Inside the all-new survacad qld platform: a conversation with ceo, adam sokac
We recently sat down with Adam Sokac, CEO of SurvaCAD, to discuss the launch of the all-new SurvaCAD QLD software platform, the vision behind its redevelopment, and what users can expect from the next generation of surveying and cadastral drafting technology.
reimagining an industry standard
According to Adam, the decision to rebuild the platform stemmed from a desire to modernise software that has served the industry for more than 35 years.
“The software has been the industry standard for over 35 years, however it was in need of an update,” Adam explained. “Over the years, I always felt there were additional tools and automations that could further enhance productivity. When I took over last year, it was an opportunity to finally bring those ideas to life.”
a community-driven development process
While Adam entered the project with a strong vision, he emphasised that customer feedback played a critical role in shaping the platform’s direction.
“It was important to confirm that my ideas aligned with the broader SurvaCAD community,” he said. “Within my first month, we distributed a detailed customer survey to understand what users valued, what the industry felt was missing, and which features had become outdated.”
The feedback became the foundation for the software’s redevelopment, helping identify both the new functionality required and the core tools users still relied upon daily.
EXPANDING THE SOFTWARE'S CAPABILITIES
The new platform introduces a wide range of tools aimed at improving efficiency and expanding drafting functionality.
Adam highlighted major additions including enhanced cadastral drafting workflows, dedicated building format plan tools, and the introduction of the powerful LADS feature for larger-scale standard format plans.
“We’ve also introduced specialised lease plan tools, new title block sheets for non-cadastral plans, and expanded capabilities for topography and general survey plans,” he said.
These additions position the platform as a more versatile solution for surveying professionals across multiple project types.
A MODERN USER EXPERIENCE
One of the most noticeable changes in the new platform is its redesigned user interface, featuring a modern ribbon. The change, Adam explained, was driven largely by feedback from newer users.
“Many users found the old toolbar-only interface difficult to navigate and time-consuming to learn,” he said. “Having used the original software myself for more than 25 years, I was initially sceptical about moving to a ribbon system. But after developing it, I’ve also completely converted to using it.”
He described the new interface as faster, cleaner, and significantly more intuitive for both new and experienced users.
INTRODUCING SID: SURVEY INPUT DATA
Another major innovation is SID, the new Survey Input Data application. SID replaces the previous internal data entry system with a more user-friendly and collaborative solution.
“The biggest advantage is that SurvaCAD subscribers can now share SID across an organisation,” Adam explained. “That means anyone can prepare table data, helping reduce duplicate manual entry and minimising errors.”
The platform also supports CSV imports directly from survey calculations, streamlining workflows even further.
TRAINING AND ONGOING SUPPORT
To help users maximise the platform’s capabilities, SurvaCAD has developed a comprehensive training ecosystem.
Members can access detailed tutorial videos through the online member portal, while tailored online training sessions are also available.
“We want users to feel confident adopting the new features and workflows,” Adam said. “Our training options are designed to support everyone from new users through to experienced professionals.”
As the surveying and drafting industry continues to evolve, the all-new SurvaCAD QLD platform represents a significant step forward, blending decades of industry experience with modern tools, automation, and user-focused design.