I have to measure the footprint of a dwelling for calculating square footage. It's part of the replacement cost report. I primarily do insurance inspections for Mass Fair Plan and this is a requirement. The wheel is handy for a home that has a long side (my tape measure is only 25' and I use it for smaller measurements) and requires like 40+ feet of measuring. Now, though, if I can set it up I use the laser. I have to set my clipboard up at the receiving end of the beam to catch the measurment though. It's accurate to within a quarter inch and has 100' capability. More than I'll ever need (I hope). This unit comes in handy when I have an old farm house that has 20 sides. I spent almost an hour one day getting dimensions with a wheel and tape. With this laser, I'll be able to cut that measure time down to nothing. For your last question, I don't use any software (although, I'd love to get mhy hands on APEX). The online report has a calculator.