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Third-Party Software
Most any AGTEK software user will find something useful in the following list of third-party software [if you have a software resource recommendation for this page, please email us]:
Video Screen Capture Utilities
VRML File Viewers
Printing to PDF Files
Importing PDF Files
Free CAD File Utilities
Free CAD Programs
Low-Cost CAD Programs
LandXML File Utilities
Point Cloud File Viewers
DWF-to-DWG Conversions
DWF-to-PDF Conversions
Vector PDF-to-CAD Conversions
Raster-to-Vector Conversions
USGS Digital Topo Data Conversions
Using Autonomous GPS Data With AGTEK
GTCO Roll-Up Digitizer Driver/Setup Utility and Setup Instructions
Legacy AGTEK DOS-Based Software Installations
File Compression/Extraction Utilities
Video Screen Capture Utilities
TechSmith Corporation offers two award-winning utilities that can be used to record AGTEK 3D drive-through simulations to a generic video file. The resulting video file can be played using any media player or they can be used with programs such as Microsoft® PowerPoint® for more elaborate presentations. SnagIt® ($63) includes simple video-capture and a robust range of static screen-capture options, but it does not include any video editing tools. Camtasia Studio ($300) specializes in video-capture, includes a voice-over capability and video editing tools, and would be a better choice if you must produce professional, high-quality video presentations from your recorded AGTEK drive-through simulations.
If you just need to quickly capture a static rectangular (or freehand) area of an AGTEK screen (e.g., capture and save a color cut-fill map image that can be imported to your AGTEK data file and displayed as a background image in Edit and Entry modes using AGTEK's PDF Utility), try the Windows (7/8/10) Snipping Tool (Start > All Programs > Accessories > Snipping Tool). With older versions of Windows, try Plixia (free).
VRML File Viewers
AGTEK's Earthwork 3D and SiteModel 3D programs (Version 1.41 and up) can export an entire 3D surface to a VRML (Virtual Reality Markup Language) file. To export a VRML file, (1) switch to Plan View mode or 3D View mode, (2) set the Reference and Difference Surfaces, (3) make any desired adjustments to the color shading, and (3) select File > Export VRML File from the menu. The Reference Surface (and color shading) selected in Step 2 is written to a .WRL file.
AGTEK VRML files can be read by any number of free (and fee) third-party VRML readers which allow the user to dynamically "fly-through" and inspect the 3D surface from any orientation. Two examples of VRML readers are the browser-based Cortona3D Viewer (free) and the stand-alone SolidView ($99).
With additional hardware and software, AGTEK VRML files can also be used to "print" a color 3D surface to a scaled solid model. Most AGTEK users will not want to purchase the necessary hardware and software as the cost may be hard to justify for occasional use; but third-party vendors, such as LGM Models, will produce the solid models for you using your AGTEK VRML files.
Printing to PDF Files
AGTEK's cut/fill maps and other graphical documentation can be shared with (and reprinted by) non-AGTEK users when the graphical documentation is printed to a PDF file. PDF files are also a handy alternative to AGTEK's proprietary AIP format when a complicated AGTEK Print Page needs to be archived and/or reprinted. Although AGTEK's GradeModel 3D and older versions of Earthwork 4D included a basic PDF export option, using a third-party print-to-PDF product with your AGTEK software provides more options and better results.
Popular (and free) print-to-PDF products include the BullZip PDF Printer and the bioPDF PDF Writer (and installing either of these two free PDF printers with the latest versions of AGTEK Earthwork 4D/Gradework 4D enables AGTEK's improved native export PDF option).
Adobe® Acrobat® Pro ($20/month subscription) is full-featured and well known, but numerous lower-priced (and free) print-to-PDF alternatives are also available.
Bluebeam® PDF Revu® ($240-$400/year subscription) has an A/E/C orientation and offers many options to create, edit, annotate, and manage (combine, rotate, overlay) PDF files, including the ability to measure onscreen quantities (length, area and perimeter) directly from a displayed PDF plan (special thanks to long-time AGTEK user Louis Spahn for his recommendation of the Bluebeam product).
Foxit PDF Editor Pro ($179 purchase or $99/year subscription) is another full-featured application for creating, editing and managing PDF files, which also includes onscreen measuring tools (coincidentally, early versions of AGTEK's PDF Utility for Earthwork 3D incorporated Foxit's PDF code).
In addition to creating PDF files, the BullZip, bioPDF and Bluebeam products also include output options for BMP, TIF and several other graphic file formats. Regardless of the specific product used to create them, PDF files printed from AGTEK can be viewed and/or re-printed by anyone using a free copy of Adobe Reader®. A third-party print-to-PDF application can also be useful for converting DWF files for import and processing with AGTEK software (see DWF-to-PDF Conversions below).
