In the world of land surveying, having the right software tools is crucial for precision, productivity, and data management. Whether you’re working on topographic surveys, boundary mapping, or construction layout, advanced land survey software helps streamline workflows and deliver accurate results. This article reviews some of the leading land survey software tools available today and highlights their key features to help professionals choose the best fit for their projects.
1. FlyPix AI
FlyPix AI specializes in geospatial analysis by utilizing artificial intelligence to convert geospatial data into actionable insights. The platform assists users in detecting objects, monitoring changes, and identifying anomalies within satellite and aerial imagery. It is especially well-suited for industries that demand detailed analysis of Earth’s surface, such as agriculture, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and construction.
The company offers a user-friendly, no-code platform that enables users to create and train custom AI models tailored to their specific requirements. Supporting a wide variety of data sources – including drone, satellite, hyperspectral, lidar, and radar imaging – FlyPix AI provides comprehensive and flexible analysis. The platform offers multiple subscription plans designed to accommodate different data processing needs, ranging from individual users to large organizations.
Pricing Plans:
- Basic: Free; includes one user seat, 3GB of storage, and 10 credits. Provides limited support and access to basic AI model training.
- Starter: €50 per user per month; includes 10GB of storage, 50 credits per month, supports processing up to 1 gigapixel. Features access to analytics dashboard and vector layer export, with email support within five business days.
- Standard: €500 per month for two user seats; includes 120GB storage, 500 credits plus 100 additional monthly credits, supports processing up to 12 gigapixels. Offers advanced features like multispectral data, map sharing, and faster email support within two business days.
- Professional: €2000 per month; supports up to five users, 600GB storage, 2000 credits plus 1000 extra monthly credits, processes up to 60 gigapixels. Includes API access, team management, and priority email and chat support with a one-hour response time.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing; unlimited users, storage, and credits. Tailored for large-scale operations requiring extensive geospatial data processing and analysis.
Pros:
- No-code platform enables easy creation and training of AI models.
- Supports a wide variety of geospatial data sources.
- Scalable to fit teams ranging from individual users to large enterprises.
Cons:
- Advanced features and large storage needs require higher-tier plans, which might be costly for smaller users.
- Lower-tier plans offer limited support, which could result in slower response times.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: flypix.ai
- Address: Robert-Bosch-Str. 7, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
- Phone: +49 6151 2776497
- Email: info@flypix.ai
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/flypix-ai
2. Aptella
Aptella offers a suite of land surveying software solutions, including products from Topcon (MAGNET), Carlson, and Pix4D. These tools support various surveying tasks such as data collection, mapping, and site management. The software is designed to integrate with survey-grade field controllers and data collectors, facilitating efficient workflows for cadastral and construction surveyors.
In addition to software, Aptella provides hardware solutions compatible with their software offerings, ensuring seamless integration between field equipment and data processing tools. Their product range caters to professionals requiring reliable and accurate surveying instruments and software for diverse project needs.
Pricing Plans:
- Topcon Field Mobile: $1,408.00 – $4,169.00 inc GST
- Topcon Digital Layout: Contact sales for pricing
- Topcon Field: $0.00 – $5,863.00 inc GST
- Topcon Office (Magnet Survey): $0.00 – $11,649.00 inc GST
- Topcon Collage: $0.00 – $3,036.00 inc GST
- Topcon Enterprise: $693.00 inc GST
- Topcon Project (Formerly DynaRoad): $0.00 – $6,653.00 inc GST
- Topcon Tools: $0.00 – $3,531.00 inc GST
Key Highlights:
- Provides comprehensive aerial data solutions for surveying and mapping
- Specializes in drone-based data acquisition and processing
- Focus on delivering high-accuracy results for construction, agriculture, and infrastructure projects
Services:
- Drone data capture and analysis
- 3D mapping and modeling
- GIS integration and support
- Custom aerial survey solutions
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: www.aptella.com
- Phone: 1300 867 266
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/aptella
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/AptellaAU
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/aptella_
3. Scanifly
Scanifly provides a comprehensive solar design software platform focused on processing drone-captured data and designing PV systems. The platform enables users to generate accurate 3D models of project sites from drone imagery, facilitating precise measurements and shading analysis. With tools like PrelimDesign™ for remote preliminary design and DroneDesign™ for detailed on-site system layouts, Scanifly supports the entire solar project workflow from initial proposals to final installation plans.
The platform integrates seamlessly with proposal tools, financing platforms, and racking partners, simplifying the workflow for solar professionals. Additionally, Scanifly’s mobile app allows field teams to digitize data collection by capturing structural, electrical, and property details efficiently. Scanifly does not develop software for drone flight planning but specializes in data processing and solar system design.
