Carlson IntelliCAD version was designed to streamline workflows, simplify menu layout, ribbons, and commands. IntelliCAD modules are more customizable, support LISP routines, and enable 2D & 3D drafting, e.g. surveyor friendly
• Carlson AutoCAD OEM features the latest version of AutoCAD. It will be limited in terms of creating aliases (command shortcuts) and load LISP routines. However, it does support 2D & 3D drafting
Note: The AutoCAD OEM version cannot be installed on top of AutoCAD nor Civil3D considering the AutoCAD engine is already embedded. You would need to select the IntelliCAD version if you plan to install with recent version of AutoCAD or Civil3D
• There is a considerable price difference between both versions and recommend the IntelliCAD version
Check out the comparison -> IntelliCAD vs AutoCAD
Every new CAD license includes 90 days of maintenance updates & support. We ensure if a new version is released within 60 days of your purchase, you will automatically receive the newest version of the software. We recommend renewing your software maintenance annually as this provides new product enhancements, updated CAD engine, bug fixes, and ongoing tech support. You will receive a new serial number and download file each year you are current on maintenance, as updates are released
If your Carlson software product is renewed prior to the annual expiration date, maintenance costs 10% of the current retail price of the respective software module(s)
Upgrading Carlson IntelliCAD modules
Upgrading Carlson’s IntelliCAD desktop products is simple and completed through the Annual Software Maintenance Plan, which can be purchased directly through us
If a module is renewed prior to the annual expiration date, maintenance costs 10% of the current retail price of the specific software module. Add 10% for each year, a respective software module is not current/renewed from the original purchase date - not to exceed 50% of the current retail price of a respective Carlson module
If your license is not currently on maintenance, you can pay the maintenance fee plus an expiration fee, which will upgrade you to the current version of the respective module(s) and include any relevant updates released within the applicable maintenance year
Upgrading Survey and Takeoff Embedded AutoCAD OEM Products
The cost to upgrade Carlson’s OEM products varies depending on the module(s) and year it was originally purchased. Contact us for more details
Yes, network licenses are available. Please contact us for a quote.
Carlson Survey IntelliCAD would be the preferred software module.
You can import and export .dwg, .dgn, .dxf, landxml, and Civil 3D files from Carlson Survey. Carlson Survey features extensive COGO routines, 3D surface modeling, robust Annotations & Legal Description writer, least squares adjustment, and subdivision automation via LotNet to name a few.
Based on conversations with current surveyors, some individuals may require Carlson GIS for importing aerial web map overlays, kml/kmz/shp file creation, and/or integration with ESRI services.
If you are considering multiple software modules and interested in saving money, you might want to consider purchasing Carlson Select Suite
You would want to consider Carlson Civil Suite
We recommend Carlson GIS. You should consider the RTA tablet if you are an ESRI Field Maps user or RT4+ tablet if you are an ESRI ArcGIS Online user. The Carlson Viking is the latest in survey grade GNSS receiver technology and can be paired with either RTA or RT4+ tablets
Yes. Contact us and we will provide a demo key and/or setup a live demo.
We offer on-site and remote web training options for Survey, Civil, GIS, Point Cloud, Takeoff, Construction, and SurvPC 7 software modules. We offer data collection training classes as well.
Please contact us to schedule a consultation
Yes, please contact us to discuss your specific requirements
Please contact us to confirm your instrument OEM & model compatibility
Carlson SurvCE operates on Windows Mobile CE data controllers. SurvCE updates are not available beyond version 6.17, due to Microsoft discontinuing Windows Mobile CE 6.
SurvPC 7 operates exclusively on Windows OS 10 & 11 data collection devices.
Carlson does not currently support MacOS nor iOS platforms.
No. Prior versions of SurvCE or SurvPC are not available to purchase.
We recommend Carlson Construction and CADnet
The Construction module enables you to complete site takeoffs, import/export machine control files, 3D surface modeling, and material quantity estimating
CADnet converts raster images to CAD docs in seconds. It will convert vectorized PDF construction plans and/or BIM files into CAD file
Carlson SurveyGNSS v3 and add SurvNET module. VRS & PPP modules available as add-ons with SurveyGNSS.
No
Relative to photogrammetry & 3D mapping software, you should consider Carlson PhotoCapture.
If you are interested in feature extraction and point clouds, you should consider Carlson Point Cloud.
Carlson PhotoCapture photogrammetry & Point Cloud software solutions are compatible with most major sUAS RTK drone OEMs; Autel, Wingtra, DJI, Skydio, etc. We recommend the Carlson Autel RTK drone bundle, which includes the Autel Evo 2 v3 RTK drone, Carlson PhotoCapture, and Carlson Point Cloud Advanced.
