Day 1 (Fundamentals of Site Modeling & Takeoff) The 2022-2023 Day 1 seminar is ready to go. This course's supporting documentation has been edited for 2022-2023 but the topics covered in class remain centered on the day-long and foundational "Earthwork Modeling Step-by-Step" exercise based on a multiple raster PDF plan sheet data-entry scenario. This course focuses a great deal of attention and detail on the proper entry, error-checking, and editing of Data Lines so the user has the tools and confidence needed to produce surface models with the appropriate accuracy for quantity takeoff and field applications, including geo-referencing the job file for Google Earth (PDF Plan Sheet method) and entering project notes on the Documentation layer. Additional class segments cover the entry of Existing Perimeters, Design Perimeters, Stripping Areas, and Sectional Areas/Report Regions, including important tips on avoiding mistakes that can affect the corresponding surfaces and volume calculation results. The Volume Report is discussed in detail, including the use of Fill Factors to adjust for shrink/swell from bank cut to compacted fill. All of this (and much more) is fully documented in the accompanying 358-page Day 1 Seminar Handbook, which has been edited and updated for the 2022-2023 seminar season. Taking up a very full day, this class runs from 8:30 am until 5:00~5:30 pm and is literally packed with well-documented "must-know" technical (but very practical) information for all AGTEK users. Be sure to review the Courses Overview page, the Day 1 Seminar Outline and the Day 1 Seminar Handbook Table of Contents.
Day 2 (Working with CAD, Vector PDF & Survey Data) The 2022-2023 Day 2 seminar is ready to go. Other than some minor updates, the foundational Modeling With Vector Data Step-by-Step exercise is essentially unchanged from the 2021-2022 season and this class segment provides the attendee with a thorough examination of the tools and techniques for importing and processing multiple-sheet vector PDF files and CAD data, including import options, troubleshooting "missing" data, selecting/transferring layers, finding and eliminating elevation errors, 2D to 3D vector data conversions, and geo-referencing the job file using the State Plane Coordinates method (including translation of job file to State Plane coordinates). The Data Prep for Auto Pad Utility and Street Model from "Conformed" Centerline exercises provide in-depth demonstrations of practical modeling techniques applied to more complicated CAD data examples. The modeling with ground-run survey data (optical/GPS collection methods) segment includes exercise examples using PNEZ coordinate text files for borrow pit modeling and volumes, a bid-topo update and (if time permits) a modeling with cross-section data problem. The accompanying 382-page Day 2 Seminar Handbook (edited and updated for the 2022-2023 seminar season) fully documents the techniques demonstrated and discussed in class. Although they are not covered in class, the seminar handbook's Design and Drafting Tools appendix documents use of AGTEK's data-manipulation tools to create a balanced site grading design starting from a simple base map (boundary and topographic survey) and the Exporting AGTEK Data appendix provides examples and documentation for AGTEK's various data export options. The Day 2 class runs from 8:30 am until 4:30~5:00 pm and provides a full-day's worth of "must-know" techniques for those AGTEK users that need to work efficiently and confidently with imported vector data. Be sure to review the Courses Overview page, the Day 2 Seminar's Outline and the Day 2 Seminar's Handbook Table of Contents.
Day 3 (Strata, Over-Ex & Related Functions) The 2022-2023 Day 3 seminar is ready to go. There are no departures from the topics and examples covered in last season's Day 3 seminar. This class provides AGTEK users with a range of tools, tips and techniques for modeling and quantifying more complicated site scenarios, including modeling and quantifying differential subsurface soils, vertically-staged earthwork, and work defined by depths of cut and/or fill (see Courses Overview page). The accompanying 254-page Day 3 Seminar Handbook, which has been lightly edited and updated for the 2022-2023 seminar season, provides detailed documentation for the manipulations demonstrated in this class. This class covers some pretty dense (advanced) topics so Day 3 is shorter than the first two days, with Day 3 running from 8:30 am until 4:00~4:30 pm. Be sure to review the Courses Overview page, the Day 3 Seminar's Outline and the Day 3 Seminar's Handbook Table of Contents.

What does it mean when seminar course details (course outlines, handbook tables of content) are marked Tentative?

