How many bids are you currently working on? Would you like to bid on more? Competition for construction projects bids is as fierce as ever so finding ways to speed up your bidding process should always be top of mind. The more projects you bid on the higher the chances that you’ll win more bids.

There have been many advances in the technologies used for creating precise maps for use in earthwork projects. However, have you struggled with getting your point cloud into your takeoff software? You are not alone!

Cut & Fills (aka takeoffs) are among the topmost critical components of bidding, planning, and executing earthwork projects. For an inexperienced person, it can be a very time-consuming task. Additionally, it is a process that has little room for error. Mistakes in cut & fill analyses result in extra time, resources, and expenses.

Both LIDAR and Photogrammetry share the same primary purpose: to determine the 3D relationships between other locations; however, their methods differ. Both ways accomplish their task by locating and measuring natural and people-made land features' elevations, angles, and boundaries. These surveying methods are fundamental in construction and civil engineering. Understanding their similarities and differences will help you decide which to invest in and deploy for your projects.

Residential subdivisions have steadily grown in popularity since their development in the 1940s. They require careful and thorough planning. To obtain the required approvals for construction to begin, it is also necessary to gather site plans, topo surveys, diagrams, and any other relevant project data. Included within the site plan is the layout and grading plan for the site, and that’s where we can get involved to assist with your data prep.

Without a thorough takeoff (cut and fill) process to accurately quantify the materials needed for your project, your estimates can be way off. Whether you're using a manual process or a digital process, errors in takeoffs result in inaccurate bids and additional expenses.