MicroSurvey CAD
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MicroSurvey CAD is an all-in-one land survey CAD solution built on IntelliCAD for seamless DWG editing and compatibility with AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
Designed for surveyors and civil engineers, it combines COGO tools, intelligent drafting and a complete “Field to Finish” workflow in one platform.
It supports data from total stations, GNSS, UAVs and scanners, and turns field data into accurate, labeled linework using the AutoMap system.
Built-in training videos, survey-smart features and active drawing connections streamline revisions and boost productivity.
With powerful tools for surface modeling, volume calculations and construction layout, MicroSurvey CAD simplifies survey drafting from start to finish.
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Volume discounts may be available, but pricing varies by product, license type and order size.
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Description
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MicroSurvey CAD, developed by MicroSurvey Software Inc., part of Hexagon, is a complete CAD platform built specifically for land surveyors and engineering professionals. MicroSurvey CAD combines survey drafting software with powerful COGO tools and calculation features in one seamless environment. Built on IntelliCAD, this software works directly in the DWG format—no importing, exporting or file conversions needed to collaborate with AutoCAD or Civil 3D.
Designed to maximize productivity in construction and land development projects, MicroSurvey CAD supports a full “Field to Finish” workflow. It handles data from total stations, GNSS, scanners, UAVs or photogrammetry and produces professional survey drawings with ease. The AutoMap system processes field data into intelligent linework, while database-connected CAD entities make revisions fast and reliable. Whether you’re performing COGO calculations, adjusting traverses, or prepping files for staking, this surveying software for Windows has everything you need in one place.
This all-in-one land survey CAD software is ideal for construction layout, cadastral mapping, subdivision design and more. From legal descriptions to pad grading, it simplifies drafting and analysis—helping you meet deadlines without bouncing between programs. With integrated tools for volume calculations, corridor modeling and QA reports, MicroSurvey CAD delivers exceptional value to survey and civil engineering teams looking for reliable and affordable CAD.
Core Features
- Full-featured COGO software with simple, efficient tools
- Traverse and least squares network adjustment options
- Integrated survey drafting software with labeling and linework
- Active Drawing Technology connects CAD and survey data
- Built-in training videos and intuitive interface
File Format Support
- Native DWG support with IntelliCAD engine
- Open and edit common file types for construction and design
- Import/export field data from GNSS, total stations and more
Licensing & Training
- Includes IntelliCAD license for seamless DWG editing
- Available in multiple editions to suit project complexity
- Includes video training and live technical support
Related Products:
MicroSurvey inCAD: Runs on top of your separately-purchased license of AutoCAD
MicroSurvey embeddedCAD: Includes a license of embedded AutoCAD (OEM), similar to AutoCAD LT
SurveyTools for BricsCAD: Runs on top of your separately-purchased license of BricsCAD Professional
STAR*NET: A standalone software program for Least Squares adjustment and analysis
FieldGenius: Field Data Collection software for Windows and Android devices
| MicroSurvey CAD (as of June 2025) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | Standard | Premium | Ultimate |
| 1-year Maintenance Support Contract Included | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Features a Flexible Floating Network License | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Lots, Blocks and Areas | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Autodesk Compatible IntelliCAD Engine | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Smart Lines, Arcs, Polylines and Labels | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| COGO and Batch COGO | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Basic CAD Drawing Commands | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Traverse Editing and Adjustment | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Load Aerial Imagery and Maps from Web Mapping Services and HXGN Imagery | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Lot Closures (Map Check) and Metes and Bounds Descriptions | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Survey Computations for Linear Regression, Helmert’s, RTS, Lines, Curves and More | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Building Library and House Placement Routines | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Native Support for dwg, dxf, dgn, dae files | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Full Suite of Text Commands | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Basic CAD Editing Commands | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Cadastral Annotation Tools | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Field to Finish Automated Diagramming | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Staking Reports and QA Tools | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| All Major Data Collector Format Import/Export | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Import/Export, Basic CAD and all Cadastral Functions | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Active Drawing Technology Grid Based Editor for Handling Points Database, Batch COGO and Traverse Files | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Geodetic Tools, Ground to Grid Scaling, KML Export | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Full Suite of CAD Functions | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Full Suite of CAD Drawing Commands | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Raster Images | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| 3D Least Squares Adjustment | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Full Suite of CAD Edit Commands | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Aerial Imagery and Maps from Bing | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Import Shape Files and GIS Data | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Contours and TINS | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Volumetrics | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Alignment Design | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Sewer Design | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Modeling and Design | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Hoops 3D rendering | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Site Design | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Cross sections | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Premium Functions Plus Pointcloud Functions | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Clipping, Slicing and Sections | ✔️ | ||
| Points on Grid for Bare Earth DTM | ✔️ | ||
| TruSpace | ✔️ | ||
| Import point clouds in the Leica LGS format, and with a Leica Publisher Pro license LAS and e57 | ✔️ | ||
| Leica Geosystems ECW Pointcloud Engine | ✔️ | ||
| 3D CAD Drafting in Pointcloud | ✔️ | ||
| Visibility Options | ✔️ | ||
| Workplane Tools | ✔️ | ||
| Support for Jetstream | ✔️ | ||

Carlson Survey and Carlson Takeoff are the only 2 programs that can be purchased with an embedded AutoCAD (OEM) license.
ALL Carlson desktop products work natively in the latest DWG format. This means that you create DWG files, you open DWG files and you save DWG files – there is no need to import, export or convert to others using a different CAD-based program.
Your purchase of Carlson includes a perpetual license of the Carlson program and either IntelliCAD or embedded AutoCAD (OEM).
Carlson Software can be purchased as individual modules or by bundling 2 or more products at a discounted price so you only pay for what you need!
Carlson Civil Suite includes the Survey, Civil, Hydrology and GIS modules and compares to Autodesk Civil 3D.
Carlson CADnet is a single module that’s functionality is comparable to Autodesk Raster Design.
You can also use a Select Suite to build your own bundle of a Pick 2, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5 or Pick 6 choosing from Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, CADnet and Point Cloud Basic.
Carlson Takeoff Suite and Takeoff with embedded AutoCAD (OEM) is comparable to Paydirt (retired), Quest Construction and Agtek software programs.
All Carlson desktop software products provide a wide range of conversion and import and export functions for other file formats such as Civil 3d, LandXML, Topcon and Trimble.
For Carlson products that run with IntellliCAD and/or your separately purchased license of AutoCAD, Carlson offers users an Annual Maintenance program that keeps the software up to date. The purchase of Maintenance is optional and pricing is calculated at 10% of the retail price of the product per year.
Carlson Software offers free technical support from their main office to all Carlson Software users regardless of customer or license status.
Although users may find it difficult to install older Carlson desktop software on newer machines due to limitations of newer Windows operating systems, Carlson continues offering support for those versions.
Comparable to industry-standard engineering design software, Carlson Civil provides features for layer-based quantity takeoffs, 3D modeling, and construction estimating, including specialized commands like SiteNet for streamlined volume and material quantity calculations.
In addition to the functionality of the CAD-platform it’s running on top of and the identical commands available in the first 7 menus of all Carlson Desktop Software, Carlson Civil offers dynamic design and plan production for site, subdivision and roadway design engineers.
The commands and features in Carlson Civil are comparable to the engineering design components of programs such as: DCA/Softdesk/Land Desktop (retired), AutoCAD Map, Civil 3D, Eagle Point (retired), TerraModel (retired), GeoPak and InRoads.
Carlson Civil also provides users with the tools needed for layer-based quantity takeoffs and model building in the 3D Data and SiteNet menus. The commands in SiteNet are comparable to construction estimating software such as Paydirt, Quest and Agtek.
With Carlson Civil, users are able to:
- import and export data files for Civil 3d, Land Desktop, LandXML, Trimble, Topcon, Google Earth and more
- create and manage points in the drawing or in the CRD file editor
- use a variety of specialized commands to convert 2D linework to 3D using points, text with leaders, surface files, drawing entities and more
- use SiteNet, a layer-based feature that simplifies the process of estimating dirt and topsoil volumes and quantities of other materials such as subgrade volumes, length of curb and number of trees or other structures to be built or demolished
- create and manage surface model triangulation files from field data or importing from Google Earth or other sources
- view and perform quality checks on surface model files in various 3d viewers including a 3D Fly By
- calculate earthwork volumes for pads, stockpiles or between two surfaces and calculate adjustments required to balance cut and fill
- create cut/fill labels and color maps
- create and manage horizontal alignments
- create and manage profiles of ground elevations, roadways, sewer pipes and crossings
- design ditches and trenches
- calculate and report quantities and depths of pipe installation projects
- create and manage cross-sections
- dynamically design a network of roads with intersections and cul-de-sacs that automatically adjust and provide dynamic, real-time cut and fill volumes
- design and map single parcel boundaries or networks of subdivision lots that dynamically adjust to accommodate building footprint and setback restrictions.
FAQ: I’m a land surveyor. What software do I need?
FAQ: I’m a civil engineer. What software do I need?
FAQ: What are the latest improvements in Carlson Software?
FAQ: What features & menus are in Carlson Civil?
FAQ: What features & menus are in ALL Carlson Software desktop programs?
FAQs: Installation and Technical Support
All Carlson Software purchases will be fulfilled electronically by a download link that will be emailed to you (along with your new serial number) within two business days of your order being processed. The download link and serial number can be used to install and register your software immediately.
For delivery to addresses within the United States, we can also ship you a flash drive via UPS Ground for an additional charge. Please note that the physical shipment DOES NOT include manuals.
Your box shipment will arrive approximately 14 business days after your order has been processed. Be aware that software purchases outside the United States will be fulfilled by download only. If you pay the extra charge for the physical shipment we will only provide a download link and will then refund the shipping charge.
30 Day Trials
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Additional information
| Edition | Standard, Premium, Ultimate |
|---|---|
| License Term & Type | Perpetual, Floating |