You should consider Carlson Listen Listen NTRIP, which is an annual RTK NTRIP correction subscription service to complement your drone surveying projects and enhance RTK accuracy. Listen Listen NTRIP service is exclusive to Carlson RTK GNSS receivers; competitor OEMs receivers are not compatible.
In addition, the Carlson Viking can be utilized as your base station to transmit RTK corrections to your RTK-enabled drone during drone survey missions and provides improved horizontal and vertical accuracy.
Carlson Skynet is compatible with Carlson Viking, BRx7, and RTk5 GNSS receivers. This RTK correction service is utilized exclusively with your Carlson GPS and available nationwide
Visit the Skynet RTN product page to review coverage availability
SIM cards can be ordered via RTK Mobile
Carlson BRx7 GPS Quick Reference Setup
Carlson BRx series GNSS receivers are compatible with FDOT FPRN network. You will need to create an acct and follow instructions at the links below to access the network
Network Access Registration Steps
SurvPC instruction workflow
Step 1 - Navigate to Equip > GPS Rover > RTK > NTRIP > Gear Settings Icon
Step 2 - Data field inputs in NTRIP Broadcasters screen
IP address: 48.223.232.215
Port: 20000
Username: Use NTRIP username from acct registration signup
Password: Use NTRIP password from acct registration signup
Step 3 - Bases for FDOT screen mountpoint selection
Recommended Mountpoint: NAD_ MSM4_NEAR
Step 4 - Click Green check icon to confirm settings
Note: The NAD_MSM4_NEAR mountpoint should only be used when you are <12 mi from nearest base station. You will notice an increase in residuals every 6 mi from the base station with respect to Hrms & Vrms. Beyond 12 miles, we advise to switch to the NAD_MSM4_VRS mountpoint to tighten horizontal and vertical residuals
Check out this video tutorial -> FDOT FPRN Tutorial
Listen Listen service is compatible with Carlson Viking, BRx7, RTk5 and BRx6+ GPS receivers. This RTK correction service is utilized exclusively with your Carlson base and rover GPS. Traditional internal/external radios are not required.
We recommend RTK Mobile as the SIM card data service provider to facilitate internet connectivity between the base and rover. RTK Mobile is more cost effective, replaces existing hotspot, and more reliable compared to other cell service data plan providers. RTK Mobile operates on all 3 major national cell networks; AT&T, T-Mobile, & Verizon.
Note: RTK Mobile does not support BRx6+ nor BRx6 GPS models.
This service cannot be used to facilitate RTK drone surveys. You would need to select Listen Listen NTRIP service for drone surveying corrections.
1. When you can't rely on a specific NTRIP, CORS, or VRS network for results due to high residual (Hrms & Vrms) errors, constant network maintenance issues, etc
2. No cell service or remote area - you would utilize the internal radios via UHF (400Mhz) or Spread Spectrum (900Mhz) radio communications on the Carlson Viking or BRx7
3. Good cell coverage, but limited RTK network availability - utilize Carlson Listen Listen RTK correction service to tighten Hrms & Vrms residuals and eliminate rover interference, which would otherwise arise from using an RTK network
Please follow the instructions and attachments at the following link below
Please follow the instructions and attachments at the following link below
Please use the following link below to download new firmware updates to your BRx7 GPS
Listen Listen NTRIP is utilized specifically for RTK drone surveying to receive RTK corrections between your Carlson Viking, BRx7, or RTk5 GPS & RTK drone
Carlson Viking GPS Reference Setup
Check out the link below for common quick start GNSS receiver setup instructions
Please follow the video tutorial at the link below to properly install your SIM card
Carlson Viking GNSS is compatible with FDOT FPRN network. You will need to create an acct and follow instructions at the links below to access the RTK network
Network Access Registration Steps
Carlson SurvPC 7 instruction workflow
Step 1 - Navigate to Equip > GPS Rover > RTK > NTRIP > Gear Settings Icon
Step 2 - Data field inputs in NTRIP Broadcasters screen
IP address: 48.223.232.215
Port: 20000
Username: Use NTRIP username from acct registration signup
Password: Use NTRIP password from acct registration signup
Step 3 - Bases for FDOT screen mountpoint selection
Recommended Mountpoint: NAD_ MSM4_VRS
Step 4 - Click Green check icon to confirm settings
Check out this video tutorial -> FDOT FPRN Tutorial
Warranty & Repairs
If your Carlson instrument and/or data collector requires service or repair, please email carlsonrma@carlsonsw.com and include the following in the body of the email:
- Your full contact information (name, address, email, phone)
- Instrument model & device serial number
- Detailed description of issue
Repair time may vary dependent on the extent of the issue(s). Cracked screens and damage to the outside of the instrument are not covered under warranty.
All desktop and/or field data collection software modules purchased thru eBay or alternate online auction websites are deemed unauthorized and non-transferable. These software purchases are not supported, warrantied, nor available to upgrade. Please contact us if you have any questions.