Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SierraSoft Rails VS Autodesk AutoCAD

Compare SierraSoft Rails VS Autodesk AutoCAD and see what are their differences

SierraSoft Rails logo SierraSoft Rails

BIM software for the design of railways

Autodesk AutoCAD logo Autodesk AutoCAD

Autodesk AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application.
  • SierraSoft Rails Designing of a railway alignment according to the policy
    Designing of a railway alignment according to the policy //
    2025-08-28
  • SierraSoft Rails Axis generation and results
    Axis generation and results //
    2025-08-28
  • SierraSoft Rails Customizing the alignment
    Customizing the alignment //
    2025-08-28
  • SierraSoft Rails 3D design in BIM
    3D design in BIM //
    2025-08-28
  • SierraSoft Rails Quantities calculation in BIM
    Quantities calculation in BIM //
    2025-08-28
  • SierraSoft Rails Final drawings in BIM
    Final drawings in BIM //
    2025-08-28

SierraSoft Rails is a BIM software for the design of railways for low and high speed, single and double track.

The BIM functions of SierraSoft Rails allow you to produce, modify, share, and analyze railway information models.

Design and information modeling occur simultaneously with a strong optimization of activities and cost containment.

In one product you have all the tools for design, policy control, information modeling and quantities calculation.

SierraSoft Rails is a powerful software that allows you to integrate land surveying work, infrastructure design and construction within the processes, guidelines and tools used for BIM. Information exchange, information modeling, information analysis, and information verification occur through the functionality of BIM software extensions (SierraSoft BIM Modeling, SierraSoft BIM Exchange an SierraSoft BIM Checking)

With SierraSoft Rails you can manage big quantities of data. Your projects will have no limits.

SierraSoft Rails is international by nature and manages different languages (English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French) and several units of measure. You can choose different languages among interface, project data and printouts. So you can work in your favourite language and deliver your work in the language that your client wants.

  • Autodesk AutoCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-23

SierraSoft Rails

$ Details
paid Free Trial โ‚ฌ1170.0 / Annually
Platforms
Windows
Release Date
2022 February

Autodesk AutoCAD

Pricing URL
-
$ Details
-
Platforms
-
Release Date
-

SierraSoft Rails features and specs

  • User Interface: Beautiful and functional
    The ergonomic and refined User Interface of SierraSoft Rails is focused on the userโ€™s experience. The result is a simple and effective Interface with a wider graphic area and the access to functionalities is natural and more intuitive.
  • Graphic engine: Extraordinarily fast
    Based on the special flexible and very high-performance 3D graphic engine, the CAD of SierraSoft Rails is extremely fast and convenient, even with huge quantities of vector data and images.
  • Database: A stable base for your projects
    SierraSoft Rails includes a powerful, stable and high-performance database, with an excellent level of data compression, in order to minimize the used space. The security data is ensured by the backup function and SmartSave, which avoid the loss of information in case of unexpected stop of the software (for example a blackout).
  • Memory manager: Everything you need without waste
    SierraSoft Rails can use all the memory made available by the Windows 64-bit operating system (64GB). It has an optimized management, which uses just the necessary memory and free memory as soon as possible. The memory management is automatic and smart, in order to make the most of the resources of the computer.
  • Data exchange: Fast and accurate data access
    Through the data exchange functionalities SierraSoft Rails can directly read and write CAD data (DXG and DXF) and data of other formats such as GIS, TXT without any dependence on other software. Data exchange recognizes the entities present in various files and transforms them into its internal entities by reproducing their information.
  • International: Work without boundaries
    SierraSoft Rails is international by nature and manages different languages (English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French) and several units of measure. You can choose different languages among interface, project data and printouts. So you can work in your favourite language and deliver your work in the language that your client wants.
  • Parametric engine: Automate the impossible
    SierraSoft Rails allows you to parameterize complex calculation flows in order to make the management of complex processing operations simple and intuitive.
  • Modification and check in real time
    It is possible to control the design like never before, drastically reduce designing time thanks to 3D real time cross-section on planimetry. By changing a parameter everything is updated automatically. The result can be immediately checked even before creating the final project. Maximum control over the entire design and over every detail.
  • Dynamic engine - The results in real time
    SierraSoft Rails is equipped with a dynamic processing engine, which combined with the parametric engine allows you to obtain complex results in real time and facilitate all design and modeling activities
  • Point clouds: Upload and manage point clouds in a very simple way
    SierraSoft Rails easy handle one or more point clouds of any size. Loading and display are really fast, drawing and extraction functions occur in real time. A special tool โ€œSierraSoft Mass Data Converterโ€ converts LAS, XYZ, PTS, XCF, E57 and DEM GeoTIFF files so that you can manage them with ease.
  • Help: Learning by doing
    Learning tools are included in SierraSoft Rails. The Smarthelp guides the user while working with the software by providing context-sensitive information. The user guide of the product is integrated in the Interface through retractable control panels and always available.
  • BIM Software: Modeling, sharing, checking
    SierraSoft Rails is a powerful software that allows you to integrate land surveying work, infrastructure design and construction within the processes, guidelines and tools used for BIM. Information exchange, information modeling, information analysis, and information verification occur through the functionality of BIM software extensions (SierraSoft BIM Modeling, SierraSoft BIM Exchange an SierraSoft BIM Checking)
  • Mega projects: When size matters
    With SierraSoft Rails you can manage big quantities of data. Only necessary data are loaded into memory and the ones on the disk are automatically compressed in order to create small files. Your projects will have no limits.
  • Policy - Free to design where you prefer
    Calculations, checks and policies checks: SierraSoft Infra Design Studio checks if your project complies with the policy. Check the congruence of the design parameters of the axes with the selected policy. Generate and test the visibility diagram and the speed diagram. Generate the speed diagram. The calculation of the superelevations and widenings takes place automatically. The calculation of the overhangs and widenings takes place automatically. Get a detailed report of the verification, element by element, with the provisions of the policy. The software will suggest, where possible, the maximum and minimum values to be adopted. Several policies are already present in the software, and thanks to an open and intuitive system, you can extend the existing regulations with the new ones you need.
  • Railway regulations
    โ€ข Italy - RFI - Tracciati ferroviari AV/AC โ€ข Italy - RFI - Tracciati ferroviari fino a 200 km/h โ€ข Italy - RFI - Tracciati ferroviari da 200 km/h a 250 km/h โ€ข Italy - RFI - Tracciati ferroviari AV/AC 2023 โ€ข Italy - RFI - Tracciati ferroviari fino a 200 km/h 2023

