Essential Computer Software For Landscape Professionals

In this video, I will review the Top 5 Software Programs for Landscape Architect’s and Designers.

The programs can be viewed and downloaded here:

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[hughhefner]

I love the in depth description of each software but would recommend inserting a short clip of visuals

[bnsml]

Wow, Chris! I was searching for AutoCAD tutorials to use in a Permaculture project and stumbled upon this video, began watching and realized 'oh wow! I went to school with that guy!' Hope all is well - thank you for your channel and educational contributions!

[nigelvarley]

Hi Chris, great way of describing what are essentially visual products, and i think you are on-point with a lot of what you have said. I am surprised you are not aware of LANDWorksCAD though as this is very similar in capability to Vectorworks and AutoCAD combined but much easier to learn and totally focussed on landscape professionals needs. I am completely biased though as my company, CAD International developed LANDWorksCAD :). We are based in the Australia (downunder) and are officially about to launch the software into the US.

[ARQUIVAS]

Excellent great list, thanks!
I would like to add the information, that there are alternatives to Autocad, that will do the same (even use the same DWG Format) for a considerable less amount of money, in case anyone wants to go that route. Examples are: Draftsight, Bricscad, CorelCad, Highdesign. Some of this are even very similar in use to Autocad because they are trying to get the clients that can't pay Autocad but are already familiarize to the software.

And for Photoshop there is Affinity Photo as an alternative, a lot cheaper.

[Zurekbodybuilding]

Your knowledge is priceless! Thank you very much!

[GardendesignTv]

Great list. Thanks. I would add Realtime Landscaping too👍

[simplyscapes]

Consider adding Simplyscapes to the list. It's web-based and will work on pretty much any device.

[TheVincent]

Good summary. I am learning Vectorworks right now as part of a garden design course.
Recently I found these CAD software programs (I have no experience with them but I think it is worth mentioning.):
- idea Spectrum Realtime Landscaping Architect
- Blender

[lingy]

75% of all my work is done on Rhino. I think it’s the best for terrain modeling.

[sharonparker]

Wow! This was very enlightening. I have started a Landscape Design Business and I am starting with residential and container gardening for some commercial businesses. Currently, I have certified federally and will be seeking contracts within the Federal Government. Would you recommend Pro Landscape as a software feasible for both projects?

[JD-pyjo]

Hey - nice review! Was the iScape App in there? Might have missed it…

[RhinoLands]

Would like to hear your opinion about Lands Design. It covers 2D, 3D requirements. Hope you can try it out.

[tmerose]

Thanks . .and perfect . . sound good . . . Malik Awan...Canada . .( Pakistani),

[heazy]

I just want to design my back yard.... I don't own a landscaping business.

[nessamarie.]

Hello. Loved your walkthrough of different software. I am looking to do my backyard. I want to bring my vision a to life using software. I am not a designer or landscaper. I have used photoshop before and I feel I can catch on pretty easy. I just want something I can put on paper and submit to my HOA. Which one would you recommend?

[TEKjamZZ]

need a program to incorporate RLA and Pro landscape.

[Heatherhigleydrums]

Given the move towards BIM I'm hearing autocad in being left in the shadow of Revit (Or maybe vectorworks), with many painting it as the future of construction. With that in mind, how do you think someone looking to learn about freelancing in landscape architecture 3d visualization, should focus their software study efforts? Revit and Lumion? Is there a better plugin for 3d plants?

[susamhan]

Thanks, which program you advice me if I will be making plans with irrigation engineers?

[utrutr]

I am not a professional landscaper. However, we just bought a house and I'd like to build it into 3D design software to plan changes, etc. Which would you recommend for a (non-professional) home owner? Thanks

[klpsvlogs]

What is the best software for building armour stone drawings. A lot of retaining walls steps etc.