California Surveying & Drafting Supply
California Surveying & Drafting Supply is a Sacramento-based authorized dealer of Trimble, HP, and related geospatial and wide-format equipment, serving surveying, construction, utilities, government, and other verticals across the United States as the US division of Canada's Cansel Group.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1985
- HeadquartersSacramento, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
California Surveying & Drafting Supply firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- California Surveying & Drafting Supply
- Legal name
- California Surveying and Drafting Supply
- Website
- https://csdsinc.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1985
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- California Surveying & Drafting Supply is a Sacramento-based authorized dealer of Trimble, HP, and related geospatial and wide-format equipment, serving surveying, construction, utilities, government, and other verticals across the United States as the US division of Canada's Cansel Group.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
California Surveying & Drafting Supply industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Surveying and Geospatial Equipment Distribution
- NAICS
- Building Material and Supplies Dealers (4441), Construction, Mining, and Forestry Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing (532412)
- SIC
- Pens, Pencils & Other Artists' Materials (3950)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Architecture, Planning & Surveying (AIA, Planning, Land Surveyor CE) (EDAAALAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Art & Drafting Supplies Retail (CRALABAG)
Keywords
Where California Surveying & Drafting Supply is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sacramento
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
California Surveying & Drafting Supply business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Sales of surveying equipment (GNSS receivers, total stations, laser scanners, drones), construction tools (laser levels, rangefinders), subsurface technologies (utility locators, ground penetrating radar), and wide format printers and scanners.
- Software and Subscriptions: Sales of software licenses including Trimble Business Center, scanning software, and Trimble Reality Capture Platform service subscriptions with tiered storage plans (1TB, 5TB, 10TB).
- Equipment Rentals and Leasing: Short-term and long-term equipment rental programs including rental packages, CSDS Elite Program (hardware-as-a-service), and EZ-Print Program (printer-as-a-service) providing printers with ink, media, and service.
- Service and Support: Technology enablement services, training programs, warranty renewals, subscriptions, service and repairs, CSDS Protection Plan, and CSDS Geospatial Support Plan offerings.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | Monthly | EZ-Print Program printer-as-a-service starting at $150 per month |
| Subscription | Monthly | Trimble Reality Capture Platform Service tiers |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Online orders over $100 qualify for free shipping |
| Other | Monthly | Equipment rental packages available short-term and long-term |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
California Surveying & Drafting Supply product offering
Product offeringCore offering
California Surveying & Drafting Supply (CSDS) is an authorized dealer and service provider offering surveying, geospatial, and wide format printing equipment from brands including Trimble, HP, Spectra Geospatial, Radiodetection, WideTEK, Contex, and Colortrac. The company supplements equipment sales with rentals, training, technology enablement services, equipment protection plans, and hardware-as-a-service programs (EZ-Print and CSDS Elite). Customers include land surveying firms, construction companies, government agencies, utilities, and educational institutions.
Product overview
California Surveying & Drafting Supply (CSDS) is an authorized dealer and service provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of geospatial, surveying, and wide format printing solutions. The company operates as a division of Cansel Group and provides products across multiple categories: surveying and mapping equipment (GNSS receivers, robotic total stations, terrestrial laser scanners, mobile mapping systems, drones, hydrographic survey gear, data collectors, digital levels), subsurface technologies (utility locators, ground penetrating radar, video inspection systems), construction tools (laser levels, optical surveying instruments, magnetic locators, rangefinders), earth observation (satellite imagery), and wide format printing/scanning solutions. Key technology brands include Trimble (Reality Capture Platform Service, Connect Multi-Pane Viewer), HP DesignJet (printers, scanners), WideTEK, Contex, and Colortrac. CSDS complements its product sales with professional services including Technology Enablement (Adopt, Accelerate, Transform tiers), the CSDS Protection Plan for equipment coverage, the EZ-Print Program (printer-as-a-service), and the CSDS Elite Program (hardware-as-a-service). The company serves industries including land surveying, construction, mining, government, utilities, energy, forestry, forensics, and education.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CSDS Protection Plan: Equipment protection and service plan offered by CSDS to ensure equipment operates at highest standards.
