Quick Overview
- 1#1: Land F/X - AutoCAD plugin providing intelligent tools for landscape architects to automatically measure areas, volumes, and calculate material quantities.
- 2#2: Realtime Landscaping Architect - Comprehensive 3D landscape design software with precise measuring tools for distances, areas, and estimating landscape features.
- 3#3: Vectorworks Landmark - BIM software tailored for landscape architecture with advanced site modeling, grading, and measurement capabilities.
- 4#4: SketchUp Pro - 3D modeling platform popular for landscape design featuring tape measure tools and extensions for accurate dimensions and areas.
- 5#5: Civil 3D - Civil engineering software for creating dynamic terrain models and computing earthwork volumes in landscape projects.
- 6#6: Chief Architect - Professional home and landscape design software with dimensioning tools for site plans and terrain measurements.
- 7#7: VizTerra - Photorealistic 3D landscape design software including measurement tools for hardscapes, plantings, and terrain.
- 8#8: Cedreo - Cloud-based 3D exterior design tool for landscapes with intuitive measuring and quoting features.
- 9#9: AGTEK - Earthwork takeoff software for precise cut/fill volume calculations and surface measurements in site and landscape work.
- 10#10: QGIS - Open-source GIS software for spatial analysis, mapping, and measuring landscape areas, distances, and elevations from various data sources.
Tools were selected and ranked based on functional performance (precision of measurements, automation), user-friendliness (intuitive interfaces, accessibility), and value (scalability, cost-effectiveness), ensuring a balanced selection that meets diverse project and expertise levels.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores key landscape measuring software, featuring Land F/X, Realtime Landscaping Architect, Vectorworks Landmark, SketchUp Pro, Civil 3D, and more, to help users identify the right tool for their project needs. Readers will gain insights into features, usability, and suitability across tasks like design, measurement, and documentation, enabling informed choices tailored to their workflow.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Land F/X AutoCAD plugin providing intelligent tools for landscape architects to automatically measure areas, volumes, and calculate material quantities. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Realtime Landscaping Architect Comprehensive 3D landscape design software with precise measuring tools for distances, areas, and estimating landscape features. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Vectorworks Landmark BIM software tailored for landscape architecture with advanced site modeling, grading, and measurement capabilities. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | SketchUp Pro 3D modeling platform popular for landscape design featuring tape measure tools and extensions for accurate dimensions and areas. | creative_suite | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Civil 3D Civil engineering software for creating dynamic terrain models and computing earthwork volumes in landscape projects. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 5.8/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 6 | Chief Architect Professional home and landscape design software with dimensioning tools for site plans and terrain measurements. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 6.2/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 7 | VizTerra Photorealistic 3D landscape design software including measurement tools for hardscapes, plantings, and terrain. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | Cedreo Cloud-based 3D exterior design tool for landscapes with intuitive measuring and quoting features. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 9 | AGTEK Earthwork takeoff software for precise cut/fill volume calculations and surface measurements in site and landscape work. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 10 | QGIS Open-source GIS software for spatial analysis, mapping, and measuring landscape areas, distances, and elevations from various data sources. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 10/10 |
AutoCAD plugin providing intelligent tools for landscape architects to automatically measure areas, volumes, and calculate material quantities.
Comprehensive 3D landscape design software with precise measuring tools for distances, areas, and estimating landscape features.
BIM software tailored for landscape architecture with advanced site modeling, grading, and measurement capabilities.
3D modeling platform popular for landscape design featuring tape measure tools and extensions for accurate dimensions and areas.
Civil engineering software for creating dynamic terrain models and computing earthwork volumes in landscape projects.
Professional home and landscape design software with dimensioning tools for site plans and terrain measurements.
Photorealistic 3D landscape design software including measurement tools for hardscapes, plantings, and terrain.
Cloud-based 3D exterior design tool for landscapes with intuitive measuring and quoting features.
Earthwork takeoff software for precise cut/fill volume calculations and surface measurements in site and landscape work.
