Quantity takeoff using CAD based software vs Revit

[virajvoditel]

I have come across a few software that use CAD files to do quantity estimates. While I haven't used one, I want to know how comprehensive they are, what is the level of accuracy since the 3rd dimension cannot be effectively depicted or assumed in 2D. Also, how do these systems compare with Revit based quantity estimation? Also, for these software to work does the CAD file need to be dragged in a particular fashion?

[rosskirby]

Well, this is the Revit forum, so you're probably not going to find many answers about non-Revit software here, especially since you didn't mention the name of any of these various CAD-based QTO programs...

[virajvoditel]

Sorry for the typo : dragged=drafted

The thing is, I am a seasoned user of Revit and been using it for a long time to do QTO and been pretty satisfied with the results. I have never used any of the CAD based software I have mentioned (I have just heard of them, and can't understand how they might work), hence did not take any name. I wanted the opinion of Revit users, so I posted the topic in this forum. Perhaps you could guide me what the right forum would be to ask this query.
Thanks.

[rosskirby]

I'm not sure how a CAD-based QTO program would work, but it probably varies depending on the actual software.  I'm not a software engineer, so I couldn't really speak to it.  I'd recommend using the forums/help desk for those particular products.  If you want to solicit information from Revit users about particular product, it would help to know what those products are.

[cbcarch]

Try searching for Autodesk Quantity Takeoff ( QTO) software.

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?id=16089631&siteID=123112&mktvar001=172458