Mastering BorePlan: Your quick reference guide to HDD bore planning

A hand using a smartphone with the BorePlan app open

You’ve downloaded Vermeer BorePlan and are ready to start planning your HDD projects more efficiently. But where do you begin? What features should you focus on? Let’s dive into some of the most common questions users have when getting started with Vermeer BorePlan.

Creating your first bore plan

Creating a bore plan is straightforward:

  1. From the landing page, tap “Start A Job”.
  2. In aerial view, tap the “+” icon and select “Bore Line”.
  3. Tap on the map to mark your entry point, then tap again to mark your exit point.
  4. Tap “Create” to open the “Bore Setup” page.
  5. Enter the necessary details and tap “Save”.

Remember, you can always edit your bore line later by tapping on it and selecting “Edit”.

Marking utilities and obstacles

Marking utilities and obstacles is crucial for planning:

  • For utilities: Tap the “+” icon, select “Utility”, and draw the line on the map. Enter the utility details when prompted.
  • For obstacles: Select “Obstacle” from the “+” menu, tap three points on the map to create the obstacle shape, then enter its details.

Always use BorePlan in conjunction with onsite utility locating to help ensure accuracy.

video showing how to mark utilities and obstacles

Understanding aerial view and profile view

  • Aerial view gives you a top-down perspective of your jobsite. This is where you’ll create your bore line and mark utilities and obstacles.
  • Profile view shows a cross-section of your bore path. Here, you can adjust depths, add target points and visualize how your bore interacts with underground utilities.

Switch between views by tapping “Aerial” or “Profile” at the top of the screen.

Utilizing the rod-by-rod feature

The rod-by-rod feature is essential for precise execution:

  1. Create your bore line in aerial view.
  2. Tap the menu icon and select “Rod-By-Rod”.
  3. You’ll see a detailed table showing information for each rod, including depth, pitch and azimuth.

This information is crucial for your drill operator to execute the plan accurately.

A graphic showing the the rod-by-rod feature

Free version vs. premium version

The free version includes essential planning tools, such as bore line creation, basic utility mapping and rod-by-rod planning.

Premium features include:

  • Compound curve planning
  • Advanced reporting (including as-built reports)
  • CAD exports
  • Multi-project management

Consider upgrading if you’re working on complex projects or need detailed documentation for regulatory compliance.

Achieving regulatory compliance

BorePlan Premium’s as-built reporting feature is designed to help with regulatory compliance:

  1. After completing your bore, document the actual path using the as-built feature.
  2. Generate comprehensive reports that include all necessary details.
  3. Use these reports to compare planned vs. actual paths and submit to regulatory bodies as required.

Always check your local regulations to confirm you’re meeting all requirements.

A video showing the features for achieving regulatory compliance

Connecting a high-accuracy GPS device

BorePlan supports high-accuracy GPS devices:

  1. First, connect your GPS device to your mobile device via wireless connection.
  2. Launch the GPS device’s APP and connect to device.
  3. In BorePlan, tap “GPS Devices” from the main menu.
  4. Select your device from the list and tap “Connect to GPS Device”.

Using a high-accuracy GPS can significantly improve the precision of your plans and as-built documentation.

Saving and managing projects

BorePlan makes project management easy:

  • To save: Tap the menu icon and select “Save” or “Save and Exit”.
  • To manage existing jobs: From the landing page, tap “Manage Existing Jobs”.
  • To copy a job: In the job list, swipe left on a job name and tap the copy icon.

Remember to save your work regularly to prevent data loss.

A video showing how to save and manage projects

Maximizing your BorePlan experience

BorePlan is packed with features to help make your HDD planning more efficient and accurate. By mastering these key functions, you’ll be able to create more precise bore plans, avoid potential conflicts with utilities and streamline your documentation process.

If you’re still unsure about any aspect of the app, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact AppSupport@Vermeer.com or your local Vermeer dealer for personalized assistance.

Ready to take your HDD planning to the next level? Explore all the features BorePlan has to offer and consider upgrading to Premium for advanced capabilities. Visit the Vermeer website to learn more about how BorePlan can transform your HDD operations.

Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation.
Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications.

Vermeer, the Vermeer logo and Equipped to Do More are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries.

© 2025 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Hand holding a phone with the BorePlan app open

START PLANNING SMARTER WITH BOREPLAN

Ready to revolutionize your HDD planning? Download BorePlan now and put these tips into action. Available for free, with a Premium version for advanced features. Start your journey to more efficient HDD operations today.

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