Open-source GIS software for spatial analysis, mapping, and measuring landscape areas, distances, and elevations from various data sources.
Land F/X
specializedAutoCAD plugin providing intelligent tools for landscape architects to automatically measure areas, volumes, and calculate material quantities.
Dynamic scheduling and labeling that auto-updates all measurements and quantities in real-time as design changes occur
Land F/X is a specialized CAD add-on for AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and BricsCAD, tailored for landscape architects to precisely measure and quantify design elements like plantings, hardscapes, irrigation, and site areas. It automates quantity takeoffs, generates dynamic schedules, and calculates volumes, areas, and material needs directly from drawings with high accuracy. Integrated databases for plants, soils, and materials ensure compliance with standards and streamline bidding processes.
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy in automated area, volume, and quantity calculations
- Seamless CAD integration with dynamic updating schedules
- Vast, customizable databases for plants, irrigation, and materials
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to CAD dependency
- High cost unsuitable for small firms or hobbyists
- Limited standalone functionality without host CAD software
Best For
Professional landscape architects and designers requiring precise, CAD-integrated measuring tools for large-scale projects and accurate bid preparation.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $1,495/year for core features, with add-ons for irrigation and management; volume discounts available.
Realtime Landscaping Architect
specializedComprehensive 3D landscape design software with precise measuring tools for distances, areas, and estimating landscape features.
Real-time drag-and-drop 3D design with integrated measurement overlays for instant accuracy checks
Realtime Landscaping Architect is a powerful 3D landscape design software that excels in precise measuring for distances, areas, volumes, and slopes within comprehensive landscape projects. It offers tools for terrain modeling, plant placement, and material takeoffs with automatic calculations, enabling accurate cost estimates and site planning. Users benefit from real-time rendering and walkthroughs to validate measurements interactively, making it suitable for professional landscape applications.
Pros
- Highly accurate 2D/3D measurement tools with auto-calculations for areas and volumes
- Extensive libraries of plants, hardscapes, and materials for realistic measuring contexts
- Real-time 3D walkthroughs for on-the-fly measurement verification
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-professionals
- High one-time cost may deter casual users
- Limited to Windows platform with no native mobile support
Best For
Professional landscape architects and designers needing integrated advanced measuring within full 3D design workflows.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $1,495 for the full Architect version; lower tiers like Pro at $995.
Vectorworks Landmark
enterpriseBIM software tailored for landscape architecture with advanced site modeling, grading, and measurement capabilities.
Dynamic Site Model tool with real-time cut/fill volume calculations and pad/grade object measurements
Vectorworks Landmark is a professional BIM/CAD software designed specifically for landscape architects, providing advanced tools for site modeling, planting design, hardscaping, and irrigation planning. It offers precise measuring capabilities, including 2D/3D dimensions, area calculations, volume takeoffs for earthworks, and material quantity estimations directly within the design environment. Ideal for integrating survey data with detailed landscape projects, it supports accurate measurements essential for bidding, construction, and site analysis.
Pros
- Comprehensive 2D/3D measurement tools including automatic area, perimeter, and volume calculations
- Seamless integration with site models for cut/fill volumes and grading analysis
- Robust takeoffs for plants, materials, and hardscape quantities
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and advanced features
- High cost may not suit small firms or basic measuring needs
- Resource-intensive, requiring capable hardware for smooth performance
Best For
Professional landscape architects and firms handling complex site designs that require integrated measuring and BIM workflows.
Pricing
Subscription from $153/month; perpetual license ~$3,045 (one-time) plus annual upgrades.
SketchUp Pro
creative_suite3D modeling platform popular for landscape design featuring tape measure tools and extensions for accurate dimensions and areas.
Sandbox terrain modeling tools that allow organic earth sculpting with automatic measurement updates for cut/fill volumes.
