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.
ZWCAD Civil
ZWCAD Civil is a specialized CAD software providing civil engineers with automated tools for terrain modeling, site grading, and infrastructure design to streamline complex construction and land development projects.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ArborCAD | ZWCAD Civil |
|---|---|---|
| Website | cad.com.au | zwsoft.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Custom |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| 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 | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Guangzhou, China |
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.
ZWCAD Civil
ZWCAD Civil gives you a specialized toolkit built on the familiar ZWCAD platform, specifically designed to handle the heavy lifting of civil engineering projects. You can transform raw survey data into detailed digital terrain models and generate contour lines automatically. Whether you are designing roads, managing land leveling, or calculating earthwork volumes, the software automates the repetitive geometric calculations that usually eat up your billable hours.
You can work within a familiar DWG environment, meaning there is no need to relearn basic drafting commands. The platform focuses on accuracy and speed for infrastructure tasks like profile drawing and cross-section generation. It is an ideal solution for small to mid-sized engineering firms and land surveyors who need professional-grade civil tools without the steep price tag or complexity of high-end enterprise suites.
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.
ZWCAD Civil Features
- Digital Terrain Modeling. Create accurate 3D surfaces from points or survey data to visualize your project site in three dimensions.
- Automatic Contour Generation. Generate and label contour lines instantly from your terrain data to create professional topographic maps.
- Earthwork Volume Calculation. Calculate cut and fill volumes automatically using the grid or section method to estimate project costs accurately.
- Road Profile Design. Design vertical and horizontal alignments for roads and generate longitudinal profiles with automated labeling.
- Cross-Section Creation. Produce detailed cross-sections at any interval along your alignment to document site conditions and design requirements.
- Site Grading Tools. Model platforms and slopes with automated grading features that adjust to your existing terrain surfaces.
Pricing Comparison
ArborCAD Pricing
ZWCAD Civil Pricing
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
ZWCAD Civil
Pros
- Familiar DWG interface requires almost zero retraining for CAD users
- Perpetual licensing options provide better long-term value than subscriptions
- Fast processing speeds even when handling large topographic datasets
- Significant cost savings compared to mainstream civil engineering suites
Cons
- Smaller third-party plugin ecosystem than major competitors
- Advanced BIM integration features are limited compared to high-end tools
- Requires a separate ZWCAD license to run the civil module