EarthWorks
EarthWorks is a specialized excavation and grading software designed to help you calculate cut and fill volumes accurately from digital site plans and paper blueprints.
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 | EarthWorks | ZWCAD Civil |
|---|---|---|
| Website | tallysystem.com | zwsoft.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | 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 | Pipersville, USA | Guangzhou, China |
Overview
EarthWorks
EarthWorks provides you with a dedicated suite of tools to simplify the complex process of site excavation estimating. Instead of manual calculations, you can import digital PDF files or use a digitizer tablet to trace site plans and instantly generate 3D models of your projects. This allows you to visualize the existing terrain against your proposed design to identify potential grading issues before you move a single yard of dirt.
You can calculate cut and fill quantities, topsoil stripping, and subgrade materials with high precision. The software helps you generate professional reports and cross-sections that you can share with clients or field crews. It is designed specifically for site contractors, excavators, and estimators who need to turn around bids quickly while maintaining a high level of accuracy to protect their profit margins.
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
EarthWorks Features
- PDF and CAD Integration Import digital vector PDF or CAD files directly to extract elevation data and boundaries without manual tracing.
- 3D Site Visualization Rotate and inspect your site from any angle to spot errors in your data entry and verify grading plans.
- Cut and Fill Calculations Calculate exact volumes for cut, fill, and topsoil to ensure your material estimates are accurate every time.
- Cross-Section Views Generate detailed cross-sections at any point on your plan to see exactly how your proposed grade sits.
- Digitizer Support Trace paper blueprints using a digitizer tablet if you prefer working with physical plans instead of digital files.
- Material Breakdown Reports Create clear reports detailing subgrade materials and strata layers to help you plan your equipment and labor.
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
EarthWorks Pricing
ZWCAD Civil Pricing
Pros & Cons
EarthWorks
Pros
- Extremely accurate volume calculations for complex site grading
- Excellent technical support and personalized training sessions
- Visual 3D graphics help identify plan errors quickly
- Handles both digital files and traditional paper blueprints
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to modern web apps
- Significant learning curve for users new to takeoff
- Pricing is not transparent on the website
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