SketchUp Pro is a versatile 3D modeling software popular in landscape architecture for designing and visualizing outdoor spaces, including terrain, plants, and hardscapes. It provides precise measuring tools like Tape Measure, Area Calculator, and Volume metrics to assess distances, surfaces, and earthwork volumes directly in 3D models. Users can import site data such as DEM files for accurate terrain representation and generate dimensioned drawings via LayOut. While powerful for design-oriented measuring, it excels more in modeling than pure surveying.
Pros
- Intuitive 3D modeling with Sandbox tools for realistic terrain creation and measurement
- Robust built-in tools for distances, areas, volumes, and sections in landscape contexts
- Vast Extension Warehouse with landscape-specific plugins like terrain generators and plant libraries
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for complex organic modeling and precise surveying tasks
- Limited native support for GIS/survey data import or real-time field measurements
- Subscription model without perpetual license option increases long-term costs
Best For
Landscape architects and designers requiring detailed 3D visualization and measurement for project planning and client presentations.
Pricing
SketchUp Pro: $349/year (Studio bundle with extensions: $699/year); free web version available with limitations.
Civil 3D
enterpriseCivil engineering software for creating dynamic terrain models and computing earthwork volumes in landscape projects.
Dynamic linked surfaces with real-time volume computations and grading optimization
Autodesk Civil 3D is a professional-grade civil engineering software that excels in 3D modeling of terrain, surfaces, grading, and earthworks for land development projects. It provides precise measurement tools for volumes, cut/fill balances, contours, slopes, and distances, making it suitable for landscape analysis and site design. While not a lightweight measuring tool, its integration with BIM workflows supports detailed landscape quantification in complex projects.
Pros
- Advanced 3D surface creation and analysis for accurate landscape volumes and contours
- Robust earthwork calculations with cut/fill reporting
- Seamless integration with AutoCAD and other Autodesk tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring CAD expertise
- High cost not justified for basic measuring tasks
- Resource-intensive for smaller landscape projects
Best For
Civil engineers and landscape architects managing large-scale site grading and terrain measurement in professional workflows.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$2,430/year or $285/month; included in AEC Collection for broader access.
Chief Architect
enterpriseProfessional home and landscape design software with dimensioning tools for site plans and terrain measurements.
Automatic cut/fill volume calculations from 3D terrain models for precise earthwork estimates
Chief Architect is a comprehensive 3D architectural design software with robust landscape tools for modeling terrain, placing plants, hardscapes, and generating precise measurements. It excels in creating detailed site plans with automatic material takeoffs, area calculations, and cut/fill volumes essential for landscape projects. While primarily geared toward home design, its landscape features make it suitable for measuring and estimating landscaping quantities accurately.
Pros
- Advanced 3D terrain modeling with automatic elevation adjustments and volume calculations
- Comprehensive material takeoff reports for soil, mulch, and hardscape quantities
- Extensive plant and landscape object library with accurate sizing and placement tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface not optimized for simple measuring tasks
- High cost prohibitive for users needing only landscape measurement without full design suite
- Overkill for basic area/distance measurements compared to specialized apps
Best For
Professional architects and landscape designers handling integrated residential site design and detailed quantity takeoffs.
Pricing
Consumer Home Designer versions from $99 one-time; professional Premier edition $3,295 one-time or $83/month subscription.
VizTerra
specializedPhotorealistic 3D landscape design software including measurement tools for hardscapes, plantings, and terrain.
Integrated photorealistic 3D rendering with automated, design-contextual material quantity takeoffs
VizTerra is a cloud-based 3D landscape design software that combines photorealistic rendering with integrated measuring and takeoff capabilities for landscape professionals. It allows users to import site imagery, model terrain accurately, place elements like plants and hardscapes, and generate precise measurements for areas, volumes, and material quantities. While powerful for design visualization, its measuring tools support quantity takeoffs and scaling essential for bidding and estimation in landscaping projects.
Pros
- Photorealistic 3D renders enhance measurement presentations to clients
- Automated area, volume, and material takeoff calculations
- Extensive plant and hardscape libraries with accurate scaling
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners focused on measuring only
- Subscription pricing is high for users not needing full design features
- Cloud-dependent, requiring stable internet for real-time work
Best For
Landscape designers and contractors who integrate precise measuring with client-ready 3D visualizations and takeoffs.