Between seminar seasons (mid-September through October) some, or all, of our course details will be marked Tentative as we plan our new seminar schedule and make content revisions for the upcoming seminar season. Regarding course content revisions (see related FAQ), the final topics covered in each seminar class will generally conform to the current Courses Overview page; however, because various exercise examples and sequences are being edited, the Final Course Outline (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3) and Handbook Tables of Content (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3) pages may differ somewhat from those that are designated Tentative. A Course's Outline and Handbook Tables of Content pages will be designated Final once all course revisions and editing have been completed for that course day. Seminar materials for the 2022-2023 seminar season are "Final" for the Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 seminars.

Which AGTEK products are addressed by the Day 1 (Fundamentals of Site Modeling & Takeoff) seminar?

The topics covered in the Day 1 seminar apply to the following AGTEK products (AGTEK 3D product users should see this related FAQ):

Earthwork 4D (Sitework 4D) (see related FAQ)
Gradework 4D (see related FAQ)
Earthwork 3D
SiteModel 3D (aka Sitework LT)
SitePlan 3D
GradeModel 3D (see related FAQ
PDF Utlity (for multi-page raster PDF files)

Which AGTEK products are addressed by the Day 2 (Working with CAD, Vector PDF & Survey Data) seminar?

The topics covered in the Day 2 seminar apply to the following AGTEK products (AGTEK 3D product users should see this related FAQ):

Earthwork 4D (Sitework 4D) (see related FAQ)
Gradework 4D (see related FAQ)
Earthwork 3D
SiteModel 3D (aka Sitework LT)
GradeModel 3D (see related FAQ)
PDF Utlity (for multi-page vector PDF files)

Which AGTEK products are addressed by the Day 3 (Strata, Over-Ex & Related Functions) seminar?

The topics covered in the Day 3 seminar apply to the following AGTEK products (AGTEK 3D product users should see this related FAQ):

Earthwork 4D (Sitework 4D) (see related FAQ)
Gradework 4D (see related FAQ)
Earthwork 3D
SiteModel 3D (aka Sitework LT)
GradeModel 3D (see related FAQ)

Are specific seminars available for AGTEK's GradeModel 3D product?

Most of the Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 seminar topics apply to GradeModel 3D because GradeModel 3D was simply an extended version of SiteModel 3D, including a shared menu structure and user interface. However, GradeModel 3D also included the modeling functions of Highway 3D plus the haul planning functions of AGTEK's Trackwork 4D product and our seminars DO NOT address these extended functions of GradeModel 3D.

Are separate seminars available for AGTEK's Earthwork 3D and Sitework 4D/Gradework 4D products?

No, but ... although nearly all of our attendees use AGTEK 4D earthwork products (Earthwork 4D/Gradework 4D) and we now conduct our classes using Gradework 4D software, most of the seminar content is still applicable to the old Earthwork 3D products. Most of our Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 seminar topics address and document core program functions available to both AGTEK 3D and AGTEK 4D users (the 3D and 4D products share a similar user interface, including the same Mode-Surface-Layer organizational structure, a similar menu structure and nearly identical keyboard shortcuts). With that said, there are a growing number of differences between the now-retired (and unchanging) old AGTEK 3D products and the continuously-improving AGTEK 4D products (see this PDF document for an overview of some important differences between the 3D and 4D products). Our detailed seminar technical handbooks document many of the differences between the 3D and 4D products, but 3D users should understand that we do not have the ability or time to demonstrate these differences in our seminar classes (we use AGTEK 4D software in the seminar classroom).

Are specific seminars available for AGTEK's Highway 3D/4D products?

No. Our seminars focus on teaching earthwork modeling and takeoff skills applicable to commercial, industrial, residential and other site-type projects (as opposed to "DOT" roadwork projects); therefore, our seminars do not address the specialized functions (data entry from cross sections, horizontal/vertical COGO, mass analysis, etc.) of AGTEK's highway program modules. However, Highway 4D users can take advantage of AGTEK's self-paced, video-augmented online training courses for Highway 4D (this video training series includes corresponding downloadable plan and data files); Highway 4D users can also take advantage of AGTEK's "hands-on" instructor-guided training options.

Which seminars will teach me how to use AGTEK for dirt takeoffs?