- CSDS Geospatial Support Plan
- EZ-Print Program
- CSDS Elite Program
- Can-Flow
Products and services
- Trimble Reality Capture Platform Service Cloud-based collaboration platform that provides a common data environment for storing, managing, and sharing large amounts of reality capture data, with secure cloud access, account permissions, and tiered storage plans (1TB, 5TB, 10TB) and integration with Trimble Business Center and GEDO Scan Office. Designed for surveyors, infrastructure, transportation, rail, and utilities professionals.
- HP DesignJet XT950 Printer 36-inch thermal inkjet plotter printer with multi-size printing, HP Flex Tech Inks, integrated Wi-Fi, and HP Wolf Pro Security, designed for architecture, engineering, GIS, and technical office workflows.
- HP DesignJet XT950 Multifunction Printer 36-inch thermal inkjet multifunction plotter offering print, scan, and copy with integrated front-loading scanner, one-click workflow shortcuts, HP Click software, and sustainable design using recycled plastic content.
- HP DesignJet SD Pro 2 Scanner 44-inch professional large format CIS scanner featuring dual-illuminated scanning technology for sharp line detail, scan speeds up to 9 in/sec color, and integrated HP SmartStream compatibility for technical document environments.
- WideTEK 36 Wide Format Scanner 36-inch large format CCD scanner for high-speed digitization of CAD drawings, blueprints, maps, and engineering plans, with Scan2Net platform enabling direct scanning to USB, network, printers, and mobile devices.
- CSDS Protection Plan Equipment protection plan designed to ensure geospatial and wide format equipment operates at the highest standards, reducing downtime and avoiding costly delays for surveying, construction, and printing professionals.
- Technology Enablement Services Multi-tiered professional services program including Adopt (technology quick start training, standards setup, workflow alignment), Accelerate (workflow optimization, Trimble Connect implementation, custom training), and Transform (enterprise optimization, technology leadership consulting) services for surveying and geospatial technology customers.
- EZ-Print Program Printer-as-a-Service program providing HP DesignJet printers plus paper, ink, and maintenance at fixed monthly rates starting at $150 per month, eliminating the need for capital purchase and bundling certified technician service.
- CSDS Elite Program Hardware-as-a-Service program offering future-proof technology equipment bundles for surveying and geospatial customers to reduce capital expenditure burden, with flexible rental packages available short-term and long-term.
Quantifiable outcome
- Surveyor labor shortage: U.S. experienced decline from 56,200 employed surveyors in 2010 to 47,770 in 2020, creating market opportunity for technology solutions
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use California Surveying & Drafting Supply
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
California Surveying & Drafting Supply technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
AI capability4 records
Feature5 records
California Surveying & Drafting Supply partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- TrimblecoreCSDS serves as an authorized Trimble dealer providing GNSS receivers, robotic total stations, 3D laser scanners, data collectors, and Trimble software solutions. In November 2025, Trimble, CSDS, and Fresno State collaborated to provide advanced geospatial equipment to Fresno State's Geomatics Engineering Program with a Trimble Technology Lab opening on campus in 2026.
- Cansel GroupflagshipCSDS is a division of Cansel Group, a Canadian company transforming from a surveying equipment provider to a worldwide leader in the geospatial industry. Cansel Group announced unified global operations under its brand in November 2025, with CSDS operating under the CSDS brand identity within the consolidated structure.
- Fresno State University Geomatics Engineering ProgramcoreCollaboration between Trimble, CSDS, and Fresno State to address surveyor labor shortage. Equipment donation including Trimble GNSS receivers, robotic total stations, 3D laser scanners and software. Trimble Technology Lab opening on campus in 2026 with AI training as part of curriculum. California facing over 2,000 surveying positions needed for construction and utility sectors.
- HPcoreAuthorized HP reseller offering DesignJet wide format printers, PageWide XL printers, SD Pro 2 and HD Pro 2 scanners, inks, toners, and printing supplies. Joint promotional programs including HP Cash-In Trade-Up Rebates and HP DesignJet offers.
- Spectra Geospatialcore
- RadiodetectioncoreAuthorized Radiodetection dealer providing precision cable and pipe locators, RF marker locators, cable avoidance tools, and pipeline integrity solutions.
- WideTEKcoreAuthorized dealer for WideTEK wide format scanners including WideTEK 36, WideTEK 36CL, WideTEK 44, WideTEK 48, WideTEK 60, and WideTEK flatbed and book scanners with Scan2Net and ScanWizard software.