Importing PDF Files
AGTEK's PDF Utility provides excellent tools for importing and manipulating multiple PDF plan sheets for the same project via an iterative process; however, some users may prefer to "stitch" multiple match-line raster PDF plan sheets together to create a single combined raster PDF plan sheet for the entire project for import in AGTEK. Third-party software such as Bluebeam PDF Revu (see above) or Adobe® Photoshop® Elements ($100) can be used to stitch match-line PDF plan sheets together. AGTEK user Elizabeth Thompson of TrakSouth Civil Contractors has produced a step-by-step Photoshop Matchline Tutorial (many thanks to Elizabeth and TrakSouth for sharing the tutorial with all AGTEK users!).
Free CAD File Utilities
If you need to view, verify and print/plot CAD data but you don't want to spend a dime on CAD software, take a look at these free CAD file viewers and utilities . . .
As discussed in Earthwork Software Services' Day 2 Seminar Handbook, Autodesk® offers a trio of free utilities that belong in the toolbox of every AGTEK user: (1) DWG TrueView™ (for DWG/DXF files only; for DGN files, see Bentley View below), (2) Civil 3D Object Enabler (allows DWG TrueView and AutoCAD® to display Autodesk Civil 3D® Custom Objects) and (3) Design Review (DWG/DXF/DWF view, measure and markup). Installed together, these three utilities provide AGTEK users with some potentially very useful viewing, manipulation and file conversion functions when working with DWG, DXF and DWF files.
Bentley® View reads MicroStation-based DGN files. Bentley View also reads DWG/DXF files, but DWG TrueView (see above) offers better functionality for DWG/DXF.
Although handy for what they do, these free CAD file utilities do not include any drafting or CAD editing functions -- for actual drafting and editing, you need a CAD program such as those described in the next two sections below.
Free CAD Programs
IMSI/Design's DoubleCAD XT™ (aka A/CAD LT Express) is a CAD application that reads and writes DWG/DXF (R14 through R2012) and DWF files. It offers a range of 2D design and drafting functions and it can be used to edit DWG/DXF files (but it inconveniently lacks bind and explode functions). DoubleCAD XT can be used to convert a DWF file to a vector PDF for import by Earthwork 3D/4D (a third-party print to PDF utility is required--see Printing to PDF Files above).
Low-Cost CAD Programs
IMSI/Design's TurboCAD Deluxe® ($250) provides 2D drafting, editing and 3D rendering functions. TurboCAD reads and writes DWG/DXF (up to R2023), DWF and DGN files. It also exports PDF files and it can be used to convert a DWF file to a vector PDF (see DWF-to-PDF Conversions below).
Dassault Systèmes' DraftSight Professional® ($249/year subscription) is a CAD application that reads DWG/DXF/DGN files and offers a range of 2D design, drafting and editing functions.
Autodesk's AutoCAD LT® ($460/year subscription) is a lower-priced, scaled-down version of full AutoCAD® ($1,865/year subscription). AutoCAD LT reads and writes DWG, DXF, DWF and DGN (read only) files and it offers a range of 2D design, drafting and editing functions; it also includes geo-referencing and integration of Bing Maps. AutoCAD LT exports PDF files and it can be used to convert a DWF file to a vector PDF (see DWF-to-PDF Conversions below). AGTEK users should install Autodesk's free Civil 3D Object Enabler with AutoCAD LT (allows AutoCAD LT to display Autodesk Civil 3D Custom Objects). If you're looking for drafting and CAD editing capabilities and you don't need full-blown AutoCAD, or a full civil-design package like Civil 3D ($2,550/year subscription), AutoCAD LT will provide plenty of value to most AGTEK users.
BackToCAD Technologies' CADdirect ($349, stand alone), reads DWG/DXF (R12-R2023) and DGN files and it provides typical CAD drafting functions plus a host of CAD file editing and repair/cleanup functions (purge empty/off/frozen layers, bind xrefs, explode blocks, convert splines to polylines, and convert attributes to text).
LandXML File Utilities
LandXML (.XML) files are specially-formatted ASCII text files used to transfer site and highway project data (including points, point groups, horizontal/vertical alignments, cross sections, and surfaces) between different CAD and GIS software applications. Most AutoCAD- and MicroStation-based civil design systems can export LandXML files and some state DOTs have begun releasing highway project data in this format, so AGTEK users may receive XML files. The latest versions of AGTEK's 4D earthwork products can import and export LandXML files. AGTEK's retired (no longer supported) 3D products did not import/export LandXMLs (although some Highway 3D, SiteModel-Highway, or GradeModel 3D users may have been provided with a copy of the no-longer-available AGTEK XML conversion utility). Apparently, there currently are no free and reliable LandXML converters (Warning: A downloadable XML to SMi converter was produced by Civil Cool Tools but the install file for their "XML2SMi 0.9b1" version was reported to contain malware and we do not provide a link to that converter). LandXML.org provides a download link to the free Carlson Precision 3D LandXML/Point Cloud Viewer, which is handy for previewing LandXML (and point cloud) files but it does not include the ability to convert LandXML files to other formats. If you regularly receive LandXML files but you're still using an old AGTEK 3D product, it may be time to switch up to AGTEK's Earthwork 4D or, in the meantime, you might consider purchasing a stand-alone GIS/CAD data converter such as Blue Marble Geographics' Global Mapper ($599).