Autodesk AutoCAD features and specs

  • Versatile Design Tool
    Supports both 2D and 3D design and drafting, making it flexible for various engineering, architectural, and design applications.
  • Industry Standard
    Widely used and recognized in multiple industries, ensuring that skills in AutoCAD are highly transferable and in demand.
  • Comprehensive Documentation
    Offers extensive online resources, tutorials, and manuals that help users get the most out of the software.
  • Advanced Features
    Includes powerful features like parametric drawing, dynamic blocks, and data linking that improve workflow efficiency.
  • Extensive File Compatibility
    Supports a wide range of file formats, allowing for easy integration with other software and systems.
  • Frequent Updates
    Regular updates and new feature releases keep the software current and aligned with industry trends.

Possible disadvantages of Autodesk AutoCAD

  • High Cost
    The subscription model can be expensive, especially for small businesses or individual users.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    Can be difficult to master, requiring significant time and effort to become proficient.
  • Resource Intensive
    Demands high-performance hardware to run smoothly, which can be an additional expense.
  • Complexity
    The vast array of features and settings can be overwhelming and may require customization to suit individual workflows.
  • Subscription Model
    Lack of a perpetual license option means ongoing costs, which can be a drawback for some users.
  • Limited Support
    While documentation is extensive, direct customer support can sometimes be slow or inadequate.

Analysis of Autodesk AutoCAD

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Autodesk AutoCAD is generally regarded as a highly effective and reliable tool for professionals in design, engineering, architecture, and related fields. Its robust features and extensive capabilities make it a leading choice for CAD software.

Why this product is good

  • Autodesk AutoCAD is considered good because it is a powerful and versatile computer-aided design (CAD) software used extensively in various industries worldwide. It offers comprehensive tools for creating precise 2D and 3D designs, extensive compatibility with other software and file formats, and regular updates that add new features and improve performance. Additionally, it has a strong support community, abundant learning resources, and customization options that cater to different user needs.

Recommended for

    Autodesk AutoCAD is recommended for architects, engineers, drafters, designers, and professionals in the construction and manufacturing industries. It is particularly suited for those who need precise and detailed technical drawings and have a requirement for compatibility with various file types and systems.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SierraSoft Rails and Autodesk AutoCAD)
CAD
5 5%
95% 95
3D
3 3%
97% 97
Architecture
0 0%
100% 100
BIM-Authoring
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare SierraSoft Rails and Autodesk AutoCAD

SierraSoft Rails Reviews

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Autodesk AutoCAD Reviews

Top 15 free interior design software and tools in the year 2022
AutoCAD is a 2D and 3D software for interior designers. It is well-liked by architects and interior designers. However, it has shone brightest in the fields of graphic design and video games.
Source: www.reddit.com
10 Free AutoCAD Alternatives
Free AutoCAD Alternatives: Who can pay for an AutoCAD license, is making a good investment, because it is a very versatile 2D and 3D modeling and design software, with applications in various industries and ideal for project management. But why buy an AutoCAD license that is no longer in perpetuity โ€“ if you can do the same with other alternative software?
Source: solidface.com
Looking for a SketchUp alternative? Check out the 10 best options
AutoCAD is also made by Autodesk and is used professionally by architects to create plans and 3D models. Itโ€™s definitely a huge step up from SketchUp in terms of complexity, but if youโ€™re looking to learn an industry standard, this is it.
Source: all3dp.com

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SierraSoft Rails and Autodesk AutoCAD, you can also consider the following products

Civil 3D - Civil 3D supports BIM for civil engineering design and documentation for rail, roads, land development, airports, water and wastewater, and civil structures.

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

LibreCAD - An open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux.

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone

Open Rails - Open Rails is an open source simulator that is designed to run Microsoft Train Simulator content.