All Earthwork 4D (Sitework 4D), Gradework 4D, Earthwork 3D, SitePlan 3D (see note below), SiteModel 3D and GradeModel 3D users who perform dirt takeoffs for commercial, industrial, residential and other site-type projects should master the functions covered in the Day 1 seminar. The Day 1 seminar addresses data entry via manual digitizing, which applies when working from raster PDF plans and paper plans (manual digitizing is required if CAD or vector PDF plans are not provided) and geo-referencing the job file to the site location in Google Earth. Day 1 also covers the vitally important steps of surface error checking, data editing, "break line" entry, surface adjustments for topsoil stripping and design structural sections, adjustments for bank-to-compacted shrink/swell, and calculation and reporting of cut/fill/net volumes. AGTEK users who want to perform dirt takeoffs using imported CAD data and vector PDF plans (eliminates the need for tedious and time-consuming manual digitizing) should also master the functions covered in the Day 2 seminar. Depending on the specific nature of your work, the more advanced functions covered in the Day 3 seminar may also be of interest to AGTEK users who perform dirt takeoffs. Click here to read about the differences between modeling for takeoff and construction applications.

[Note: If you are using AGTEK's older SitePlan 3D program for dirt takeoffs, you should attend only the Day 1 seminar. Click here if you don't know which AGTEK product you are using.]

Which seminars will teach me how to use AGTEK for GPS modeling?

All Earthwork 4D (Sitework 4D), Gradework 4D, Earthwork 3D, SiteModel 3D and GradeModel 3D users who use AGTEK for GPS modeling for commercial, industrial, residential and other site projects should master the functions covered in both the Day 1 and Day 2 seminars. Although data entry for GPS models should not be based on manual digitizing, the vitally important Day 1 seminar topics of surface error checking, data editing, and "break line" entry are critically important to producing accurate GPS surface models. Because GPS models should be based on the project designer's CAD data (to avoid the horizontal inaccuracy associated with data entry via manual digitizing), GPS model builders must be able to efficiently import CAD data, identify and eliminate CAD elevation errors, and convert 2D CAD line work to 3D data lines--all of which is detailed in the Day 2 seminar. Depending on the specific nature of your work, the more advanced modeling functions covered in the Day 3 seminar may also be of interest to GPS model builders. Click here to read about the differences between modeling for takeoff and construction applications.

What's the difference between raster and vector PDF data?

When grading plans are provided in a PDF file, the plan line work (contours, curbs, buildings, etc.) will be represented with either raster or vector graphics. With raster graphics, a simple “bitmap” (a pattern of small shaded pixel squares) is used to represent the line work (raster graphics typically result when a paper plan sheet is scanned). With vector graphics, plan line work is mathematically defined—just like in CAD (vector graphics result when vector CAD data is published or plotted to a PDF file directly from a CAD system). When an AGTEK user imports a PDF grading plan, raster line work will typically be manually digitized (using the techniques documented in the Day 1 seminar) and vector line work will be processed like CAD data (using the techniques documented in the Day 2 seminar).

If I'm one of the few people still digitizing from paper, do these seminars apply to me?

Indirectly, yes. Manual digitizing data-entry techniques are covered in the Day 1 seminar and, although we actually demonstrate manual digitizing from raster PDF plans in the seminar class (a digitizing board/pad is not used in the seminar), AGTEK's manual digitizing functions apply equally whether digitizing from paper or PDF plans. There are some functional differences between digitizing from paper plans vs. PDF plans (plan scaling is the biggest difference, while the "contour streaming" function is a good example of a minor difference) but these differences are documented in the detailed Day 1 Seminar Handbook that is provided to each seminar attendee.

If I'm an experienced AGTEK user, can I benefit from attending the Day 1 seminar?

Yes! Although experienced AGTEK users should already be familiar with many of the functions addressed in the Day 1 seminar, a surprisingly large number of experienced users report that they have gained invaluable tips, tricks and insights by attending this most fundamental seminar course. This is perhaps most true with experienced AGTEK users when they are "self taught" (never had any formal training on how to properly use AGTEK software) or "hand-me-down taught" (trained by other, possibly self-taught, AGTEK users in their organization); but it can also apply to experienced AGTEK users when it has been several years since they last received any formal AGTEK training (our seminar courses are updated every year to reflect ongoing changes in the AGTEK software). How do you know what you don't know? How do you know what you don't remember? Attending the Day 1 seminar can benefit even the most experienced of AGTEK users.

If I'm using AGTEK's 4D products, what 4D functionality is NOT covered in the seminars?

