The Dirt Simple Express, August 2025
AGTEK announces the release of Gradework version 1.12, introducing several powerful new features and enhancements designed to improve your workflow. Here’s a look at key updates:
- New ESX file format: Gradework now saves files in the new ESX format, replacing the ESW and ESZ formats. ESX files include job data with customizable save options, including related PDF/TIF images. This format is no longer compatible with older versions of Gradework and Earthwork 4D.
- Default fill factor: Users can now set a default fill factor for report regions.
- Improved print quality: Background image quality has been enhanced for printing from Edit mode or Planview.
- KMZ export accessibility: Now available in all Gradework modes.
- International feet as a job unit option: Ensures consistent units when exporting data to CAD files or machine control models for use in third-party software.
- New guide: Changes the entry order of steps while maintaining the same result.
These updates and more are designed to streamline your experience and maximize efficiency. For a more detailed look, watch our video, New features in Gradework 1.12.
It’s time to upgrade your construction workflow! AGTEK is offering a limited-time upgrade campaign for Sitework 4D users ready to take their workflows to the next level with Gradework. Available exclusively during Q3, this offer includes a generous trade-in program —making it the perfect time to modernize your toolkit.
Why Upgrade to Gradework? Gradework isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a transformation. Here’s what users gain:
- Software optimized for speed, simplicity, and precision: Significant feature enhancement to help users speed up takeoff, improve modelling, and gain additional insights with value engineering.
- Smarter takeoffs & reporting: Enhanced PDF management, automatic perimeter shrink wrap, slope maps, and phased reporting streamline your workflow and improve accuracy.
- Drone & point cloud capabilities: Leverage very large point clouds from drones to check original ground, track earthwork progress and document as-built surveys for asphalt, paving, and pipe.
- Customizable bidding exports: Easily connect with your bidding programs using user-defined exports tailored to your needs.
- Integrated Materials module: Speed up takeoffs with automatic sectional area creation and phased reporting by group, all within a unified environment.
- Advanced underground utility analysis: Calculate trench volumes, combine strata, customize depth brackets, and detect clashes with precision.
- VDC/BIM compatibility: Export surfaces, material structures, and detailed 3D pipe networks via IFC for seamless integration with BIM workflows.
A smarter investment
Transitioning from Earthwork 4D to Gradework offers tighter integration with Underground and Materials, improving user experience and workflow efficiency. The modest upgrade cost now can lead to significant long-term savings.
Watch our video for more information or contact us directly.
Boost Trench & Pipeline Efficiency with AGTEK Underground
Efficiency and accuracy are critical to success for professionals working in trench and pipeline construction. Underground by AGTEK is a software solution designed to address these needs, offering tools that simplify project planning, bidding, and execution. With features tailored for construction professionals, it helps streamline processes, improve precision, and enhance overall project management.
Key features of Underground include:
- Efficient takeoffs: Underground streamlines the process of calculating lengths and counts for structures and fittings. This guarantees that all necessary materials are included in the project plan, minimizing the risk of shortages or overstocking. By automating these calculations, the software saves time and enhances accuracy.
- Accurate trench modeling: The software helps users precisely model trench profiles, ensuring trench volumes are accurately accounted for. It also allows for the integration of strata data, enabling users to visualize and analyze subsurface layers within the trench. This lowers the chance of errors and reduces the risk of material over/under runs, helping projects stay on schedule and within budget.
- Project phasing and classification: Underground enables users to divide projects into manageable phases and utility-specific categories, such as stormwater, sanitary, gas, water, and dry utilities. This feature helps in estimating excavation volumes for various phases and utilities, enhancing planning and scheduling.
- Flexible data import: Users can import essential data, such as pipe invert and rim profiles, directly from CAD files or PDFs, or enter information manually. This flexibility guarantees compatibility with existing data sources and removes the need for redundant data entry, streamlining workflows.
- Clash detection: The software offers tools for detecting clashes between pipe classes and setting clearance parameters. Spotting potential conflicts early helps avoid expensive field issues, like rework or delays, and keeps projects moving smoothly.