Point Cloud File Viewers
The latest AGTEK 4D earthwork products can import point cloud files from LiDAR and photogrammetric surveys but you can use a free point cloud viewer to make a quick preview: Options include Applied Imagery's Quick Terrain Reader, Carlson's Precision 3D LandXML/Point Cloud Viewer (as the name implies, this one doubles as a LandXML file viewer) and the web-based Potree viewer (this LINZ tutorial covers use of the Potree viewer with LiDAR data sourced via OpenTopography).
DWF-to-DWG Conversions
Autodesk created and popularized the DWF (Design Web Format) file for secure electronic distribution of CAD data. Essentially, a DWF file contains dumbed-down vector data that is great for viewing and plotting but is of no direct value to an AGTEK user for earthwork modeling and takeoff applications. If you receive a DWF file and a corresponding DWG/DXF file is absolutely unavailable, one option (other than manually digitizing the data from a scaled paper plot) is to perform a DWF-to-DWG conversion using a third-party utility such as Any DWF to DWG Converter ($118, stand alone), DWF to DWG Importer Pro ($180, stand alone), or Print2CAD ($249, stand alone). DWF-to-DWG is best, but another option is to convert the DWF file to a vector PDF (see below).
DWF-to-PDF Conversions
Although AGTEK software cannot import a DWF file directly, a work-around is to convert the DWF file to a PDF file. AGTEK's GradeModel and Sitework 4D products include the ability to import and process PDF files, and this PDF functionality was also available as an add-on purchase for AGTEK's retired Earthwork 3D, SiteModel 3D and Highway 3D software. A DWF-to-PDF conversion can be made by printing the DWF file to vector PDF using Design Review (see Free CAD File Utilities above) or TurboCAD Deluxe/AutoCAD LT (see Low-Cost CAD Programs above). In the PDF print/plot setup dialog, be sure to specify an appropriate scale and paper size (use the scale/paper size matching the paper plan sheet or referenced in the DWF file's title block/graphic scale). TurboCAD and AutoCAD LT include built-in PDF export options but you can also use these programs with a third-party print-to-PDF application (see Printing to PDF Files above). Or use a stand-alone CAD-to-PDF conversion utility such as DWG to PDF Converter MX ($100, works with DWF as well as DWG/DXF). Regardless of how you actually convert from DWF, import and process the resulting vector PDF in AGTEK per the instructions included in recent versions of Earthwork Software Services' Day 2 Seminar Handbook.
Vector PDF-to-CAD Conversions
If your particular AGTEK software does not import PDF files (AGTEK's GradeModel 3D and Earthwork/Gradework 4D products include the ability to import and process PDF/JPG/TIF/PNG/GIF/BMP files), your best bet was to purchase AGTEK's flexible and highly-functional PDF Utility (previously available for AGTEK's retired Earthwork 3D and SiteModel 3D products) which provided direct extraction and transfer of vector data from PDF files (and also provided manual digitizing and raster-to-vector conversion options for raster plan images in PDF/JPG/TIF/PNG/GIF/BMP files). AGTEK 3D users can still purchase third-party software such as BackToCAD Technologies' Print2CAD ($249)--the resulting layered DXF/DWG file can then be imported by your AGTEK 3D software. For raster PDF files, see raster-to-vector conversions below.
Raster-to-Vector Conversions
If you receive a raster PDF (or a JPG/BMP/TIF/PNG/GIF) plan file and a vector PDF (or DWG/DXF/DGN) plan file is absolutely unavailable, your best bet is to use AGTEK's PDF Utility (see previous paragraph above) which enables manual digitizing directly from the raster plan image in AGTEK. Without the AGTEK PDF Utility, less convenient options include: (1) print the raster plan image to paper, determine the scale, and manually digitize it or (2) try to convert the raster plan data to vector format (see next paragraph) and then import the resulting line work into AGTEK. Neither of these less-convenient options is appealing, but manual digitizing from paper is usually the more practical choice (assuming your AGTEK software includes that option). Also, keep in mind that the result may be good enough for a quantity takeoff but it will lack the accuracy needed for most staking or machine control applications.