AGTEK 4D (Earthwork 4D and Gradework 4D) offers a suites of modular products: the "base" AGTEK 4D products are Sitework 4D and Gradework 4D, which provide a core set of site modeling and takeoff functions (as did AGTEK's retired Earthwork 3D product) and these core functions are covered over the three seminar days. As with the retired Earthwork 3D product, Earthwork 4D and Gradework 4D offer various optional add-on modules, including Highway (linear earthwork takeoff/modeling/haul analysis, typically based on alignment cross-section data), Materials (takeoff and reporting of length/area/count quantities), Underground (detailed storm/sewer/water pipe materials takeoff) and Trackwork (site haul planning using takeoff/model data and actual haul production analysis using autonomous GPS tracking data). Our seminars are specifically focused on the core applications and functions of site earthwork modeling and takeoff and we do not address the optional applications and functions of Highway, Materials, Underground and Trackwork; however, AGTEK offers numerous self-paced online training videos, as well as live "hands-on" Web Training classes, documenting these various 4D add-on modules. If you are looking for coverage of a specific application or program function in our seminars, please be sure to review our course descriptions, course outlines (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3), and seminar handbook tables of content (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3) to be certain that your specific interests will be addressed. And feel free to contact us with any questions.

Can I receive continuing education credit for attending a seminar?

That depends on the policies and requirements of the organization granting the continuing education/professional development credits. Upon request, we will be happy to provide the seminar attendee a letter documenting his/her attendance dates, seminar course content, and hours of instruction. Net of lunch and breaks, the Day 1 seminar represents ~ 7.5 hours of instruction time, the Day 2 seminar represents ~ 7.0 hours of instruction time, and the Day 3 seminar represents ~ 6.5 hours of instruction time.

Another way to receive "credit" for attending our seminars is through the seminar instructor's endorsement of AGTEK skills on the seminar attendee's LinkedIn® profile. Any attendee wishing to receive an AGTEK skills endorsement should first add "AGTEK" to their profile skills, then invite the seminar instructor, Michael Cope, to join their LinkedIn network (please reference the seminar location and year attended in your invitation).

Will this website's content remain accessible after the seminar instructor retires in fall of 2023?

After Michael Cope's retirement from conducting his regional AGTEK training seminars (in late 2023), this website (including all content pages and resource downloads) will remain accessible through at least July of 2024. At some time thereafter, the website may become unavailable, but the site's content and resources will still be accessible via the site's web archive (tip: bookmark the archive link for future reference).

When and where are regional seminars held?

Final Seminar Season Notice: The Fall 2022-Summer 2023 seminar season was the final season of seminars produced and conducted by Michael Cope (our seminar instructor). After enjoying 20+ years of conducting his AGTEK training seminars, Michael was ready for some well-deserved "pasture time" and he retired from conducting AGTEK seminars after completing his 2022-2023 seminar season (late September 2023, see related website FAQ). Michael extends his sincerest appreciation and gratitude to the thousands of AGTEK users that he had the pleasure of instructing over the twenty-plus-years run of his seminars!

Although Michael Cope's seminar classes ended in September 2023, he subsequently completed a ten-months long project to update his three-volume set of AGTEK seminar technical handbooks for the latest site earthwork modeling/takeoff functions in AGTEK's Gradework 4D v1.10 and v1.11 software releases. Michael's resulting 2024 Post-Seminars handbook editions are available now and they can be ordered via our handbook Replace/Upgrade service (view a list of our seminar handbook editions).

For ongoing instructor-guided AGTEK software training options, please see AGTEK's training page.

How has COVID-19 impacted the regional seminars?

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated government-mandated "stay at home" orders resulted in the cancellation/rescheduling of our spring/summer 2020 seminars. Since the fall of 2020, we have been offering a geographically-limited schedule of seminars with a small number of seats (12 max) at each location. Our final 2022-2023 seminar schedule included eleven three-day seminars (the seminar schedule is also provided in this handy PDF schedule planning document). Once safe and effective no-cost COVID-19 vaccinations (and COVID-19 treatment therapies) became widely available, cancellation and rescheduling of seminars due to COVID-19 ended. With that said, we continue taking the following basic measures for all of our seminars . . .

Limited Class Size: Our registration system currently accepts a maximum of 12 registrants per seminar day (including the seminar instructor, class size is capped at 13 people).
Social Distancing: Each seminar attendee is seated at their own classroom table and the tables are spaced to separate attendees by as much as possible at each venue (see this photo for an example).
Face Covering (Optional): Unless otherwise required by government mandate, we don't require seminar attendees to wear a mask in the seminar classroom but we do encourage at-risk attendees to consider the CDC's recommendations on how to protect yourself from COVID-19.
No Handshakes: The instructor does not shake hands to greet attendees and we recommend that attendees do the same with each other (use an "elbow bump" as an alternative).

