SPIDA
6.5/10SPIDA, now owned by Bentley Systems, makes pole loading analysis and overhead asset management software (SPIDAcalc, SPIDAsilk, SPIDAstudio) for electric and telecom utilities and their engineering contractors.
Data last updated November 2026 · Our methodology
Overview
SPIDA is a family of utility pole software founded in 2007 in Columbus, Ohio. Bentley Systems bought the company in June 2021. SPIDAcalc is the main product. It models wood, steel, concrete, composite, and decayed poles, then checks structural loading, clearances, and remaining strength. It can run linear or geometric nonlinear analysis against preconfigured NESC, CSA, and GO95 code criteria, or against custom load cases. Cloud batch processing can analyze from one pole up to thousands at a time. Engineers use it for make-ready work and for checking new communication attachments, overlashing, and reconductoring. SPIDAsilk handles cable sag and tension. SPIDAstudio is a cloud platform that tracks the condition and health of overhead assets and manages workflows across a utility. Typical buyers are electric utilities, broadband attachers, and the engineering firms that design for them in the US and Canada. Named customers include Ameren, Southern California Edison, EPCOR, and Nashville Electric Service. SPIDAcalc is sold as a 12-month Virtuoso subscription, listed from about 2,627 USD (prices vary by region), with a 30-day free trial. Enterprise licensing and SPIDAstudio are priced by quote. SPIDAcalc offers APIs to field data collection and work design tools and can import and export GIS and CAD data. Bentley says the acquisition was meant to link SPIDA with its OpenUtilities grid digital twin. The main limitation is narrow scope: SPIDA is specialist pole engineering software, not a general asset maintenance system. Independent reviews also note that preparing raw field data for modeling can slow projects.
Our Rating
Who SPIDA is best for
Good fit
It was built for electric and communications utilities to analyze and manage their poles.
Engineering providers use SPIDAcalc for make-ready and attachment design work.
It suits power distribution companies that own overhead networks.
Enterprise licensing and cloud batch analysis support large utility programs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supports geometric nonlinear analysis, as well as linear analysis, for wood, steel, concrete, composite, and decayed poles.
- Comes with NESC, CSA, and GO95 code criteria already set up, and accepts custom load cases.
- Cloud batch processing lets large pole programs be analyzed at once.
- Scenario reruns and a design comparison tool make make-ready comparisons repeatable.
- A 30-day free trial is available, and students and educators get free access.
Cons
- Specialist scope: it is not a general maintenance or work order system.
- Preparing raw field data for modeling can slow projects.
- CAD-heavy teams may need extra steps to produce drawing deliverables.
- Enterprise and SPIDAstudio pricing is not published.
- Focused on North American codes and markets.
Key Features
SPIDA Pricing
Enterprise / SPIDAstudio
- Contact sales
- Dedicated support
- Scalable licensing
SPIDAcalc 12-month Virtuoso subscription
or $2,627/user/year (save 92%)
- 1 license for 12 months
- Starting price; varies by region
- 1 Key (credit for training or services)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Bentley offers a free 30-day trial, which you request through a form on its website.
Bentley lists a 12-month subscription starting around 2,627 USD. The price varies by region, and enterprise licensing is quoted on request.
NESC, CSA, and GO95 come preconfigured, and you can define custom loading criteria.
Bentley Systems acquired SPIDA Software in June 2021.
SPIDAcalc offers API connections to field data collection and work design applications. It also imports and exports GIS and CAD data.
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