What to prepare for an earthwork takeoff

Start with the scope

For an initial inquiry, send your name, email and a short project description. Say what needs measuring and when you need it. You can contact us with missing files; the first reply will identify what is needed before calculation starts. Copy the checklist below into your project message and leave unknown items marked as open.

• Measurement boundary or chainage range
• Included and excluded work items
• Horizontal units, elevation units and vertical datum or benchmark
• Any client measurement rules
• Current drawing issue and known revision history
• Required-by date or program milestone
• Expected deliverables and output format

Before calculation starts

PDF or CAD plans are a normal starting point. Survey points, contours, existing-ground surfaces, proposed levels, profiles and corridor data can help when they are available. Send the files that define the measured geometry, not only a summary sheet.

• Issued plans, sections and profiles with readable drawing numbers
• Survey points, contours or existing-ground surface data
• Proposed levels, grading plans or corridor model information
• A download link for drawings, or a note about which files are still missing

State the decisions that affect quantities

Tell the reviewer about stripping, unsuitable material, bulking, imported material, stockpiles or other treatments that should appear as separate items or assumptions. If a rule has not been decided, mark it as open rather than implying that the geometry alone answers it.

The scope review will confirm what the supplied information can support, which method fits the geometry and what the deliverables will contain before a quotation is prepared.