Pricing Plans:
- Field Ops: Free mobile app included with any design product subscription
- PrelimDesign™: Contact sales for pricing
- DroneDesign™: Contact sales for pricing
- Design Services: Priced on a credit basis; contact sales for details
Key Highlights:
- Develops drone flight planning software tailored for surveying and inspection
- Focus on automated and efficient flight paths to optimize data capture
- Provides tools for complex site planning and mission management
Services:
- Drone flight planning and mission automation
- Site inspection workflow tools
- Data management and reporting support
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: scanifly.com
- E-mail: info@scanifly.com
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/scanifly
- Twitter: x.com/scanifly
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Scanifly
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/scanifly
4. Propeller Aero
Propeller Aero is a cloud-based land survey software tool developed for processing drone imagery and generating accurate geospatial data for surveying applications. It is used to produce high-resolution orthomosaics, digital surface models, and elevation maps. The platform is compatible with drone data collected using AeroPoints, which are smart ground control points designed to deliver survey-grade accuracy without traditional survey equipment.
The software enables users to calculate cut and fill volumes, perform elevation profile analysis, and overlay engineering design files onto current site data. It includes tools for tracking changes over time, managing multiple survey datasets, and exporting results in industry-standard formats for use in external CAD and GIS systems.
Pricing Plans:
- AeroPoints Single Unit: $800.00
- AeroPoints 5-Pack: $4,000.00
- AeroPoints 10-Pack: $8,000.00
- Propeller PPK Upgrade: $2,000.00
Key Highlights:
- Offers drone data platform specialized in earthworks and construction site mapping
- Integrates real-time data processing for project progress monitoring
- Supports collaboration between field teams and office
Services:
- Drone data capture and processing
- Site measurement and stockpile calculations
- Progress tracking and reporting
- Construction and mining site analysis
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: www.propelleraero.com
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/propeller-aero
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/propelleraero
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/propeller_aero
5. Autodesk Civil 3D
Autodesk Civil 3D is a land surveying and civil engineering software tool used to plan, design, and manage infrastructure projects. It enables users to create and analyze terrain surfaces, import survey data, and generate topographic maps and site plans. The software is commonly used in boundary analysis, corridor modeling, and earthwork calculations.
Civil 3D provides dynamic modeling capabilities, allowing updates to automatically reflect across related design components such as alignments, profiles, and parcels. The tool supports survey workflows including traverse adjustment, point group management, and surface triangulation. It integrates with Autodesk’s other design platforms and supports interoperability for transportation, utility, and land development projects.
Pricing Plans:
- Annual Subscription: $2,870 per year
Key Highlights:
- Industry leader in 3D design, engineering, and construction software
- Offers integrated solutions for land survey data processing and modeling
- Strong focus on BIM (Building Information Modeling) and CAD
Services:
- AutoCAD and Civil 3D for survey and civil engineering
- InfraWorks for infrastructure planning and design
- BIM 360 for construction management
- Cloud-based collaboration tools
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: www.autodesk.com
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/autodesk
- Twitter: x.com/autodesk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/autodesk
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/autodesk
6. DroneDeploy
DroneDeploy is a software tool that enables aerial mapping and land surveying using drone-captured imagery. The platform allows users to plan automated drone flight paths, capture high-resolution images, and process the data into georeferenced 2D orthomosaics and 3D models. The tool is compatible with a wide range of drones and sensors and is widely used for topographic surveys, site documentation, and volume measurement in construction, mining, and agriculture.
The software includes support for real-time kinematic and post-processed kinematic correction workflows to improve spatial accuracy, making it suitable for survey-grade applications. DroneDeploy’s interface enables users to perform functions like contour mapping, elevation analysis, and distance calculations directly from processed aerial imagery.
Pricing Plans:
- Construction plans: Individual professionals $349/year or $499/month; other plans contact sales
- Energy plans: Individual professionals $349/year or $499/month; other plans contact sales
- Agriculture plans: Ag Lite $159/year; individual professionals $349/year or $499/month; other plans contact sales
- Property management plans: Individual professionals $349/year or $499/month; other plans contact sales
- Other plans: Individual professionals $349/year or $499/month; other plans contact sales
Key Highlights:
- Provides cloud-based drone mapping and analytics platform
- Enables easy creation of maps, 3D models, and reports from drone data
- Supports industries like agriculture, construction, mining, and inspection
Services:
- Drone flight planning and automated data capture
- Real-time map processing and 3D modeling
- Data analytics and reporting tools
- Integration with GIS and CAD software
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: dronedeploy.com
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/dronedeploy
- Twitter: x.com/DroneDeploy
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Dronedeploy
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/dronedeploy
7. Traverse PC
Traverse PC offers TPC Desktop, a land surveying software tool designed to streamline the workflow from field data collection to final deliverables. The software supports importing data from various surveying instruments, including GPS and total stations, and provides tools for coordinate geometry calculations, traverse adjustments, and least squares analysis. TPC Desktop’s interface is organized into views and managers, allowing users to efficiently handle survey data, drawings, and reports.
