Robert Anderson

I can personally tell you that with my consulting services I have successfully guided one firm through the transition from AutoCAD with Land F/X add on to Vectorworks Landmark. The latest iteration of Landmark is by far much better than earlier versions and this firm is working with Architects that are using Revit and AutoCAD on complex urban…[Read more]

Lucas,
Did you make a decision? I have made the transition from Autocad and sketchup to Vectorworks Landmark and can’t imagine going back. The issue I would have is that at its core Land F/X is Autocad and once you have used the more graphically oriented Vectorworks you will agree that it is vastly superior. It also has much better drafting tools…[Read more]

When I started my practice I deliberately went to mac because after carefully reviewing my options with regard to hardware and software the reliability of the OS of a mac and the near parity of software options made it a logical choice. Gone are the days, with the notable exception of AutoCAD, are you limited by your desktop OS on what software…[Read more]

If you haven’t given it a look, you should check out PlanGrid! It is fantastic for punch lists and site analysis.
Otherwise it looks like you have the other areas covered. One question. If your Large Architecture brethren are using Revit you might want to consider Vectorworks 2015 as it can interpret and export files for use in Revit and do all…[Read more]

Deborah,
My practice is centered around a Mac as we’ll and I’m a former AutoCad devote and convert to Vectorworks Landmark and I can personally attest to the superiority of the later. I would be happy to expound on the advantages and even provide support if you plan to transition to Vectorworks Landmark.

For references you can contact Jon Fitch…[Read more]

Would love to give you a comparison between Vectorworks Landmark and Land FX as a user; however I never became fluent with Land FX.
This is in no way a very valid point but I personally like the way VW looks compared to Land FX.

While you are right the dominant program is AutoCAD with 2014 there is even less issue with compatibility across programs or platforms for that matter. I use Vectorworks Landmark on a Mac Pro at my own practice and consult for another firm using it on Windows machines. We not only share files across different platforms but we work with architects…[Read more]

Why use Archicad when you can use Vectorworks Landmark. I think it would be best for a firm like yours that has such a diverse range of projects.

I have the same question as Jason. What are you considering as large scale and for what purpose. Land Use planning urban planning massing models?
Your answer will directly influence your responses here.

Robert,
I’m not saying that we should skip or abandon free had design. On the contrary this is still the most efficient way to develop multiple concepts during schematic design, and depending on the scope of the project DD.

Set aside the semantics of whether there is or is not BIM for landscape architecture I believe that the real answer you are looking for is what design package works well for our profession and integrates with Revit. The answer to that is Vectorworks Landmark.
I consult for a firm in Washington DC and we moved to VW Landmark over two years ago and…[Read more]

Thanks everyone for your input. I will let you know what comes out of this.

It has been some time but I too have personal experience working in China and I can honestly say it was a lot of work and often without a weekend off.
Meanwhile here in the US in my extensive experience there are seldom times where I had to work on a Saturday let alone and entire weekend. We might work more than forty hours a week but that too is…[Read more]

I assume by your profession and opening statement you aren’t looking for ideas on how we as landscape architects get out the message or how we educate people rather you are looking for ideas on applications or apps for mobile devices. Please clarify.

With twenty five years of experience I have never heard of anyone using corten as a paver. You will have issues with slipping and icing in the northeast. I would be very concerned about using this even with a diamond plate finish.

Goustan,
Definitely look at AWS and their Glacier service.

What are your trying to preserve? I assume that since you had a virus you are using windows machine. Is this for personal information or work related. How often do you want to download your backup, or is it intended just as a backup and you will only occasionally restore files.
If you have a NAS there are several options that run directly from…[Read more]

We have personal experience with interacting with Architects using REVIT. We have moved to Vectorworks Landmark and exchange files with them using IFC files. You get the added benefit of using a software package that has planting design with fantastic 3D tools and graphics. Additionally it is far more affordable than autodesk.

Would suggest that you find a friend that has AutoCAD Map or whatever replaced it. That program had the ability to translate and adjust coordinate systems. I know it isn’t much help but I have had personal experience with this very issue years ago and that is how we addressed and resolved the issue.
Best of luck.

Fred,
What are you trying to do. Model the site with pads, road swales etc.? Are you trying to train yourself and how did you come to have Autodesk Civil 3D?
I would like to help you if all you need is a 3D model but I need more information to assist you.