Planswift | Earthwork Pro V3
The volume of material in its natural state.
Stop guessing where the dirt goes. Start knowing with .
To get the most out of v3, follow this step-by-step approach:
Upload your existing and proposed grading plans. Use the scaling tool on a known dimension to ensure 100% accuracy. If the plans are separate sheets, use the overlay feature to align them perfectly. 2. Tracing the Existing Grade (Aero-Contours)
The foundation of any earthwork estimate is the cut and fill calculation. The Earthwork Pro v3 plugin handles this with precision. Once you have successfully digitized your existing and proposed topography—ensuring they are on the same page, as required by the plugin—you can launch the Earthwork Pro V3 module from the Home Tab. planswift earthwork pro v3
In standard takeoff software, calculating the area between two contours is easy. But calculating the volume between existing grade (EG) and proposed grade (PG) requires complex geometry. Traditionally, this meant exporting data into expensive, standalone civil engineering software like Civil 3D or Carlson—tools that are expensive, difficult to learn, and often overkill for a general contractor who just needs a bid out the door by Friday.
Earthwork Pro v3 bridges this gap. It allows users to digitize existing and proposed contour lines, spot elevations, and grading plans to generate precise cubic yardage calculations. Key Features and Enhancements in Version 3
is a specialized takeoff and estimating plugin designed to simplify complex earthwork and excavation calculations within the PlanSwift environment. By automating volume calculations for cut and fill, trenching, and pipe layouts, it helps construction professionals create faster, more accurate bids for site preparation projects. Core Features of Earthwork Pro V3
But what exactly makes version 3 so special? Is it worth the upgrade? And how does it stack up against manual methods or generic estimating tools? In this comprehensive guide, we will dissect every feature, workflow, and benefit of PlanSwift Earthwork Pro v3, ensuring you understand why this tool has become the gold standard for earthwork estimators. The volume of material in its natural state
Once spot elevations and contours are digitized, the plugin uses a triangulation algorithm. With a single click, it triangulates the spaces between the points to calculate the topography. This generates an accurate 3D model that immediately highlights areas requiring cut (dirt removal) and fill (dirt addition). 3. Comprehensive Trenching Templates
: Official walkthroughs can be found on the PlanSwift YouTube Channel , covering specific tasks like working with contours and spot elevations.
Instead of just drawing a polygon, the estimator places points. As you click on spot elevations or trace contour lines, the software instantly builds a 3D model under the hood.
Assign specific depths for building pads, parking lots, and green spaces to ensure the cut/fill reflects the actual depth of excavation. To get the most out of v3, follow
Open your PDF grading plan. Use the calibrated scale (architectural or engineering). The critical step v3 requires is assigning a datum . You must tell the software which elevation represents "0" to ensure volumes are accurate.
A new addition to V3 is the ability to calculate the cost and number of trucks needed for exporting "cut" material or importing "fill" yardage. The Earthwork Pro V3 Workflow
At its heart, Earthwork Pro v3 is not just measuring length and area; it is measuring change . The software’s signature feature is its dynamic cut-and-fill visualization. Users can import contour maps or CAD files, assign strata layers (topsoil, clay, rock), and watch as the system auto-calculates net import/export requirements in real time.
For accurate volume calculations, the plan page must be . If only one axis is scaled, the plugin will not respond when you attempt to calculate.