CAD Supplement to September '07 Newsletter

Following are comments from a few folks who were kind enough to share some tricks and advice about CAD programs. Thanks to all who contributed. Be sure to read the last one for a nice offer from Jeff Mitchell.

From Christopher Valenti (J.B. Landscaping [USA] llc Lewes, DE 19958):

We create AutoCAD symbols for all of our plants and most cultivars in the correct size and color. We also try to give details such as leaf veins, etc. We then can do an attribute extraction [with the full version of autocad] and count all of our plants on the plan. The attribute extraction provides a plant table that we use as a key. We insert the symbols onto the table and adjust the row heights to fit our symbols....

When you make a symbol, it needs to be created on the "0" layer in a separate file where you keep only your symbols. When you make a symbol on the "0" layer, you can change its layer to whatever you need so that you can freeze new plants from existing plants, or even trees vs. herbaceous vs. woody. If the symbol is created on any other layer, you cannot do this well.

Finally, we just learned how to convert an AutoCAD drawing to PDF for emailing, using this program [AutoDWG to PDF converter] with this contact info: mail:info@autodwg.com http://www.autodwg.com

To send a larger PDF, we use this program rather than overnighting a landscape plan: https://www.yousendit.com/

From Patric Herring, ASLA CLIA (PH Landscape Design, LLC, Palm Desert, CA 92211)

Tim,
I've used AutoCAD for 12 years in a Landscape design format that I have streamlined very well and perfected for my use. I began using AutoCAD when it was in version 8, and learned it in DOS.....Way old school!!

There are many things about current versions of AutoCAD that can be utilized in creating landscape plans that would traditionally be used for architectural, civil, or mechanical application purposes.

Here's a handy tip that I've used for many years and saves me countless hours of time counting plants:

If you create each of your plant symbols on their own respective layer (aides in layer control when using X-references), and give each plant symbol their own block name, (Create each block with that plant's layer being the current layer) you can use the AutoLISP command 'Count'.
By doing so, when in the 'Count' command... whatever you window with your crosshairs, then press enter, AutoCAD will give you a quantity of each block selected. When the command window opens up in a separate window, displaying the command line text as a list of blocks counted, you can select that text, right mouse click in the highlighted text area, and select 'copy'. Minimize AutoCAD and open Microsoft Word and 'paste' that text selected into it. 'Sort' the text in a 'Descending' order to put the text in a line-by-line alphabetical order. Print this page and use as a quick, disposable check list for updating the quantities in the plant legend in your Planting plan in AutoCAD.

Attributes embedded in a block are good if you feel you may need to change it's text for any reason, but do not help when doing takeoffs.

Hope this helps.

From Cliona Lim:

I took AutoCAD classes about 6 years ago. Went on to LandCad, bought it, and took training classes in it. Used it, but hated it. For about the past 3 years I’ve been using ProLandscape and loving it. Erasing is so much easier on the computer. ProLandscape has intelligent symbols (blocks) tied to an editable database. You can generate take offs and proposals from within the program. It’s an all in one (you don’t have to purchase separate modules). And you can do digital imagining in the program. I don’t particularly like digital imagining but it really does sell the project. Technical support from ProLandscape is excellent. And the price is pretty good – on sale at the MidAm this year for about $900. You don’t need to have AutoCad install to run ProLandscape, it has its own CAD engine. I think LandCad initially “sat” on top of AutoCad. The tutorials that ship with ProLandscape are good (but it does get boring to watch on the computer). The training class I had was excellent. There is a learning curve with any of these programs, and the more you work with it, the faster you get. I don’t think it’s for civil engineers, but there’s a lot of features in it that I haven’t used, so I really don’t know. I am really sold on ProLandscape, and would recommend it to any designer. I haven’t tried Dynascape and Vectorworks. No need for me to look any further, because I’m happy with what I’ve got. I’ve looked at Sketchup but haven’t had the time to work with it.

From Jerry Miraldi (Miraldi Landscape Design, and President Midwest Chapter APLD)

Tim
I switched to Dynascape 3 years ago in an attempt to combine the design process with the estimating process. After two years of working with the product and Dynascape I have a program that does about 90% of both steps. Dynascape has an estimating function that uses the attributes of the figures or blocks, as they are know in AutoCad, to calculate costs creating proposals. Another attribute of Dynascape’s figures is the supplier so that products from different vendors can be selected for specific applications. It’s not a brainless operation as it takes several hours to setup up the product ‘kits’ but once that is done you have customized products for your company. Then after the Proposal has been calculated you have the ability to adjust, add or modify the proposal to customize it to the particular project. The latest product from Dynascape is the rendering package that does a really nice job of producing color renderings using look-a-like tools ie; Markers, Colored Pencil or a combination of both. And you can create your own color schemes to give it your own personal touch.

In my opinion Dynascape, Auto CAD, Vector Works or any other computer drawing tool will never replace a hand drawn & rendered plans but in our race to the finish world they are they way to help with time constraints etc. As you mentioned they are just drawing tools and the design process will never be replaced by any program it has to come from within

From Bill Healy:

Tim,
Congrats on becoming a MOM, I admire the contributions you've made to the field, and enjoy looking at pics of your projects. I just wanted to say that I use Eaglepoint for design.... It has been a bear to learn, and it seems very few APLD members use it, but it is pretty powerful. Thanks for contributing so much.

And thanks for your comments, Bill.

Lastly, from Jeff Mitchell, ASLA, RLA, Sherman, IL 62684-9604
(Office) 217-306-6273
(Home) 217-496-2526
landarch@casscomm.com

First, I appreciate your sending me the academy's "Letters and Words". I enjoy reading them. The July 18th letter peeked my thoughts regarding a CAD program I purchased. I was primarily involved in residential and commercial landscape planning and design for which the CAD program worked very well for me. The product is one you mentioned - "Dynascape & Iris".

Since I purchased the program my practice has migrated toward more large scale development and I do less individual residential and commercial projects.

I have contemplated selling the software. I have spoken to what was then Garden Graphics (before they recently changed their name) regarding the rights to sell the software, including the activation key, both the Design (Dynascape) and Estimating (Iris) products in addition to the 2002 an the 2005 tutorial discs and user guide.

I originally paid $1800 for the package and have put a sale price on it of $800. There is nothing wrong with the software - it is just that I do not use it anymore. There is a $400 annual subscription for updates but this package will still operate without the annual subscription. I am willing to consider other offers.

If there is any opportunity to get this information in front of your membership I would appreciate you letting me know.

Thanks to all of you for your contributions.

If you have anything else to offer, please use the comments link on this page.