Warning: Although the above measures can help to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the seminar classroom, these measures DO NOT ELIMINATE said transmission risk. We encourage all seminar attendees to protect themselves with the no-cost, highly effective COVID-19 vaccines (the vaccines don't guarantee that you won't be infected with COVID-19, but full vaccination is very effective at preventing hospitalization and death from COVID-19 complications). Any vaccinated or unvaccinated individual concerned that their (or their household members') health profile puts them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 complications should consult with their healthcare provider before registering for our in-person group training seminars. By entering the seminar classroom, attendees assume and accept the risk of potential COVID-19 infection.

When will the next schedule of seminars be available?

Our geographically-limited schedule of seminar dates and locations for the current seminar season is always posted here (firm/planned seminar locations and dates are also provided in this handy PDF schedule planning document, which is updated as our planning solidifies for each seminar season). The final schedule of seminars for the Fall 2022-Summer 2023 seminar season is posted here. To receive seminar schedule announcements via email and/or fax, feel free to join our Mail List.

Final Seminar Season Notice: The Fall 2022-Summer 2023 seminar season was the final season of seminars produced and conducted by Michael Cope (our seminar instructor). After enjoying 20+ years of conducting his AGTEK training seminars, Michael was ready for some well-deserved "pasture time" and he retired from conducting AGTEK seminars after completing his 2022-2023 seminar season (late September 2023, see related website FAQ). Michael extends his sincerest appreciation and gratitude to the thousands of AGTEK users that he had the pleasure of instructing over the twenty-plus-years run of his seminars!

Although Michael Cope's seminar classes ended in September 2023, he subsequently completed a ten-months long project to update his three-volume set of AGTEK seminar technical handbooks for the latest site earthwork modeling/takeoff functions in AGTEK's Gradework 4D v1.10 and v1.11 software releases. Michael's resulting 2024 Post-Seminars handbook editions are available now and they can be ordered via our handbook Replace/Upgrade service (view a list of our seminar handbook editions).

For ongoing instructor-guided AGTEK software training options, please see AGTEK's training page.

What do Tentative, TBA, Partial, Final, Revised and Closed indicate on the seminar location schedule?

These designations indicate the status of the locations listed on the seminar schedule . . .

Tentative The seminar locations and dates ("TBA" may be indicated for some dates) are provided for planning purposes but the locations and dates are subject to change as we finalize the schedule. Seminar registration will not be available while the seminar location schedule remains tentative.
Partial The currently listed seminar locations have been assigned firm dates and online registration is open for these seminars. The schedule of fall/winter seminars is typically the first to be assigned firm specific dates, with dates for the spring/summer seminars added to the schedule as they are finalized (any anticipated dates for later seminars are listed in this handy PDF schedule planning document).
Final All listed specific seminar locations (fall through summer) have been assigned firm dates (all locations and dates are final and will only change due to unusual and/or unavoidable circumstances).
Revised Changes have been made to the originally published "Final" seminar schedule due to unusual and/or unavoidable circumstances (such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic).
Closed Dates for all listed seminar locations (fall through summer) have passed and registration is closed for all locations (see this FAQ for final seminar season notice). [Note: All locations/dates on the Fall 2022 - Summer 2023 seminar schedule are now "Closed".]

Join our Mail List to receive seminar schedule announcements via email and/or fax.

Why are some previously offered city locations missing from the current seminar schedule?

The cities in which we offer our seminars have always varied somewhat from one seminar season to the next over the last 20+ years, based on fluctuations in regional demand for our instructor's seminar classes. The COVID-19 pandemic imposed scheduling restrictions that prevented us from offering a seminar schedule with the previous coast-to-coast coverage and, as our seminar instructor now transitions to his planned retirement in the fall of 2023, our forward monthly seminar schedule will rotate through three locations in the eastern/southeastern U.S. (Winchester VA, Atlanta GA and Orlando FL). The Fall 2022 - Summer 2023 schedule of seminar dates and locations is posted here (and in this handy PDF schedule planning document). If our current schedule does not meet your needs and you would like to receive future fax and/or email seminar schedule announcements, feel free to join our Mail List.

