From site data to finished estimate
Follow your project through the complete earthworks estimating process, all in one application.
Import
Bring your CAD, PDF or LandXML site information into Kubla Cubed.
Import
Bring your CAD, PDF or LandXML site information into Kubla Cubed.
Build
Create your existing ground, proposed surfaces and site phases.
Model
Define areas, formation levels, batters and other site details.
Calculate
Calculate accurate cut and fill volumes for your project.
Export
Create reports, spreadsheets, CAD files and LandXML data.
Import your project data
Bring your existing project data into Kubla and use multiple sources together.
- ✓ Import PDF, CAD (DWG/DXF), survey points and satellite imagery
- ✓ Overlay plans to compare existing and proposed levels
- ✓ Align, crop and stitch multiple drawings
- ✓ Combine different data sources in one project
Extract or trace data from site plans
Extract usable data from CAD and vector PDFs, or trace features directly from your drawings.
- ✓ Extract points, contours, breaklines and outlines
- ✓ Filter CAD and PDF data to find what you need
- ✓ Trace features manually where required
- ✓ Join, split, offset, sort and set elevations
Create an existing ground surface
Build an existing ground model from survey data, contours, breaklines or imported surfaces.
- ✓ Create surfaces from survey points, contours and breaklines
- ✓ Define existing ground levels from project data
- ✓ Import LandXML and TIN models
- ✓ View the existing terrain in 3D
Design proposed earthworks
Model proposed surfaces and earthworks for simple or complex site designs.
- ✓ Create proposed level surfaces
- ✓ Model building platforms, roads and paths
- ✓ Create slopes, embankments, trenches and stockpiles
- ✓ Model phased and more complex developments
Kubla Cubed users Include:
Plan earthworks in stages
Site Survey
Survey displayed in CAD software
Existing Phase
Existing surface generated from TIN file with site survey plan overlayed
Demolition Phase
Existing building and trees removed.
Bulk Earthworks Phase
Feature Surface elements used to complete bulk earthworks calculations
Preload Install Phase
Multiple Feature Surface elements to calculate the fill
Preload Removal
Cut showing to remove preload
Preload Storage
Platform to define material storage
Radon/Footing Prep Phase
Two Raise elelments to define footing and insulation
Walls and Footings (no calc) Phase
Defined surface with Raise and Feature Surface elements to generate a surface for subsequent phases.
Interior Backfill
Feature Surfaces used to complete backfill.
Exterior Backfill
Feature surfaces used to calculate exterior backfill
Rendering of Building
Rendering of final building used check 3D model is correct
Example of project phases taken from a user case study.
Create professional reports
Export your calculations into formats your team and clients need.
Create:
✓ PDF reports
✓ Excel spreadsheets
✓ CAD drawings
✓ Land XML files
✓ Images
Streamline your existing workflow
Faster
take off
Workflow efficiency
More accurate
cut & fill volumes
Improved accuracy
Reduced
rework
Save time
Improved estimator
confidence
3D visuals
Features Questions
▼ Can I model ponds and basins?
Yes. Kubla Cubed can model ponds and basins. You can create them using contour lines at different elevations, or use platform elements to build up the required shape. The software can then calculate the resulting cut and fill volumes.
For detention ponds and basins, you can define elevations from a fixed datum or depths from a base level, making it possible to model the proposed shape directly from a site plan.
Watch this video to find out more.
▼ Can I design retaining walls?
Yes. Retaining walls can be modelled using two breaklines within a feature surface, one for the top of the wall and one for the toe. You can also leave points on the breakline unset (–) so they are automatically interpolated from neighbouring points, making it easier to define complex wall shapes.
The offset tool can simplify the process further by creating one line from the other, helping you model retaining walls more quickly and accurately.
For a step-by-step guide, see our Retaining Walls in Kubla Cubed tutorial.
▼ How can I manage topsoil strip?
Kubla Cubed can calculate topsoil stripping separately by adding a reduce element, set to your requirements, in it’s own phase. This allows you to define a topsoil depth and report the stripped topsoil volume separately from the main cut and fill volumes.
Watch this video for more info.
▼ Can Kubla Cubed account for material swell and compaction?
Kubla Cubed calculates earthworks volumes based on the geometry of the surfaces. Material swell and compaction factors can be applied to the calculated volumes to account for changes in material volume during excavation, handling and placement.
This allows you to adjust your calculated cut and fill volumes to better reflect the expected site conditions and material behaviour.
▼ Can Kubla Cubed calculate excavation volumes for different strata?
Yes. Kubla Cubed can be used to calculate excavation volumes for different depth bands or strata, although this is currently a manual workflow rather than a built-in feature.
Each strata layer is modelled as a separate ground surface in its own project, using the same proposed surface. The excavation volume for each layer is recorded and the results can then be combined in a spreadsheet.
For accurate results, the strata surfaces must remain in a consistent vertical order and must never intersect with each other or the original ground surface.
We have a step-by-step tutorial demonstrating this workflow. Native support for multiple strata and depth bands is planned for a future version of Kubla Cubed Ultimate.
▼ Can I adjust to subgrade/formation level?
Yes. Kubla Cubed allows you to adjust your proposed surface to account for a required subgrade or formation level.
You can adjust the proposed surface using Reduce or Offset methods, depending on how your formation level is defined. This allows you to model the required excavation depth and calculate the resulting cut and fill volumes.
This can be particularly useful where the finished surface needs to be lowered to allow for materials such as foundations, paving, slabs or other construction build-ups.
Watch the Adjusting to Subgrade/Formation Level video to see how.
▼ Can I extract linework from PDF drawings?
Yes. Kubla Cubed includes PDF Vector Extraction tools that can extract vector linework directly from PDF drawings, helping you create surfaces and speed up take-off.
Depending on the quality and complexity of the PDF, this can be significantly faster than manually tracing contours. We’re also continuing to improve these tools, with further automation planned.
For a practical demonstration, see our Extracting PDF Vectors tutorial.
▼ Are there video tutorials?
Yes. We provide a range of video tutorials to help you learn Kubla Cubed and get the most from the software.
Our tutorials cover common workflows including importing data, creating surfaces, calculating cut and fill volumes, designing earthworks, and exporting results. They are designed to help both new and experienced users understand the software features and apply them to real-world projects.
New videos and guides are added regularly to cover new features, workflows, and tips from our team.
▼ What's the difference between Lite and Professional?
Kubla Cubed Lite is a free, no time limit edition that includes the essential tools for creating terrain models, designing simple platforms, and calculating accurate cut and fill volumes from PDF and CAD drawings. Kubla Cubed Professional includes everything in Lite, plus advanced design tools, cross sections, detailed reporting, additional import and export options, and features for more complex earthworks projects. Find more details on the Compare page.
Both editions use the same calculation engine and interface, making it easy to start with Lite and upgrade to Professional whenever your project requirements grow.