BoreWise vs BorePlan: Field-Verified Bore Planning vs Map-Based Guesswork
BorePlan is a known HDD planning app with map, GPS, and documentation tools. BoreWise is built for crews who want field-verified measurements, utility-aware rod-by-rod planning, one-page workflow, and Copilot adjustments when the actual bore does not match the original plan.
The Plain-English Verdict
BorePlan is a broad planning and documentation app. BoreWise is a field-first planner built around the numbers crews can verify on site.
Where BorePlan Fits
BorePlan can be useful for map-based layout, GPS/topography workflows, reports, documentation, and contractors already tied into the Vermeer ecosystem.
Where BoreWise Wins
BoreWise is built for field-verified bore planning: transit shots, grade-stick readings, measured stations, utility depths, target windows, pitch limits, and rod-by-rod guidance.
Note: Vermeer describes BorePlan as a planning aid and warns that it does not replace onsite utility locating, measuring, potholing, and verification procedures.
GPS Elevation Is Convenient. Field Elevation Is Accountable.
Map and GPS elevation can help rough in a profile, but it should not be treated like verified bore-planning data. In a new subdivision, road rebuild, creek crossing, or regraded development, old topography may not match the ground the crew is actually drilling through.
Plan Without Expensive GPS Equipment
High-accuracy GPS can work when it is survey-grade, corrected, set up correctly, and used by someone who knows what they are doing. But BoreWise does not require expensive GPS equipment to build a practical bore plan. Use an optical transit, grade stick, measured distances, and real constraints — or use verified GPS elevations if your crew already has the equipment.
Transit + Grade Stick
Use simple field tools to capture real elevation constraints where the bore is actually happening.
Already Have GPS Equipment?
BoreWise can work with verified GPS elevation data too, so your existing equipment still has a place in the planning workflow.
One-Page Workflow
Enter distances, depths, elevations, utilities, targets, pitch limits, and actuals on one page instead of jumping around a map dropping points.
Use Elevations When You Have Them. Use Field Measurements When You Don’t.
BoreWise is not anti-GPS and it is not limited to depth-only planning. If a crew already has reliable elevation data from survey-grade GPS, a transit, laser, or another trusted source, BoreWise can work from elevations. The difference is that BoreWise does not require expensive GPS equipment or preloaded map elevations to build a practical bore plan.
Elevation-Ready Planning
BoreWise can plan from elevation-based inputs when you have verified elevation data. That lets crews use survey-grade GPS, transit shots, laser data, or other trusted jobsite measurements without making map elevation the source of truth.
Any Machine. Any Rod Length.
BoreWise does not need to know the brand of drill. It needs the numbers that control the bore: rod length, pitch limits, utility constraints, targets, and field actuals. That makes BoreWise usable across mixed fleets and non-Vermeer machines.
BorePlan Flags Interference. BoreWise Plans Around Utilities.
A utility should be more than a warning label. If the utility has a depth and required clearance, that should become a planning constraint.
Interference Warning
In BorePlan-style map workflows, a utility conflict may be shown as interference. That warning is useful, but the user may still need to add a separate target under or over the utility to force the bore path to clear it.
Utility-Aware Planning Logic
BoreWise uses the utility station, depth, outside diameter, clearance requirement, and over/under choice as part of the planning logic so the rod-by-rod path is built around the utility window from the start.
BoreWise Copilot Recalculates the Plan When the Field Changes
Every locator knows the actual bore does not always match the plan. If the plan calls for -18% and the head actually takes -22% through rock, BoreWise Copilot uses the missed pitch to recalculate the remaining rods from the bore’s real field position.
Uses Actual Field Conditions
Enter the pitch the head actually took, even when rock, clay, tooling, or steering caused the bore to miss the planned pitch.
Recalculates Remaining Rods
Copilot adjusts the rest of the rod-by-rod plan from the bore’s actual position instead of blindly following the original path.
Keeps the Original Plan Visible
The original plan stays intact so crews can see what changed, what was missed, and how the corrected plan compares.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | BorePlan | BoreWise |
|---|---|---|
| Rod-by-rod bore planning | Yes | Yes |
| GPS/map-based elevation workflow | Yes | Not the centerpiece |
| Elevation-based planning | Yes | Yes |
| Machine and rod flexibility | Vermeer machine and associated rod selections | Works from rod length and pitch limits |
| Field-verified measurement workflow | User responsible | Core workflow |
| Builds around utility windows | May require manual targets/adjustments | Yes |
| Utility interference warnings | Yes | Yes |
| Recalculates remaining rods from actual pitch | Not clearly offered | Yes |
| One-page planning workflow | Map/app workflow | Yes |
| Premium price | $1,299/year listed for one Premium user account | $99/month per account, with lower-cost added crew users |
BoreWise crew pricing
BoreWise starts at $99/month for the company account. Additional crew users can be added at lower monthly seat rates so foremen, locators, operators, and managers can all access the planning workflow without buying a full separate account for each person.
BorePlan vs BoreWise FAQ
Is BoreWise the same as BorePlan?
No. BorePlan is Vermeer’s HDD planning app. BoreWise is a separate HDD planning tool focused on field-verified measurements, utility-aware rod-by-rod planning, and Copilot adjustments.
Is GPS elevation accurate enough for HDD bore planning?
It depends on the receiver, correction method, datum, site conditions, and data source. For utility clearance, creek crossings, and regraded jobsites, field verification is still the safer planning foundation.
Why does utility-aware planning matter?
Because a utility conflict should not just produce an interference warning. A good planner should use the utility depth, station, size, clearance, and over/under requirement to build the bore path around the problem.
What does BoreWise Copilot do?
BoreWise Copilot helps compare the original rod-by-rod plan against actual drilled pitch and adjusted guidance, making it easier to manage the remaining bore when the field changes.
Build the Bore Plan From Field Truth
Use BoreWise to plan around utilities, targets, measured elevations, rod length, pitch limits, and actual field conditions before the drill head goes in the ground.