How do I get conference facility and hotel information for a specific seminar?

Venue and lodging information is typically available at least one month in advance of a specific seminar location's event date. When available, final venue details are included in the registration confirmation materials; otherwise, venue details are subsequently emailed to registrants as soon as available. Access to the latest venue information is always available from the Seminar Locations and Schedule Page of this website (click on a seminar city location to display the corresponding seminar information page).

How can I receive future seminar schedule announcements?

If you do not wish to register for a seminar at this time, but you would like to automatically receive Seminar Schedule Announcements and City Location Reminders, you can join our Mail List. Other options include following our seminar announcements on LinkedIn and/or Twitter.

Who should attend regional seminars?

Anyone needing a better understanding of AGTEK software functions and capabilities will benefit from attending our regional seminars and seminar attendees typically include:

Hands-On AGTEK Users These are the estimators, project managers, project engineers, and surveyors that routinely use AGTEK software to create 3D site models for earthwork calculations and grade control applications. In terms of increased knowledge, confidence and productivity, hands-on users have the most to gain from attending the seminars and it is no surprise that hands-on users are the most common seminar attendees. (Prerequisites apply for hands-on users.)
Hands-Off AGTEK Users These are the owners, managers, and pricing estimators that rely on the results of AGTEK software (quantity reports and supporting documentation) but may never actually use AGTEK software themselves. Because hands-off users often underestimate or misunderstand what can be accomplished with AGTEK software, hands-off users attend the seminars to learn what they can reasonably expect their hands-on AGTEK users to do for them.
Potential AGTEK Users These are individuals considering a purchase of AGTEK software and who want a better technical understanding of the product before making their final purchase decision. What better way is there to make an informed purchase decision than to participate in an unbiased training session with users that have already purchased AGTEK software?

Can I attend if I am not a registered AGTEK customer?

Yes! Our seminars are open to all AGTEK users, including users that may have purchased "used" AGTEK software.

Are there any prerequisites for attending regional seminars?

It is assumed that seminar attendees are familiar with site grading plans and associated earthwork terminology (they understand what is meant by terms such as existing grade, design grade, contour, spot grade, slope, stripping, cut, fill, and compaction). For those attending the seminars only to make a product purchase evaluation, or only to understand what the products are capable of doing, no other prerequisites apply. However, these fast-paced, lecture/demonstration style seminars are designed to take other attendees (those who are actual "hands-on" users of the products) well beyond the basic software training provided to them by AGTEK at the time of purchase. For hands-on users, the following prerequisites also apply:

Day 1: Some prior hands-on experience with Sitework 4D, Gradework 4D, Earthwork 3D, SitePlan 3D, SiteModel 3D or GradeModel 3D is strongly recommended. Students with no prior hands-on experience may be overwhelmed by the volume and detail of information presented, especially if they will also be registering for the Day 2 and/or Day 3 seminars. New AGTEK users are urged to get at least some hands-on experience with their AGTEK software before attending our seminars (see next FAQ).

Day 2: Experience with the Day 1 "Earthwork Modeling Step-by-Step" topics is strongly recommended.

Day 3: Proficiency with the Day 1 "Earthwork Modeling Step-by-Step" topics is strongly recommended.

If I have no experience at all, what should I do before attending the seminar?

Our recommendation to potential attendees with "no experience at all" is that they should initially attend our Day 1 seminar only (see previous FAQ). With that said, suggested preparation considerations before attending the seminar include ...

Plan Reading and Earthwork Concepts: If "no experience at all" means that you are new to the civil construction industry and that you have difficulty understanding site grading plans and their associated details and terminology, please consider making use of our Beginners' Resources before attending the seminars.
Basic AGTEK Training Options: Potential seminar attendees having no prior hands-on experience with AGTEK earthwork modeling and takeoff software should consider making use of the available self-paced and instructor-guided training options before attending our seminars.

What should I bring to the seminar?

Nothing much beyond a good night's sleep, your AGTEK-related questions and a desire to learn. A color highlighter can be useful for those attendees who wish to mark important points in the provided seminar handbooks. Attendees that are in the habit of taking notes can bring a notepad and a pencil or pen, if desired (but our detailed seminar handbooks are intended to minimize the need for taking lengthy notes during class). The seminars are presented in a lecture/demonstration format, so please do not bring AGTEK computers and equipment to the seminar meeting room. Attendees are encouraged to dress comfortably and casually (yes--jeans, tee shirts, and sneakers are perfectly fine).

How can I determine which AGTEK product I am using?

To select the seminar(s) appropriate to your needs, it is imperative that you identify which AGTEK product you are using. The surest way to identify your AGTEK product is to start the AGTEK program on your computer and select Help > About... from the pull-down menu, which will display a window identifying the name, version number and release date of the product.

If you can't start your AGTEK program, examine the AGTEK product manuals that came with your AGTEK system or call AGTEK at (925) 606-8197 and ask them to check their database to identify the products you own. It may be helpful to view this table (opens PDF) which compares functions available in AGTEK's various earthwork modeling products.

How can I register for a regional seminar?

Seminar registrations are accepted, processed and managed via our online registration system. Once you've registered, you can check your registration and payment status online at any time. Class size is limited at each seminar location and seminar registrations are processed on a "first-come, first-served" basis, so don't wait for the last minute to register!

Why didn't I receive a registration Confirmation/Invoice?

Upon successful registration, a "Step 3 of 3" registration confirmation page provides a display link to view/print a confirmation/invoice AND the system immediately emails a confirmation/invoice to the email address provided by you on the registration form. However, all steps of the registration process must be completed in order to view/receive the confirmation/invoice (did you click the Calculate Tuition button at the bottom of the "Step 1 of 3" registration form AND did you click the Purchase Seats button at the bottom of the subsequent "Step 2 of 3" information review page? If you did not click both buttons, you did not complete your registration and a confirmation/invoice was not generated by the registration system.

If you are sure that you completed the seminar registration process then a Pop-Up Blocker on your computer may have blocked the option to view your confirmation/invoice, and a mistyped email address (on the registration form) or your SPAM Filter may have prevented the delivery of the emailed confirmation/invoice (check to see if your emailed confirmation/invoice was diverted to a spam, bulk, or junk mail folder). If all else fails, we can manually generate a PDF copy of your confirmation/invoice and email that to you (but an incomplete registration, a mistyped email address, or your SPAM filter settings may short-circuit that delivery method as well).

What is the cost of tuition?

Depending on the availability of any applicable Early Pay Discount, seminar tuition rates range from $780 to $1,040 per person, per day. Seminar tuition excludes any applicable sales/use tax and is quoted, invoiced and payable in U.S. Dollars.

How do I apply a Tuition Credit to my invoice?

To apply a tuition credit to your invoice, see your Tuition Credit Notice (emailed to you when your paid registration was cancelled) for the required Tuition Credit Code and Email Address and enter these in the corresponding fields of the online registration form ... any available tuition credit is then automatically applied to the resulting invoice (the registration form will indicate that your credit code is "invalid" if your credit code has expired or has a zero balance). An alternate use of a tuition credit is to request a Credit-for-Handbook Exchange (see the Request Form for terms and details).

[Tip: Our online registration system tracks the tuition credit's declining balance, so feel free to apply any remaining credit balance to a subsequent registration by the credit's expiration date.]

Is my seminar tuition subject to tax?

Most U.S. states (Connecticut is an exception) do not impose sales/use tax on seminar training services; however, determination, reporting, and payment of any applicable tax for a seminar registrant's state or province of domicile shall remain the responsibility of the seminar registrant. Earthwork Software Services' tuition invoice will not include any sales, use or value-added tax.

Are meals and lodging included in the tuition?

Seminar tuition covers only admission to the seminar and a catered lunch. Other meals, lodging, transportation, and any personal needs are the responsibility of the seminar attendee.

[Note: For attendees wishing to stay overnight at the seminar hotel, a group discount is usually available for our students. Information on any available group discount will be provided with the venue announcement.]

Can I check my registration and payment status online?

Yes, and you can also reprint an updated invoice (reflecting any expired Early Pay Discount and/or payments received). Once you have registered, simply click any Customer Support link or "Customer Support" button on this website and enter the Email Address and WEB Invoice Number corresponding to your registration (both can be found on your WEB Invoice).

[Note: If the information shown on your copy of our registration confirmation and invoice are correct (and we have not contacted you about any late payment), your registration status is in good standing.]

To whom do I make my tuition payment?

Tuition payment checks must be payable to Earthwork Software Services, LLC and sent to 3440 Lismore, Conyers, GA 30012-3196 USA.