Many automated raster-to-vector conversion programs will not produce good results when existing and design line work are represented on the same plan image (e.g., inappropriately connected line work requiring lots of manual cleanup) but newer conversion products such as Print2CAD ($249, stand alone) promise better results and may be worth a try. For those who do not want to perform raster-to-vector conversions on their own, conversion service bureaus are also available, including: Design Presentation, Trix Systems Conversion Services and others.
USGS Digital Topo Data Conversions
The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) distributes (free) numerous elevation and map data sets via its National Map Viewer. USGS data can be useful for preliminary site analysis and planning but the resulting elevation data is not directly importable by AGTEK; however, third-party GIS applications such as Blue Marble Geographics' Global Mapper ($599) can be used to convert USGS data. Older USGS elevation formats include Digital Elevation Models (a DEM file represents a 3D-grid surface) and Digital Line Graphs (a DLG file includes 3D elevation contours); if you need to import these older DEM/DLG data into AGTEK, you will need to convert the data to a compatible format using a third-party utility such as those listed below:
DEM files can be converted to DXF contours using DEM2TOPO or DEM2DXF (the vterrain.org site also has links to numerous data viewers); DEM files can be converted to 3D point (x,y,z) files using MICRODEM (free, more info here); and DLG files can be converted to DXF files using dlgv32 Pro/Global Mapper (free limited-function trial, and $599 full-function versions of the same program).
Using Autonomous GPS Data With AGTEK
AGTEK users have plenty of options for collecting and leveraging high-precision RTK GPS data, including AGTEK's SmartGrade and SmartBlade mobile apps, which have replaced the older Grade Pilot and Graphic Grade products. But what about AGTEK users wanting to collect and use low-precision Autonomous GPS data in their AGTEK site analysis applications? Users of AGTEK 4D office software should definitely take a look at AGTEK's impressive autonomous GPS SmartPlan and SmartDirt mobile apps.
The SmartPlan/SmartDirt apps are tied to AGTEK's Earthwork 4D/Gradework 4D products and they are not compatible with AGTEK's retired Earthwork 3D product; however, other (sub-optimal) alternatives can be found if you are not using an AGTEK 4D product. The GPS2CAD (was $395 but may no longer be available) program allows field data collected with cheap, hand-held Autonomous (low-precision) GPS receivers to be merged with an active CAD drawing file (GPS2CAD is compatible with AutoCAD, TurboCAD, and DoubleCAD). GPS2CAD functions include coordinate translations, import/export options, and the ability to align and overlay GPS data with free site images (maps and aerial photos) from Google Earth and TerraServer. TopoGrafix's ExpertGPS Pro ($79/year subscription) can produce similar results but it lacks GPS2CAD's direct CAD interface (but ExpertGPS data can still be transferred to CAD via exported DXF files). Autonomous GPS data processed with GPS2CAD or ExpertGPS Pro and exported to DXF can then be imported and used with AGTEK's older Earthwork 3D software.
GTCO Roll-Up Digitizer Driver/Setup Utility and Setup Instructions
Most AGTEK users no longer digitize from paper plans but click here if you're in need of the latest driver and TabletWorks setup utility for your GTCO Roll-Up digitizing tablet. GTCO TabletWorks setup instructions can be found in “Section 1” of AGTEK's Earthwork 3D user manual (Earthwork 4D users should refer to "Section 6" of the Sitework 4D user manual). Click here for a PDF document with instructions on disabling/re-enabling GTCO's TabletWorks digitizer driver (only if the GTCO driver is conflicting with other software installed on your computer).
Legacy AGTEK DOS-Based Software Installations
In the unlikely event that a user would ever need to run any of AGTEK’s legacy DOS-based programs (e.g., Sitework 98 / SitePlan 98 / Materials 2000 / EDGE Sitework Engineering, Highway Sections, Material Takeoff) on the same computer with AGTEK’s 3D/4D products, the only potential options would include dual boot and virtual machine configurations. But attempting such installations may present numerous issues and, if you decide to go down this path, be advised that AGTEK Support WILL NOT provide advice or troubleshooting for any installations related to their legacy (retired and no longer supported) software.
File Compression/Extraction Utilities
A stand-alone file compression/extraction utility is handy when large files must be transmitted via email, when large files must be archived for storage, and when accessing compressed files that are not self-extracting. Although Windows has long included basic file compression/extraction functions (via Windows File Explorer), stand-alone utilities typically support a wider range of compressed file formats and provide more flexible functionality. WinZip® ($35/year, subscription) is a well-known zip utility with a free 21-day evaluation option (for a PDF file with step-by-step WinZip installation and usage instructions, click here). Try 7-Zip (free) if you don't want to drop $30 for WinZip. You might also consider using online services such as Dropbox for a convenient way to transfer/share large files.
