Frequently Asked Questions

Any type of layout or machine control needs 3D points to connect and make a surface. Whether it is a road or a site, 3D points will be linked to form a surface, sometimes referred to as a TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network), model, or 3D surface. This TIN guides the operator to the correct grade by displaying real-time Cut or Fill values on the operator’s control box.

Engineers are paid to produce a set of plans in 2 dimensions and print them on paper. There will always be some engineering firms attempting to produce 3D data; however, most do not. Even so, we find the extra set of eyes, (yours or ours), reduces the chance for errors and yields better results.

Every project we see, and every model we build, is unique—no two are exactly the same. The value of every 3D model or takeoff is determined by a combination of size and scope level of detail, and the quality of information provided. We are happy to provide an estimate for any project before beginning work. Just send us the civil PDF plan set (and CAD drawings if available), and we will return an estimate as soon as possible. It’s that easy.

Just email TOPS at info@takeoffpros.com with the details of your project and the necessary files. Our team will reach out to confirm, provide the price and timeline if needed, and add the project to our schedule. We also have a portal on our website that allows users to login, create a work order, and submit their PDF and CAD files.

Just like pricing, turnaround times depend on the type, size, and scope of the project. Just let us know when you need the files, and we’ll work with you to fit into our schedule. Once we have had a chance to review it, we’ll fit your project into our production queue and return the finished deliverable as soon as possible.

Whether it’s inadequate engineering, poor-quality plans, or missing information, we make every effort to catch discrepancies in the data. We will fix obvious mistakes, and highlight issues that require the engineer’s attention. Once we receive the changes, we can update the model. This is another reason to have us prepare data instead of the engineers; another set of eyes will help eliminate problems in the field later.

We know changes can come at any time during the construction process, and often at the last minute. Just provide the plans (and CAD if available), and we will revise your model as quickly as possible.

The answer is easy to give and difficult to understand. If your takeoff is good enough to use as a model, you spent WAY too much time on it. A good takeoff is a balance between speed and detail. A takeoff good enough to get a dirt number still needs some work to provide a fine-grade surface model for machine control.

The data is not just for the machine control system; once the model is prepared, it can easily be exported to your grade-checker or surveyor’s data collector. Whether it’s Survey Controller, Survey Pro, Pocket 3D, SurvCE, SCS900, or any other software, we can provide you with data in the required format.

All of our models are built the same way and exported for the correct machine control type. We will provide data in any required format, with additional formats available at no charge.

Project files will be sent directly to you by email. If the files are too large for email, we’ll include a web link to your project for easy access. Along with the 3D model and/or takeoff, we include comprehensive construction notes that describe key points used to build the project, and corrections made from the original plans. Communication is key, and we’ve learned how to deliver what our clients need over 20+ years of building data.