CAD data analysis software suite

project managementdocument digitizationconstruction

Carlson Takeoff is a cut/fill volumes and data prep (for layout or machine control) program that can estimate jobs using paper plan digitizing, PDFs, or electronic CAD files. Carlson Takeoff is available in two configurations: Takeoff OEM and Takeoff Suite. Takeoff OEM includes an AutoCAD® engine built-in and has all of the same ingredients as the Takeoff Suite, which works on AutoCAD® sold separately, or with IntelliCAD® built-in. The Takeoff Suite is comprised of the modules Carlson CADnet, Carlson Trench, and Carlson GeoTech combined with Carlson Construction. All are fully integrated with Carlson Civil and Hydrology to meet the variety of customers’ needs. CAD ADVANTAGE Carlson Takeoff is the only estimating software built on either the AutoCAD or IntelliCAD engine. Working in the DWG environment natively gives Carlson Takeoff users a distinct “CAD Advantage” when estimating from an Engineer’s electronic files. Some helpful tools to check for mistakes and fix problems include: Drawing Cleanup (which removes bad elevations, empty layers, invalid linework, converts special entities to standard polylines, and joins broken linework all-in-one command), XREF and DGN Import, and automated 2D To 3D Elevating commands. DIGITIZING & PDFS If no CAD file is available, Carlson Takeoff offers the flexibility to digitize from paper plans or “on-screen” digitize from a PDF, TIF, JPG image file. Carlson Takeoff can automatically trace linework in a PDF and “Merge Raster Files” allows a user to easily combine multiple sheets at their match lines. Once linework is created, the steps to calculate quantities are the same as with a CAD file.