CAD Software

First of all you need to change your mindset. CAD software is not an investment any longer and does not add value to your company (just ask Autodesk).

$140/month is the min. cost for AutoCAD now. However that is a reoccurring cost and a very expensive route to go if your do it very long.

I would download a demo of Bricscad ($520) and try it out. There has been at least one person here that is using it and is impressed.

Knowing CAD Is Insufficient For Survey Drafting

One actually needs to learn some surveying.

I would think your minimum investment is 2 CAD courses and 2 plane surveying courses.

Paul in PA

Check out PC Survey -- I've been using it since '06 & I really like it a lot. Bargain-priced.

Just remember, "You get what you pay for".
There are some free packages out there that are just fine for some uses, but can't do all that you may need (topos, stake outs, etc.)
Many here do mainly boundary work and those freebies are great. The more things that you need to do, then you tend to get away from the freebies.
Now, I'm sure that several will follow my post with, "Well my free or cheap program will do it all!". I'm sure they believe that, but, as a cartographer, I've seen their contours and they make my back knot up. It's a survey/engineering vs. map maker thing.
So, it depends on what you will need to do. Make a list and compare that with the software claims. Get a demo CD and see if it really works. If it works easily. Look for what you want to do and what package will do it all.
The opinions expressed here may well lead you down the wrong path. Do your "due diligence".
My first suggestion is to check out Carlson Survey OEM. They will send you a free demo disk that you can try for 30 days. If it does not fit your need, check out your next option.

If You Work For Others, They Will Want Their CAD

Few companies want to outsource and go through the extra steps to be able to efficiently use it.

Paul in PA

Mortgage Surveys?!
Just stock up on bar napkins and steal a bunch of pens from your local bank. Then draw up 4 or 5 a day and fax 'em to the title company. Cash them checks quick, though!

Just kidding. Did quite a few of them myself when I was solo 🙂

If you only have to deliver hard copies: then cheapest functional software you can get.

If you have to read and write their format, go with what the client wants. If you ever want to run with the big boys... then get good with the big boy software.

Thanks for replying! Been looking at the suggested software. My only worry is being able to import and export different file formats, especially AutoCAD.

Thanks for replying!

Knowing CAD Is Insufficient For Survey Drafting

Thanks for replying! Great advice!

Thanks for replying!

Thanks for replying!

If You Work For Others, They Will Want Their CAD

It seems to me that more companies these days are outsourcing to save overhead.

Yes They Will Outsource, But You Meet Their Specs

Paul in PA