Use the "Contour Trace" tool. Click on each existing contour line (EL 100, EL 102, etc.). The software stores these as a 3D surface. Alternatively, import a CSV of survey points.

Draw the building footprint (proposed subgrade at EL 98). Draw the pond bottom (EL 95) with side slopes at 3:1. Draw the parking lot with a 2% slope using the "Slope Plane" tool.

Stop guessing where the dirt goes. Start knowing with . Disclaimer: Features and pricing mentioned are accurate as of the publication date. Always visit the official PlanSwift website for the latest information on PlanSwift Earthwork Pro v3 licensing and system requirements.

The upgrade cost is typically $500–$1,000, which many estimators recoup on their first project by avoiding a single over-excavation error. The Contractor: Great Lakes Excavating (Michigan) The Project: 12-acre school athletic complex (football field, track, parking)

| Feature | PlanSwift Earthwork Pro v3 | Agtek (Gradework) | Manual / Excel | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Low (2 days) | High (2 weeks) | N/A (Expert needed) | | Price | Mid-range (Perpetual license) | High ($5k+) | Low (but slow) | | 2D PDF Import | Native, drag-and-drop | Clunky, requires conversion | Yes, but manual scaling | | 3D Visualization | Basic but functional | Advanced photorealistic | None | | Speed (10-acre site) | 30 min | 45 min | 4+ hours | | Machine Control Export | Yes (DXF) | Yes (Proprietary) | No |