# Carlson Survey vs MicroStation Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that MicroStation excels in handling large projects, with users highlighting its ability to work smoothly with extensive files for roads, bridges, and infrastructure. This makes it a preferred choice for teams managing complex engineering tasks.
- **Users say** Carlson Survey offers a wealth of tools that enhance productivity, with one reviewer noting, "If you can't find it...you're not looking close enough!" This suggests that the software is packed with features that can significantly streamline workflows.
- **Reviewers mention** that MicroStation's interoperability is a standout feature, allowing seamless integration with various file formats like DGN, DWG, and GIS data. This capability reduces the need for time-consuming conversions, making it a great asset for collaborative projects.
- **According to verified reviews** , Carlson Survey is praised for its user-friendly interface, with many users appreciating its ease of use and flexibility in data storage. This makes it an attractive option for small businesses looking for straightforward solutions.
- **Users highlight** that MicroStation's customization options are a significant advantage, enabling teams to automate tasks and create tailored tools using Python/MDL. This level of customization can enhance efficiency for users with specific project needs.
- **Reviewers note** that while Carlson Survey has a solid rating for support quality, MicroStation's overall satisfaction scores are higher, indicating that users may find more comprehensive assistance and resources when using MicroStation.



| | Carlson Survey | MicroStation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 3.9 out of 5 | 4.0 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 11 | 416 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (50.0% of reviews) | Small-Business (34.4% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | $2,135.00 Per Year | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Carlson Survey

**Not enough data**

### MicroStation

Pros:
- Ease of Use (46 reviews)
- 3D Modeling (36 reviews)

Cons:
- Difficult Learning (15 reviews)
- Learning Curve (14 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Carlson Survey | MicroStation | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.3 (9 reviews) | 8.2 (358 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.7 (9 reviews) | 7.7 (364 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | Not enough data | 7.6 (170 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | Not enough data | 7.1 (82 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.9 (9 reviews) | 7.7 (326 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | Not enough data | 7.7 (85 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.5 (8 reviews) | 7.2 (350 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Carlson Survey

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### MicroStation

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: MicroStation 12-month Subscription

Price: $2,135.00 Per Year

Description: Get access to software that comes with training – fast! Bentley’s eStore, Virtuosity, offers a convenient way to lease a 12-month license of Bentley software for a low, upfront cost. Every online purchase through Virtuosity comes as a Virtuoso Subscription that includes training and auto-renewals. Local currency pricing available.

Key Features:
- Training via Virtuosity Keys
- Flexible for your project needs
- Named-User license

[Browse all 2 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Civil Engineering Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Carlson Survey** | 9.5/10 | 5 |
| **MicroStation** | 7.7/10 | 70 |

#### Plan

| Feature | Carlson Survey | MicroStation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Documentation ** | Not enough data | 8.2 (58 reviews) | 
| **Sequence** | Not enough data | 7.6 (49 reviews) | 
| **Annotate** | 9.0 (5 reviews) | 8.2 (56 reviews) | 
| **Collaborate ** | Not enough data | 7.7 (52 reviews) | 

#### Design

| Feature | Carlson Survey | MicroStation | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D Modeling** | Not enough data | 7.3 (52 reviews) | 
| **3D Rendering ** | Not enough data | 7.2 (47 reviews) | 
| **Drawing** | 9.7 (5 reviews) | 8.7 (62 reviews) | 
| **Editing ** | 9.7 (5 reviews) | 8.6 (59 reviews) | 

#### Construction

| Feature | Carlson Survey | MicroStation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fabrication** | Not enough data | 7.3 (44 reviews) | 
| **Reinforcement** | Not enough data | 7.3 (42 reviews) | 
| **Clash Detection** | Not enough data | 7.0 (39 reviews) | 
| **Grading** | Not enough data | 7.6 (44 reviews) | 
| **Earthwork** | Not enough data | 7.5 (45 reviews) | 

#### Engineering

| Feature | Carlson Survey | MicroStation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hydraulic engineering** | Not enough data | 7.2 (38 reviews) | 
| **Hydrologic engineering** | Not enough data | 6.9 (38 reviews) | 
| **Transportation engineering** | Not enough data | 8.7 (48 reviews) | 
| **Structural engineering** | Not enough data | 7.1 (38 reviews) | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Carlson Survey** | N/A | N/A |
| **MicroStation** | 8.2/10 | 122 |

#### Design

| Feature | Carlson Survey | MicroStation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | Not enough data | 8.9 (95 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | Not enough data | 8.4 (92 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | Not enough data | 8.1 (90 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | Not enough data | 7.6 (80 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | Carlson Survey | MicroStation | 
|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | Not enough data | 8.2 (98 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | Not enough data | 8.0 (79 reviews) | 
| **Views** | Not enough data | 8.2 (86 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | Not enough data | 8.3 (84 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | Carlson Survey | MicroStation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | Not enough data | 8.3 (87 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | Not enough data | 8.1 (86 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | Not enough data | 8.1 (82 reviews) | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Civil Engineering Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/civil-engineering-design)


**Unique to MicroStation (1):** [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Carlson Survey | MicroStation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 50.0% | 34.4% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 30.0% | 31.9% | 
| **Enterprise** | 20.0% | 33.7% | 

### By Industry

#### Carlson Survey

- **Civil Engineering:** 50.0%
- **Construction:** 20.0%
- **Oil & Energy:** 10.0%
- **Government Relations:** 10.0%
- **Building Materials:** 10.0%

#### MicroStation

- **Civil Engineering:** 39.8%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 11.4%
- **Construction:** 8.5%
- **Design:** 6.6%
- **Transportation/Trucking/Railroad:** 3.4%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.4%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 3.2%
- **Utilities:** 2.9%
- **Telecommunications:** 1.9%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 1.9%
- **Other:** 17.0%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Carlson Survey

- [Civil 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (304 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (350 reviews)
- [GeoHECRAS](https://www.g2.com/products/geohecras/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (348 reviews)
- [OpenRoads Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/openroads-designer/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (139 reviews)
- [GeoHECHMS](https://www.g2.com/products/geohechms/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (124 reviews)
- [AutoTURN](https://www.g2.com/products/autoturn/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (50 reviews)
- [Site3D](https://www.g2.com/products/site3d/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (36 reviews)
- [ActCAD BIM](https://www.g2.com/products/actcad-actcad-bim/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (50 reviews)
- [OpenFlows WorkSuite](https://www.g2.com/products/openflows-worksuite/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (44 reviews)
- [GeoSTORM](https://www.g2.com/products/geostorm/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (46 reviews)

### Alternatives to MicroStation

- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1936 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1326 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (644 reviews)
- [Civil 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (304 reviews)
- [AutoCAD LT](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-lt/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (285 reviews)
- [Rhinoceros](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (192 reviews)
- [DraftSight](https://www.g2.com/products/draftsight/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (209 reviews)
- [AutoTURN](https://www.g2.com/products/autoturn/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (50 reviews)
- [Autodesk InfraWorks](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-infraworks/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (42 reviews)
- [Carlson Civil](https://www.g2.com/products/carlson-civil/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (22 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Carlson Survey

No discussions available for this product.

### MicroStation

- Title: [Microstation](https://www.g2.com/discussions/33530-microstation) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "We'd be happy to answer any questions you have!  Let us know what additional details you're looking for."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/carlson-survey-vs-microstation)