[Note: Earthwork Software Services is not affiliated with the software manufacturer (AGTEK) and we cannot accept checks payable to AGTEK.]

When is my tuition payment due?

Your tuition Payment Due Date is stated on the registration confirmation and invoice. In general, the tuition Payment Due Date is the earlier of any applicable Cut-Off Date or 30 days from the date of registration.

Can I pay my tuition by credit card?

No, Earthwork Software Services does not accept tuition payments by credit card.

What is the policy on cancellations, refunds and transfers of registration?

Please see our Terms of Registration page to review our policies on seminar cancellations, transfers, credits and refunds.

Why is my web browser not displaying pages correctly for this web site?

If you are having problems with the display and/or formatting of pages on this site, click here for some helpful suggestions.

Where can I find sample "CAD File Request" letters?

Model "Pre-Bid" and "Contract-Award" CAD file request letters are included in the "Program and PDF/CAD Data Overview" section of our Day 2 Seminar Handbook (the text for these letters is contained in the CADletters.doc file included with the Day 2 training files download package).

Can seminar customers purchase replacements for lost, stolen or destroyed seminar handbooks?

Yes, and our customers can use this Handbook Replace/Upgrade Purchase Request Form to order the replacement seminar handbooks.

Can seminar customers purchase updated editions of their seminar handbooks?

Yes, and our customers can use this Handbook Replace/Upgrade Purchase Request Form to order the latest edition of their seminar handbooks ...

Our seminar handbooks have always been "works in progress" as we continuously update and improve them. The handbooks are updated not only between seminar seasons but also during each seminar season. For recent seminar seasons, our handbooks typically go through eight to ten printings, where each printing includes minor handbook revisions documenting any pertinent new features of the software (as well as ongoing clarifications, elaborations, and corrections). Inspect the Title Page (page 1) of your current seminar handbook(s) to identify the handbook's edition (seminar season) and printing (e.g., "First Printing", "Second Printing") then compare your handbook's edition/printing to that of the latest handbook season/edition listed here (the older your original seminar handbooks, the more outdated they are).

Where can I purchase AGTEK software?

Earthwork Software Services does not sell AGTEK software; for AGTEK sales, please call AGTEK at (925) 606-8197 or visit their web site at www.agtek.com.

How do I get technical support for my AGTEK software?

Earthwork Software Services does not provide on-call AGTEK technical support services; AGTEK technical support is available on the web at agtek.my.site.com/community/s/support-contact or by phone at (800) 248-3527.

If you don't have access to AGTEK technical support because (1) you're working on a weekend, (2) your AGTEK support subscription has expired, or (3) your're not a registered AGTEK customer (you purchased "used" AGTEK software from a third party), you can ask for help from other AGTEK users by joining the LinkedIn^® AGTEK Users Group and posting your questions there. Actually, even if you are a registered AGTEK customer with access to technical support, the AGTEK Users Group is a great place to ask questions or exchange tips and ideas with other AGTEK users.

Do any consultants provide AGTEK takeoff and GPS modeling services?

Earthwork Software Services does not provide quantity takeoff or grade control modeling services but we have compiled a list of third-party AGTEK consultants that do provide such services.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

General and Content Related Questions . . .

Schedule and Location Related Questions . . .

Prerequisites and Related Questions . . .

Registration, Cost and Payment Related Questions . . .

Other Questions . . .

Answers . . .

Our regional seminars set the standard for AGTEK software training in content, convenience, technical documentation and value. To read comments from previous seminar attendees, click here.

Click here for our AGTEK Seminar Training Files download page. Files are available for our seminars going all the way back to the 2003-2004 seminar season (please be sure to download the files that correctly match the seminar season indicated on the cover of your seminar handbooks).

Our seminars offer three different classes.

The topics covered in the Day 1 seminar apply to the following AGTEK products (AGTEK 3D product users should see this related FAQ):

The topics covered in the Day 2 seminar apply to the following AGTEK products (AGTEK 3D product users should see this related FAQ):

The topics covered in the Day 3 seminar apply to the following AGTEK products (AGTEK 3D product users should see this related FAQ):

[Note: If you are using AGTEK's older SitePlan 3D program for dirt takeoffs, you should attend only the Day 1 seminar. Click here if you don't know which AGTEK product you are using.]

For ongoing instructor-guided AGTEK software training options, please see AGTEK's training page.

For ongoing instructor-guided AGTEK software training options, please see AGTEK's training page.