- ContexcoreAuthorized Contex dealer offering HD Ultra X scanners, IQ Quattro X scanners, IQ Flex flatbed scanners, NEXTimage scanning software, and related accessories.
- ColortraccoreAuthorized Colortrac dealer providing SmartLF SCi and SmartLF SGi scanners, portable scanners, SmartWorks scanning software, and document carrier sheets.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
California Surveying & Drafting Supply competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- KDM Engineering: Authorized surveying and engineering supplies dealer offering Trimble and other geospatial brands. Competes with CSDS in the Western US for surveying and construction customers.
- SITECH (Trimble dealer network): Trimble's construction-focused global dealer network for heavy civil and machine control solutions. Overlaps with CSDS on construction segments and competes for Trimble product sales.
- Allen Precision Equipment: Authorized Trimble surveying and mapping equipment dealer operating across the US Southeast. Direct competitor with similar product portfolio, rental/leasing programs, and field service capabilities.
- Frontier Precision: Trimble-authorized geospatial equipment distributor serving the US Midwest and West. Competes with CSDS on surveying, mapping, and construction technology sales, rentals, and training.
- GeoShack: Authorized Topcon and Trimble dealer distributing positioning equipment, GNSS, total stations, and machine control systems. Direct competitor in construction and surveying dealer channel.
- Aerial Services Inc (ASI): Trimble geospatial reseller offering surveying equipment, drones, mapping software, and reality capture solutions. Competes in similar vertical segments including government and utilities.
- Positioning Solutions: Authorized Trimble dealer offering GNSS, total stations, scanners, and construction technology to surveying and engineering customers. Direct channel competitor in the Pacific Northwest and broader US.
- Cansel Group: Parent company of CSDS, operating a similar authorized-dealer model in Canada for Trimble and other geospatial brands. Operates the broader integrated business from which CSDS is a US division.
Broad incumbents
- HP (Large Format Printing): Manufacturer of DesignJet wide format printers and SD Pro scanners that CSDS distributes. Broad incumbent in the printing side of CSDS's product portfolio.
- Trimble: Manufacturer and software provider of GNSS, total stations, scanning, and reality capture platforms that CSDS resells. Broad incumbent defining the product roadmap on which CSDS depends.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
California Surveying & Drafting Supply social profiles
Digital presenceCalifornia Surveying & Drafting Supply compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
California Surveying & Drafting Supply financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
California Surveying & Drafting Supply leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
California Surveying & Drafting Supply funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
California Surveying & Drafting Supply M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about California Surveying & Drafting Supply
What does California Surveying & Drafting Supply do?
California Surveying & Drafting Supply (CSDS) is an authorized dealer and service provider offering surveying, geospatial, and wide format printing equipment from brands including Trimble, HP, Spectra Geospatial, Radiodetection, WideTEK, Contex, and Colortrac. The company supplements equipment sales with rentals, training, technology enablement services, equipment protection plans, and hardware-as-a-service programs (EZ-Print and CSDS Elite). Customers include land surveying firms, construction companies, government agencies, utilities, and educational institutions.
Is California Surveying & Drafting Supply a public or private company?
California Surveying & Drafting Supply is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was California Surveying & Drafting Supply founded?
California Surveying & Drafting Supply was founded in 1985. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is California Surveying & Drafting Supply based?
California Surveying & Drafting Supply is headquartered in Sacramento, United States, in the North America region.
How does California Surveying & Drafting Supply make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are software and Subscriptions, equipment Rentals and Leasing and service and Support.
Who are California Surveying & Drafting Supply's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are KDM Engineering, SITECH (Trimble dealer network), Allen Precision Equipment, Frontier Precision, GeoShack, Aerial Services Inc (ASI), Positioning Solutions and Cansel Group. Broad incumbents are HP (Large Format Printing) and Trimble.
Does California Surveying & Drafting Supply have an API?
No public API is recorded for California Surveying & Drafting Supply.
What industry is California Surveying & Drafting Supply in?
California Surveying & Drafting Supply's product category is Surveying and Geospatial Equipment Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAALAG, Architecture, Planning & Surveying (AIA, Planning, Land Surveyor CE), with a secondary code of CRALABAG, Art & Drafting Supplies Retail. Its NAICS code is 4441 and its SIC code is 3950.