land desktop to carlson software

Carlson is very user friendly to the surveyor. I've used DCA/Softdesk, EaglePoint, and Carlson. Carlson is hands down the software I would use. I'm trying to get some where I am now.

Jason

wicked easy transition, I went from Acad with LDD to Carlson back in 2004 +/- and it was virtually a seamless transition...

Ditto what Jason said. I just so has it that his list of softwares is exactly what I have used. IMHO Carlson far exceeds the surveyor user friendly title.

I made the transition back in 2004 and have never looked back. I did try their Intelicad version and didn't like it. There was too much of a learning curve for me. I am presently using Carlson Survey 2009 Embedded and love it.:-)

Back about 20 years ago I had the choice Softdesk or Carlson - Softdesk salesman "Everbody uses AutoCAD and Softdesk where is Carlson going to be in 20 years?"

I guess now we know!

I did go to Carlson a few years after that conversation and have never looked back. I still own AutoCAD Civil 3D that I use under my Carlson but I really can't make it work for surveying. Carlson is a pleasure for a surveyor to use.

I think what best explains all of the above positive responses is the history of the two companies.

AutoDesk was started by computer programmers and mathematicians.

Carlson was started a Civil Engineer.

AutoDesk puts up with their surveying customers because they believe they must have some sort of presence to get the business they really want, ie the Civil Engineering market. (In a totally shocking moment of honesty I had one VP at AutoDesk tell me they didn't care at all about surveyors or surveying software.)

Carlson wrote most of the first surveying specific code that was included with AutoCad software.

Because Carlson knows surveying from the user prospective they have a tremendous advantage over AutoDesk.

All that adds up to exactly what you see in this thread. In head to head tests by users who make their living with their software, Carlson beats AutoCad hands down.

If you want a no obligation demo so you can see for yourself, drop me a line.

Larry P

Made the switch about a year ago and love it. I do prefer the OEM Autocad engine Carlson over the ICad version. The learning curve is more extended going to Icad IMO.

I use ACAD LDD, Civil 3d and Microstation w/Inroads.
Last year I bought a copy of Carlson ICAD version. I like it. I like it a whole lot and that will be my choice software as it currently stands. The price is great and it does everything I need it to and more. I do civil and land surveying, both boundary and construction. I like the Carlson most because of its surveyor functions, however it does a real respectable job with the civil end of things too.

I've found the ICAD version works good and am surprised at those who keep the ACAD engine for Carlson as the ICAD commands are very similar or same and was very seamless to transition into.

Larry,

I would like to get a demo run of Takeoff to show my management the savings that can be obtained over what I'm using now.

Jason

My issues with the ICad version were with paperspace/printing. The drafting/drawing commands are very similar but I felt the presentation side of the equation was lacking.

Jason,

Give me (or Vickie) a call at 800-533-4387. We can set you up with that code. Am happy to do so.

Larry P

I switched 10 seats of LDD over to Carlson Survey 2 years ago and have not looked back since. Most everything you may have questions about is covered in Carlson's training films on their web site.
I have the Carlson Survey with embedded AutoCad and love it. I can do things with it that I could not do in LDD. I used AutoCad since 1988 and was a die hard fan until I figured out the Carlson software. Biggest problem you will have is the carry over attitude fron LDD that "It can't be this easy. I must be doing something wrong." Approach it with an "I wonder what this button does?" attitude and you will be ok.
The other Carlson useres in your area will probably be willing to help you out. If not, the Carlson support team is awesome.
The power of the system is setting up your codes and .fbk file.(The .fbk file is like the descriptor key setup and the figure prefix library all rolled into one.) I have a project that I am working on that has 3,000+ points. I bought in my Field To Finish data to complete ALL of my line work, 2D and 3D, labeled all of my culvert pipes and inverts, inserted all of my blocks and labeled all of my trees with size and type plus all of my control points with x,y and z data and a bunch of other stuff all in less than 5 minutes.
If you switch over, I would strongly recommend buying the software from one of the Carlson College members. They usually add a training session to your purchase to help you get started. Most VAR's, at best, only load the software and do not have a clue as to how to configure it to do what you want. The Carlson College guys do. Any money that you invest in Carlson College level training will be recooped within 30 days by the increased productivity. At least that has been my experience.