A comprehensive tool for visualization, integration, and efficiency
Underground by AGTEK combines advanced visualization, seamless integration, and a comprehensive suite of tools to assist construction professionals in managing trenching and pipeline projects with accuracy and efficiency. Its detailed 3D graphics enable users to visualize pipe and trench data, evaluate alternative scenarios, and spot potential challenges before breaking ground, improving planning, communication, and collaboration for better decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
The software integrates seamlessly with machine control systems, allowing users to export trench data and models directly to excavation equipment. This enhances excavation accuracy, reduces manual errors, and increases overall productivity.
Whether used as a standalone solution or as an add-on to Gradework, Underground provides features such as fast and accurate bidding, precise trench modeling, project phase breakdowns, clash detection, and 3D visualization. These tools streamline workflows and enhance project results, making Underground an essential asset for trenching and pipeline projects.
Incorporating Underground into your project planning will enhance productivity, reduce errors, and ensure better results.
We want to thank all the customers who joined us for AGTEK’s Executive Roundtables and training sessions at Hexagon LIVE 2025. Over 120 of you joined us in Las Vegas to learn, network, and share your thoughts on AGTEK.
During the roundtables, attendees explored AGTEK’s latest innovations, shared feedback on our products, and discussed the evolving challenges facing the construction industry. These conversations are essential to our growth and improvement, and we’re grateful to everyone who contributed their time and ideas.
Our two training sessions at Hexagon LIVE were packed with enthusiastic users eager to deepen their understanding of AGTEK solutions. Attendees explored advanced features, learned best practices for optimizing takeoff and modeling workflows, and gained hands-on experience with the latest tools for streamlining construction data management. The sessions also fostered valuable peer-to-peer learning and sparked insightful discussions around real-world applications and innovative use cases.
The larger Hexagon LIVE event provided AGTEK’s customers with an overview of all the solutions Hexagon offers. Attendees explored the forefront of digital construction technology through immersive keynote presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and sessions led by experts. The event highlighted how Hexagon’s integrated solutions are revolutionizing the way construction professionals plan, measure, and manage projects — from earthworks to asset management. Participants gained valuable insights into emerging trends like automation, AI-driven workflows, and connected data ecosystems that are shaping the future of the industry.
We celebrate the incredible conversations and insights that came out of this event and recognize the role you all play in shaping the future of construction technology. We see our customers as partners in innovation. Your input—whether shared at events like Hexagon LIVE or through everyday interactions—helps us build smarter, more efficient solutions that empower your teams and drive your business forward.
We’re energized by this year’s event’s momentum and look forward to continuing the conversation with you. Thank you for your continued support, trust, and collaboration.
Let’s keep building the future—together.
A class of 28 talented students, guided by Robert Harmon, P.E., Assistant Professor of Practice at the Construction Management Department of the University of Northern Iowa, recently completed the AGTEK University coursework. This immersive experience introduced them to the powerful capabilities of AGTEK software, equipping them with valuable skills for their future careers.
Professor Harmon shared his enthusiasm, stating,
“Introducing AGTEK to our students was a fantastic opportunity. Even if they don’t use it directly in their careers, this knowledge will empower them to effectively collaborate with grading contractors. The students were especially impressed by AGTEK’s graphics, which provide invaluable insights into cuts and fills.”
“Local grading contractors are thrilled to see our students gaining hands-on experience with AGTEK, a tool widely used in the industry. Thanks to the well-structured AGTEK University program, most students grasped the basics in just one hour!”
Curious to learn more about AGTEK University and how it can benefit you? Learn more here.
In our latest customer story, Trent Schneider from Firethorn shares how their team is transforming construction workflows using drone technology and AGTEK’s Reveal platform. From capturing high-resolution site data with drones to leveraging Reveal’s AI-powered tools for cleaning and converting point clouds into accurate surface models, Firethorn is streamlining every step of its process. The result? Faster insights, better decision-making, and more efficient project execution.
🎥 Watch the full story to see how Firethorn is putting AGTEK solutions to work in the field: watch now.
We have expanded our presence on social media, and we hope to connect with you wherever you like to scroll. Make sure to follow us as we share product updates, upcoming events, feedback from our customers, introduce you to our talented team, and much more!
To download the latest desktop versions, AGTEK support subscribers can go to Product Downloads and click the name of the program they wish to download. When the download is complete, click the filename to install. If Windows “protects” your PC, click “More Info”, then “Run Anyway” and follow the install directions to complete the installation. (To check your program version, open the program and select Help > About, “program name”).
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