Land survey applications have made jobs in the industry a lot easier since the inception of modern GPS technology. We have compiled a comprehensive list of the 11 most commonly used and best software surveyors use in the industry today.
All of these apps offer unique strengths that will make data collection on land survey jobs easier and more efficient for land surveyors and other professionals.
Here are 11 Windows Mobile, Windows Embedded Handheld, Android, or Windows 10 software options for land surveyors:
SurvCE
SurvCE by Carlson Software is a data collection software designed for Windows Mobile devices. The software features command-style data entry and a map view to capture and stake out land survey data. It is compatible with a variety of file types, including CAD and GIS data. In the field, SurvCE features coordinate geometry, functionality with real-time GPS, and it can switch between or simultaneously run GPS and total stations.
Operating system
Android
Windows Mobile and Windows Embedded Handheld ✓
Windows 10
Survey support
GPS receivers ✓
Manual total stations ✓
Robotic total stations ✓
SurvPC
SurvPC by Carlson Software is a GIS data collection software designed for Windows 7, 8.1, and 10. You can build large data sets with ArcGIS points, lines, and polygons and search them with a variety of tools. SurvPC utilises the Windows platform to build upon SurvCE with increased power and storage capacity. SurvPC also supports advanced GIS functions.
Operating system
Android
Windows Mobile
Windows 10 ✓
Survey support
GPS receivers ✓
Manual total stations ✓
Robotic total stations ✓
FieldGenius
FieldGenius by Microsurvey is a map-driven data collection software with a variety of roading and surfacing functions for land survey. It features code-free 3D line drawing, advanced total station controls, and real-time digital terrain modelling, along with real-time GPS support.
Operating system
Android
Windows Mobile ✓
Windows 10 ✓
Survey support
GPS receivers ✓
Manual total stations ✓
Robotic total stations ✓
Read more about Field Genius and its Applications here.
X-Pad Survey
X-PAD Survey by GeoMax is a CAD data collection software fully optimised for Android mobile computers and tablets. It integrates topographic and cadastral functionality and allows you to create and modify site drawings in the field. The application also includes note-taking that integrates position data with photos, voice comments, and typed notes. You can upload and download data on X-Pad with most popular cloud platforms. X-Pad Survey is part of the X-Pad Suite, which consists of X-Pad Ultimate, CalMaster, Survey, and Construction.
Operating system
Android ✓
Windows Mobile ✓ (limited)
Windows 10
Survey support
GPS receivers ✓
Manual total stations ✓
Robotic total stations ✓
Captivate
Captivate by Leica Geosystems creates advanced 3D renderings of projects in the digital world. The software uses data from your favourite measurement instruments – like your multi-station or total station – and builds a digital rendering that you can edit and consult in the field on most rugged mobile computers and tablets.
Operating system
Android
Windows Mobile ✓
Windows 10 ✓
Survey support
GPS receivers
Manual total stations ✓
Robotic total stations ✓
iCON build Construction Software
iCON build Construction Software by Leica Geosystems captures data with its unique point and line layout tool and integrates a 3D view system for on-the-fly file updates. This data collection software can receive real-time field updates from an office computer and works across its eco-system of iCON products.
Operating system
Android
Windows Mobile
Windows 10 ✓
Survey support
GPS receivers ✓
Manual total stations ✓
Robotic total stations ✓
MAGNET Field
MAGNET Field by Topcon Positioning is a construction and road mapping and layout software. This software utilises Microsoft Bing Maps to provide background satellite imagery while you stake surfaces, set roading, adjust points and lines, and calculate topographic volumes in the field on a variety of file formats, including CAD.
Operating system
Android
Windows Embedded Handheld ✓
Windows 10 ✓
Survey support
GPS receivers ✓
Manual total stations ✓
Robotic total stations ✓
MAGNET Field Layout
MAGNET Field Layout by Topcon Positioning is a custom version of MAGNET Field that integrates large file formats, including DWG, to support instant field layouts and 3D data entry.
Operating system
Android
Windows Embedded Handheld ✓
Windows 10 ✓
Survey support
GPS receivers ✓
Manual total stations ✓
Robotic total stations ✓
GeoPro Field
GeoPro Field by Sokkia is a simple point collection and layout application with CAD functionality.
Operating system
Android
Windows Mobile
Windows 10 ✓
Survey support
GPS receivers ✓
Manual total stations ✓
Robotic total stations ✓
Access
Access by Trimble is data collection software that supports topographic surveys, staking, and control. It features built-in workflow applications for a variety of common projects types like roads, pipelines, and tunnels.
Operating system
Android ✓
Windows Embedded Handheld ✓
Windows 10 ✓
Survey support
GPS receivers ✓
Manual total stations
Robotic total stations
TerraSync
TerraSync by Trimble is a GIS data collection and maintenance software. It allows you to collect GIS data with a click or tap on a smartphone or laser rangefinder. You can attach field photos and customise the interface to adjust to your field operation.
Operating system
Android ✓
Windows Mobile ✓
Windows 10 ✓
Survey support
GPS receivers ✓
Manual total stations ✓
Robotic total stations ✓
Hopefully this list breakdowns a few of the most commonly used surveying software and gives you a bit of information to be able to look into some of these systems to a further extent. Should you have any questions about any of the software on this list or any general surveying questions you can contact us on the contact form below.