ArborCAD vs EXScan S Comparison: Reviews, Features, Pricing & Alternatives in 2026

Detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right solution for your team

Updated Apr 2026 8 min read

ArborCAD

0.0 (0 reviews)

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.

Starting at --
Free Trial NO FREE TRIAL
VS

EXScan S

0.0 (0 reviews)

EXScan S is a dedicated 3D scanning software designed to work with Shining 3D EinScan desktop scanners to capture high-resolution digital models for engineering and design.

Starting at --
Free Trial NO FREE TRIAL

Quick Comparison

Feature ArborCAD EXScan S
Website cad.com.au shining3d.com
Pricing Model One_time One_time
Starting Price Custom Pricing Custom Pricing
FREE Trial ✘ No free trial ✘ No free trial
Free Plan ✘ No free plan ✘ No free plan
Product Demo ✓ Request demo here ✓ Request demo here
Deployment desktop desktop
Integrations PowerCADD Microsoft Excel SolidEdge Geomagic Essentials Autodesk Fusion 360
Target Users solopreneur small-business small-business mid-market freelancer
Target Industries Environmental Services Construction Government education manufacturing engineering
Customer Count 0 0
Founded Year 1988 2004
Headquarters Sydney, Australia Hangzhou, China

Overview

A

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.

strtoupper($product2['name'][0])

EXScan S

EXScan S is the essential software companion for your EinScan-S series desktop 3D scanners. It provides you with a streamlined workflow to convert physical objects into high-quality 3D data. You can manage the entire scanning process from initial calibration to mesh generation within a single, intuitive interface. The software handles complex data processing in the background, allowing you to focus on capturing every detail of your object with precision.

You can choose between different scanning modes depending on your project needs, whether you require high-speed capture or maximum detail. The software also includes tools for mesh optimization, hole filling, and smoothing to ensure your models are ready for 3D printing or further CAD development. It is specifically built for designers, engineers, and educators who need reliable digital replicas of small to medium-sized objects.

Overview

A

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.
strtoupper($product2['name'][0])

EXScan S Features

  • Automatic Calibration. Follow simple on-screen prompts to calibrate your scanner quickly and ensure you always capture the most accurate data possible.
  • Multiple Scan Modes. Switch between fixed and auto-turntable modes so you can capture objects of varying sizes and complexities with ease.
  • Real-time Visualization. Watch your 3D model form on your screen as you scan, allowing you to identify and fill gaps instantly.
  • Mesh Optimization. Refine your raw data into clean meshes using built-in tools for smoothing, sharpening, and reducing polygon counts.
  • Automatic Alignment. Merge multiple scan angles automatically using geometry or marker points to create a complete 360-degree digital model.
  • Direct Export. Save your finished models in standard formats like STL, OBJ, and PLY for immediate use in 3D printing.

Pricing Comparison

A

ArborCAD Pricing

E

EXScan S Pricing

Pros & Cons

M

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
A

EXScan S

Pros

  • Intuitive interface makes 3D scanning accessible for beginners
  • Fast processing speeds for generating high-density meshes
  • Seamless integration with EinScan-SE and EinScan-SP hardware
  • Reliable automatic alignment saves significant post-processing time

Cons

  • Hardware requirements for PC graphics cards are quite high
  • Limited advanced editing tools compared to standalone CAD software
  • Software updates can sometimes be slow to download
×

Please claim profile in order to edit product details and view analytics. Provide your work email @productdomain to receive a verification link.