Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bob Luther on July 11, 2009 at 6:49pm

maybe you should pose a question...

Permalink Reply by Shimi Dahan on July 14, 2009 at 1:51am

Here's two:
1. What is the best tool for landscape architects when modelling terrain/topography? I have used various combinations of AutoCAD, Architecture, Civil 3D, Rhino, SketchUp and I still have not found what I am looking for. Which is an intuitive, dynamic, section and plan, push & pull tool. Any suggestions?
2. Do CAD users prefer working with colour-dependent CTB files/templates or have you converted to style-based STB ones?

Permalink Reply by Bob Luther on August 22, 2009 at 12:07am

I guess the question that jumps out at me is what kind of topography are you working with. Is it contour lines that are in an autocad type setting or is it something organic that you want to create form scratch? I use SketchUp for all of my modeling and have found it very good with contours out of CAD. There is also a good demonstration that was shown at SketchUp base camp last year by Daniel Tal (who is a member of Land8lounge) you can do a google search for "sketchup basecamp videos" and get a complete list, then look for Daniel's presentation, or try the link below...

http://sites.google.com/site/3dbasecamp2008/all-sessions-2008/worki...

Permalink Reply by Eric Gilbey on August 26, 2009 at 12:38pm

With the direct 2D/3D environment in Vectorworks Landmark, you have several different ways of creating a terrain model, whether you enter X,Y,Z points you've gathered in the field, or if you import them from a Survey (ie CSV, TXT), or from contours generated on your own, or imported from other DWG/DXF, even GIS Shapefiles, you have a lot of flexibility in creating the terrain model. Once you have made it, you have the ability to show changes to the proposed site by modifiers, such as proposed contours or polygonal shapes with or without slopes. These changes can be reflected in plan, 3D and sections views, as well as quantified in Cut and Fill calculations and in slope analysis. The editing of source data for the terrain can be, as well as the shape and extent of the modifiers, so there is some aspect of push/pull already. Mapping textures and sending objects allow you to make the entire modeling aspect a real as you want to make it. It has been worth switching and learning the new tools, because they make my design/analysis process easier and faster.

Permalink Reply by Mark L Miller on September 14, 2010 at 10:49pm

I need a CAD program for use on some freelance and pro-bono projects I plan on doing, but the AutoCAD version I acquired in college won't work on windows 7.

Does anyone have any experience with any good open source CAD programs that could work with DGN and/or DWG files?

I learned Autodesk while in college and then used Microstation on the job so I'm familiar with both programs.