ArborCAD
ArborCAD is a specialized CAD software designed for arborists to create professional, scale-accurate tree survey plans and reports while automating critical protection zone calculations and data management.
HelioScope
HelioScope is a high-performance solar design software that combines CAD-grade layouts with industry-standard energy yield simulations to help you design, model, and sell commercial and residential solar projects.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ArborCAD | HelioScope |
|---|---|---|
| Website | cad.com.au | helioscope.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $159/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1988 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | San Francisco, USA |
Overview
ArborCAD
ArborCAD is a specialized design tool built specifically for arborists and tree consultants who need to produce professional, scale-accurate survey plans. Instead of struggling with generic drafting tools, you get a system that understands arboricultural data, allowing you to plot trees quickly and generate comprehensive reports automatically. You can import site surveys, define tree species, and visualize critical data points directly on your plan without manual drafting.
The software simplifies the complex task of calculating Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) and Structural Root Zones (SRZ) by automating these measurements based on your input data. You can manage large-scale projects with ease, ensuring all your documentation meets local regulatory standards. It functions as an add-on to the PowerCADD engine, providing a familiar yet highly optimized environment for your specialized consulting needs.
HelioScope
HelioScope simplifies the complex process of solar project development by merging professional design tools with bankable performance modeling. You can create high-fidelity solar layouts directly on top of satellite imagery, allowing you to place modules, configure electrical components, and account for shading in minutes rather than hours. It eliminates the need for separate CAD and simulation tools by providing a unified workspace for your entire engineering and sales workflow.
You can generate professional proposals and detailed 8760 hourly production reports that lenders and clients trust. The platform handles everything from small residential rooftops to large-scale commercial carports and ground mounts. By automating the technical calculations for wiring, inverter loading, and shading losses, it helps you reduce design errors and accelerate your project pipeline from initial lead to final construction set.
Overview
ArborCAD Features
- Automated TPZ/SRZ Calculation Calculate and draw Tree Protection Zones and Structural Root Zones instantly based on your trunk diameter measurements.
- Tree Survey Plotting Place tree symbols on your plans quickly using a dedicated toolset that stores species and health data.
- Automatic Report Generation Export your survey data directly into professional reports, saving you from manual data entry and transcription errors.
- Scale-Accurate Drafting Create precise, professional-grade plans that you can share with architects, developers, and local planning authorities.
- Species Database Integration Access and manage a comprehensive list of tree species to ensure consistent naming and data across all projects.
- DXF/DWG Compatibility Import site surveys from land surveyors and export your finished plans to work with other industry-standard CAD formats.
HelioScope Features
- Smart Layout Tools. Draw your project boundaries on high-resolution maps and watch as the software automatically populates modules based on your specifications.
- Shading Analysis. Calculate the impact of nearby trees, buildings, and obstructions on your system's energy yield with integrated 3D shading simulations.
- Electrical Design. Configure your inverters, stringing logic, and wiring runs automatically to ensure your system meets technical requirements and performance goals.
- Global Weather Data. Access a vast library of meteorological data sources to ensure your production estimates are accurate for your specific geographic location.
- CAD Exporting. Export your completed designs to .DXF files so you can finalize construction documents in AutoCAD without starting from scratch.
- Financial Proposals. Generate clean, client-ready reports that highlight expected energy production and environmental impact to help you close more solar deals.
Pricing Comparison
ArborCAD Pricing
HelioScope Pricing
- Unlimited projects
- Unlimited designs
- Full 3D shading analysis
- Component library access
- Financial reports
- CAD exports (.DXF)
- Everything in Monthly, plus:
- Discounted rate for yearly commitment
- Billed as $1,590 per year
- Full technical support
- Standard weather data access
- Automatic software updates
Pros & Cons
ArborCAD
Pros
- Significant time savings on calculating tree protection zones
- Produces professional plans that meet local government standards
- Eliminates manual data entry between plans and reports
- Specifically designed for arborist workflows rather than generic CAD
Cons
- Requires a separate base CAD engine to operate
- Limited to specific operating systems (primarily macOS)
- Higher initial cost compared to basic drawing tools
HelioScope
Pros
- Significantly faster than traditional CAD for solar layouts
- Highly accurate shading and production simulations
- Intuitive browser-based interface requires no installation
- Excellent customer support and extensive documentation
- Professional reports help build trust with clients
Cons
- Subscription cost is high for occasional users
- Limited advanced electrical customization for complex utility-scale
- Requires stable internet connection for all design work