InSite Elevation Alternative for Civil Takeoff
InSite Elevation and CivilTakeoff can supply different quantities for the same civil estimate. Elevation Pro combines terrain and utility modeling with PDF, CAD, and field data. CivilTakeoff measures 2D areas, lengths, and counts on PDF plans in the browser, then exports pay-item totals for your estimate.
InSite Elevation and CivilTakeoff: workflow comparison
| Attribute | InSite Elevation | CivilTakeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Elevation Pro combines earthwork and utility takeoff with field-data and GPS-model workflows. | Open PDF plans in a Mac or Windows browser to measure the separate 2D scope. |
| Deployment and licensing | The product tour offers a live Elevation Pro demonstration covering its modeling workflow. | Set up an online Free workspace for PDF quantities; use Pro seats for additional estimators. |
| Earthwork / cut and fill | Elevation Pro calculates surface quantities; TrenchVision 3D uses site contours for utility excavation and backfill. | Complementary scope: pavement areas, curb lengths, and structure counts alongside InSite’s modeled quantities. |
| PDF handling | Takeoff from PDF, CAD, and drone/GPS data, with aligned documents. | Upload plan PDFs, set the sheet scale, and measure manually or select supported shaded vector areas. |
| Pay-item organization | Elevation Pro reports earthwork quantities; TrenchVision 3D reports utility excavation and backfill. | Group each pavement section or utility size under your own item codes, keeping alternates separate. |
| Export | GPS surfaces and KMZ files; TrenchVision 3D reports export to 3Ds, PDF, and DWG. | Export an XLSX list of 2D pay-item totals to combine with InSite reports in your estimate. |
| Pricing model | The cited InSite pages offer a private demonstration of Elevation Pro. | Pro for PDF quantity work is $39/month or $390/year per estimator seat; Free also includes XLSX. Pro includes 1 TB of plan storage per workspace. |
| Setup to evaluate | Include terrain data, utility contours, and the reports or model files your team uses. | Calibrate one plan sheet, assign item codes to a 2D scope, and review its place in the combined quantity list. |
What to compare
Material volumes and terrain quantities
InSite Elevation Pro uses terrain data for earthwork quantities. CivilTakeoff measures a plan area and applies a depth you enter for material volume. For a paving scope, retain the surface calculation in InSite and use the CivilTakeoff area for the pavement section’s material items.
Utility excavation and plan measurements
InSite’s TrenchVision 3D calculates excavation and backfill using contours from the site takeoff. CivilTakeoff measures utility lengths and structure counts on PDF plans. Assign these items before measurement so the trench report and PDF quantity list cover the intended scope.
Sharing quantities with your estimate
InSite provides GPS surfaces and KMZ files, while TrenchVision 3D exports reports in 3Ds, PDF, and DWG formats. CivilTakeoff exports pay-item totals as XLSX. Combine the reviewed quantities in your estimate using matching item codes and units, with a source recorded for each total.
Limits to consider
CivilTakeoff does not replace InSite for surface-based cut and fill, 3D trench quantities, or machine-control output. It does not import InSite projects, DTM, TIN, or LandXML surfaces. Automatic area selection requires supported vector geometry; use manual measurement on scanned PDFs.
Frequently asked questions
How does a CivilTakeoff material volume differ from an InSite terrain quantity?
CivilTakeoff multiplies measured plan area by a depth you enter. InSite Elevation Pro uses terrain data for earthwork quantities, and TrenchVision 3D uses site contours for excavation and backfill.
Does InSite cover utilities as well as earthwork?
Yes. TrenchVision 3D calculates excavation and backfill for sanitary and storm sewers, water, electrical, and gas service using site contours.
When would I use CivilTakeoff alongside InSite?
Use it for a separate PDF scope such as pavement area, curb length, or structure counts. Assign each estimate item to one source when combining the outputs.
Which files do I use to start a CivilTakeoff project?
Start with the original plan PDFs, set their scale, and assign your item codes and units to the measurements. Keep InSite’s model data and reports with the quantities produced there.