Data as of Aug 25, 2026 · Based on 1,337 AI responses · See how Parse measures this
Civil Engineering Modeling Software
Parse
https://parse.gl
Autodesk leads, named in 70% of answers, ahead of at 66% and at 25%.
| # | Brand | What AI says | Mention rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Has seen its overall mention rate grow significantly since late 2025. | 70% | |
| 2 | 66% | ||
| 3 | The industry-standard GIS platform for advanced spatial analysis and planning. | 25% | |
| 4 | 22% | ||
| 5 | Praised as the leading free and open-source GIS alternative. | 22% | |
| 6 | 21% | ||
| 7 | 20% | ||
| 8 | 18% | ||
| 9 | 18% | ||
| 10 | 16% | ||
| 11 | 15% | ||
| 12 | 14% | ||
| 13 | 13% | ||
| 14 | 8% | ||
| 15 | 8% | ||
| 16 | 5% | ||
| 17 | 5% | ||
| 18 | 5% | ||
| 19 | 5% | ||
| 20 | 5% | ||
| 21 | 5% | ||
| 22 | 4% | ||
| 23 | 3% | ||
| 24 | 3% | ||
| 25 | 3% |
Who wins on each AI
The same market, seen by two models.
Sources AI cited
reddit.com is the page AI reaches for most here, cited in 53% of analyzed answers.
Rose from #7 to #1 in overall mentions between Oct 2025 and Mar 2026.
“A secondary option in some categories” → “A primary competitor framed as offering powerful, integrated commercial solutions”
Slipped from the #1 to #2 position in overall brand mentions by March 2026.
| Brand | ChatGPT Search | Google AI Mode | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52% | 52% | ||
| 33% | 23% | ||
| 30% | 23% | ||
| 31% | 22% | ||
| 28% | 23% |
The two models disagree most about HEC‑HMS (ChatGPT #10, Google #22) and HydroCAD (ChatGPT #18, Google #7).
Across 1,337 AI responses, Autodesk is mentioned most, named in 70% of them, followed by Bentley (66%) and ArcGIS (25%).
Parse measures each brand's mention rate — the share of answers naming it — across 1,337 AI responses to this market's buyer questions. Answers are collected daily and the ranking is published weekly.
Brands enter the ranking when AI answers mention them. Parse collects answers daily and publishes the re-measured set weekly, so new brands appear as AI starts recommending them.
Autodesk has emerged as the dominant brand in AI recommendations for civil engineering software, frequently cited for its comprehensive and integrated toolset. This marks a significant shift since late 2025, as its products, particularly Civil 3D, have steadily gained prominence over competitors like
Bentley Systems in AI-generated answers for roadway, GIS, and stormwater modeling.
AI responses consistently highlight EPA SWMM as the free industry standard for stormwater modeling. Recommendations have diversified over time, with Bentley's OpenFlows suite,
HydroCAD, and, increasingly,
Autodesk's InfoDrainage and XPSWMM being cited as powerful commercial options for enhanced workflows.
As a Civil Engineer, what's the best software for stormwater modeling?
AI responses consistently highlight EPA SWMM as the free industry standard for stormwater modeling. Recommendations have diversified over time, with Bentley's OpenFlows suite,
HydroCAD, and, increasingly,
Autodesk's InfoDrainage and XPSWMM being cited as powerful commercial options for enhanced workflows.
Autodesk Civil 3D is consistently positioned as the industry-standard software for roadway design and grading. is almost always presented as the primary alternative, particularly for large-scale infrastructure and DOT projects. Other tools like RoadEng are mentioned as niche or lighter-weight options.
Brands mentioned
What's the best software for a civil engineer to use for roadway design and grading?
Autodesk Civil 3D is consistently positioned as the industry-standard software for roadway design and grading.
Bentley OpenRoads Designer is almost always presented as the primary alternative, particularly for large-scale infrastructure and DOT projects. Other tools like
Softree RoadEng are mentioned as niche or lighter-weight options.
The market map