The latest release introduces new features such as the ability to associate photos with survey points and traverses, and enhanced GNSS data processing capabilities, including averaging and editing redundant observations. These additions aim to improve data accuracy and provide comprehensive documentation for survey projects.
Pricing Plans:
- Personal Edition: $150.00 (3-month subscription) or $395.00 (1-year subscription)
- Premium Edition: $250.00 (3-month subscription) or $695.00 (1-year subscription)
- Professional Edition: $350.00 (3-month subscription) or $995.00 (1-year subscription)
- TPC Professional Trial: $195.00 (3-month trial subscription)
Key Highlights:
- Specializes in land surveying and mapping software for professionals
- Offers easy-to-use tools for data collection, CAD drafting, and field work
- Integrates with popular GPS devices and total stations
Services:
- Land surveying data collection software
- CAD drafting and map generation
- Field-to-office data transfer solutions
- GPS and equipment integration
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: traverse-pc.com
- Phone: 800-460-3002
8. Pix4Dsurvey
Pix4Dsurvey is a desktop software tool designed to bridge the gap between photogrammetry and CAD for land surveyors. It enables users to import point cloud data generated from photogrammetry or LiDAR sources and extract vector information for use in CAD or GIS applications. The software supports the import of various file formats, allowing for the integration of multiple datasets into a single project.
The software includes features such as the Smart Grid, which automates the creation of spot elevations by identifying significant changes in terrain, reducing the number of points needed for modeling. Pix4Dsurvey also provides automated feature extraction capabilities, detecting objects like manholes, poles, and walls from images, which can be vectorized and exported for further analysis.
Pricing Plans:
- Monthly subscription: €200 / month, billed monthly (excl. taxes), desktop app with floating license for 1 device, personal support and upgrades included, cancel anytime
- Yearly subscription: €166,67 / month (€20,000 billed yearly, excl. taxes), desktop app with floating license for 1 device, personal support and upgrades included, cancel anytime
- 3-Year subscription: €97,22 / month (€3,500 billed every 3 years, excl. taxes), desktop app with floating license for 1 device, personal support and upgrades included, cancel anytime
- Perpetual license: €4,490 one-time payment (excl. taxes), desktop app with floating license for 1 device, personal support and upgrades included for first 12 months, yearly extension at 10% of license price
Key Highlights:
- Leading software developer for photogrammetry and drone mapping
- Provides solutions for 2D mapping, 3D modeling, and surveying
- Offers specialized modules for agriculture, construction, and mining
Services:
- Pix4Dmapper for photogrammetric processing
- Pix4Dfields for agriculture analysis
- Pix4Dinspect for infrastructure inspection
- Pix4Dreact for emergency response mapping
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: www.pix4d.com
- Address: Route de Renens 24, 1008 Prilly, Switzerland
- Phone: +41 21 552 05 90
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/pix4d
- Twitter: x.com/pix4d
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Pix4D
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pix4d_official
9. Surfer
Surfer is a land survey software tool developed by Golden Software, designed for creating detailed 2D and 3D maps from XYZ data. It offers a range of gridding methods, including Kriging, Inverse Distance to a Power, and Triangulation with Linear Interpolation, to interpolate irregularly spaced data into regularly spaced grids.
Surfer also supports the integration of additional data layers, including aerial photographs, LiDAR point clouds, and drillhole data, enhancing the contextual understanding of the mapped area. Its latest updates aim to improve the accuracy and clarity of subsurface models, facilitating better decision-making in fields such as environmental consulting, engineering, and resource exploration.
Pricing Plans:
- Annual Subscription, Single-User: $599 per year, use on two machines (one user), automatic yearly renewal
- Monthly Subscription, Single-User: $100 per month, use on two machines (one user), automatic monthly renewal
- Annual Subscription, Concurrent-Use: $3,998 per year (minimum 2 seats), concurrent users limited by seats, automatic yearly renewal, server setup required
Key Highlights:
- Advanced surface and terrain modeling software
- Provides tools for contouring, 3D surface mapping, and grid generation
- Used in geology, engineering, and environmental science
Services:
- Surface modeling and contouring
- Terrain analysis and visualization
- Data gridding and interpolation
- Geological and environmental mapping
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: www.goldensoftware.com
- Address: PO Box 281, Golden, CO 80402-0281
- Phone: +1 303 279 1021
- E-mail: info@goldensoftware.com
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/golden-software
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/GoldenSoftware1
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/golden_software
Conclusion
Choosing the right land survey software tools is essential for professionals who want to improve accuracy, efficiency, and productivity in their projects. The companies listed provide a wide range of innovative solutions tailored to different needs, including drone data capture, AI-powered analysis, advanced modeling, and collaboration platforms. As technology advances, adopting these tools helps surveyors stay competitive, deliver precise results, and meet the increasing demands of modern land surveying. Selecting software that fits specific project goals and workflows is key to getting the most value and achieving success.