Select all features. Click "Earthwork Pro v3 → Compute Volumes." The software overlays a grid, calculates the difference between existing and proposed surfaces, and displays the color-coded map (Red = Cut, Blue = Fill).

Open PlanSwift, load the architect’s PDF. Use the calibration tool to set the scale by clicking a known dimension (e.g., a 100-foot property line). The "PlanSwift Earthwork Pro v3" toolbar appears.

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.

| 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 |