Pricing
Discovery (free limited trial), Professional at $99/month or $999/year, Enterprise custom pricing.
Cedreo
specializedCloud-based 3D exterior design tool for landscapes with intuitive measuring and quoting features.
One-click 2D-to-photorealistic 3D rendering with embedded measurements for instant landscape visualizations
Cedreo is a cloud-based 3D home design software that extends to landscape design, enabling users to create detailed outdoor plans with terrain modeling, plant placement, and hardscape elements. It provides automatic measurements for areas, perimeters, volumes, and distances directly within the design interface. While powerful for integrated home and landscape visualization, its measuring capabilities are tied to the design workflow rather than standalone surveying tools.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick landscape layouts with real-time measurements
- Automatic area, volume, and dimension calculations integrated into 2D/3D designs
- Extensive library of plants, trees, and outdoor elements for accurate modeling
Cons
- Landscape measuring is secondary to home design, lacking advanced surveying or GIS integration
- No support for importing real-world survey data or CAD files for precise measurements
- Subscription model may feel expensive for users focused solely on measuring rather than full design
Best For
Landscape designers and architects who need seamless integration of home exteriors with basic outdoor measuring and photorealistic renders.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (Starter, billed annually) up to $79/user/month (Premium); free trial available.
AGTEK
enterpriseEarthwork takeoff software for precise cut/fill volume calculations and surface measurements in site and landscape work.
Cell-based volumetric analysis for pinpoint accuracy in cut/fill calculations across irregular terrains
AGTEK is a professional-grade 3D modeling and earthwork takeoff software tailored for construction, surveying, and large-scale sitework, including landscape grading and excavation. It allows users to import survey data, drone imagery, or CAD files to build accurate surface models and calculate precise cut/fill volumes, slopes, and material quantities. The software excels in volumetric analysis for complex terrain, making it suitable for heavy earthmoving in landscape projects, with tools for progress tracking and cost estimation.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate 3D surface modeling and cell-based volume calculations
- Seamless integration with GPS, drones, and total stations for field data
- Robust tools for earthwork takeoff, progress monitoring, and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring training for non-experts
- High cost limits accessibility for small landscaping businesses
- Primarily focused on earthwork rather than full landscape design elements like planting or hardscaping
Best For
Large commercial landscaping contractors and earthwork specialists managing complex site grading and excavation projects.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $5,000–$20,000+ per license with annual maintenance fees around 20% of license cost.
QGIS
otherOpen-source GIS software for spatial analysis, mapping, and measuring landscape areas, distances, and elevations from various data sources.
Projection-aware measurement tools that handle geodesic distances and areas accurately across global scales
QGIS is a free, open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) software that offers powerful tools for landscape measurement, including distance, area, perimeter, and elevation calculations from vector and raster data. It supports topographic analysis such as slope, aspect, hillshade, and contour generation using Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). With plugin extensibility and Python scripting, it enables customized measurements for large-scale landscapes.
Pros
- Comprehensive built-in measurement tools with projection-aware accuracy
- Supports vast array of geospatial data formats and large datasets
- Free and extensible via thousands of plugins and Python scripting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-GIS users
- Cluttered interface overwhelming for beginners
- Performance can lag with unoptimized massive rasters without hardware tweaks
Best For
GIS professionals, researchers, and environmental analysts needing advanced, customizable landscape measurement on a zero-cost budget.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source (no paid tiers).
Conclusion
From AutoCAD integration to advanced BIM tools, the reviewed landscape measuring software offers diverse solutions. Land F/X leads as the top choice, excelling in automated area, volume, and material calculations for landscape architects. Realtime Landscaping Architect and Vectorworks Landmark shine as strong alternatives, with 3D precision and BIM capabilities respectively, ensuring there’s a tool for every project need.
Don’t miss out—try Land F/X today to unlock intelligent, efficient measuring and take your landscape designs to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison