Overwhelmed with where to start using Autocad for landscape design

[jack5Q7LE]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if someone can give me a really simple few pointers on how to start using Autocad for landscape design? All I want to do is draw a scale top down plan, where I can have layers for the layout of a garden and then another layer for the plants, is that possible?

Sorry for the super basic question, I am just so overwhelmed by the documentation on the Autocad website.

I'm currently on a trial before deciding between Autocad and Vectorworks and which product to commit to in future. 

Thank you

[WeTanks]

It is feasible to separate by layer.
You can download the file below for reference.

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/ja/support/autocad/downloads/caas/downloads/downloads/JPN/content/aut... 

[pendean]

Greetings!

Do you have any CAD experience at all? If yes, which program(s)?

There is nothing hard or challenging about starting AutoCAD if the answer is yes, but it might be easier to climb Mount Everest if not for both of those programs you listed.

[TheCADnoob]

What is your end goal? I know you said that you were working on a design, but are you doing one project for yourself, are you a student, are you trying to break into the profession?

[jack5Q7LE]

Hi everyone, I'm a professional landscape designer and to date, have used programmes on iPad for plan drawings and Sketchup for 3D, and a bit of layout for presentations.

I'm pretty familiar and happy using new software, I use most Adobe Creative products for instance. 

What I'm trying to find out, but can't, is simple tutorial or example of a landscape garden or site plan with planting plan, created in AutoCAD. This is the main document landscape designers produce and use to construct a garden (apologies if you already know this!) 

Thank you for your help. 

[CoffeeTeaSugar]

Here is where you can start:

-Start learning about drawing objects (Lines, polylines, spline, hatches).

-Learn about Layers (This is so you can keep your drawings clean).

-Learn how to modify the above.

-Learn about blocks (this will come in handy if you have different tree types etc.)

-Learn about Plotting and Paperspace (So you can PDF your drawings).

Here are some free resources: Civil Tech Source - YouTube

[pendean]

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@jack5Q7LE wrote:

... Sketchup for 3D, and a bit of layout for presentations....

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SketchUpPro's not-free very advanced Layouts and 2D Drafting tools (and huge library of content) are not being considered why if I may ask?

To be honest, I am wondering why AutoCAD ever fell into the mix as a choice for you, that seems odd for a startup in this day since you have no legacy experience with it (and it does NOT do any landscape design OOTB without quite the investment in time, effort, and most likely additional purchases from 3rd parties).

Did you also look into Capterra and Dynascape for your Landscape design? It's all the do all day long.

[jack5Q7LE]

Thanks, I haven't looked at those - perhaps Autocad is the wrong software, though it's used a lot by architects for scale plans and elevations, which is what I largely produce

These are the sort of drawings I want to produce: https://www.vectorworks.net/en-GB/start/bim-for-landscape (Vectorworks is another I'm looking at).

We're not a start up business, we've been using other simpler programmes to date but want to invest time and money into the right software for the forseeable future. Autocad came recommended by other landscaper designers.

I haven't used Layout's 2d drafting tools much because I haven't found them particularly intuitive, especially with layers of plants on a plan.

Thanks for your thoughts, I will look into the other programmes too.

[pendean]

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@jack5Q7LE wrote:
...perhaps Autocad is the wrong software...

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In your line of work and as a startup with no legacy experience or built-up library, I would drop it like a hot potato right now and not look back at all. Ever.

Best wishes with your endeavors. 

[piapenyama]

And what would you suggest? Drop it like a hot potato and give up??  Alternatives...?? 

I see there are a lot of different kinds of AutoCAD. It seems like some of these are made for landscapes, but LAs Don know about them. Like maybe AutoCAD maps or AutoCAD 3D. AutoCAD for Green Building. AutoCAD water (can that be used for watersheds??). I am also overwhelmed by the different types and want to know more about them.

[Valentin-WSP]

@jack5Q7LE ,

You may find other options in the AutoCAD AppStore: (such as those mentioned below)

• Landscape Design Software | 2D and 3D Design | Autodesk

• Planting F/X | AutoCAD | Autodesk App Store

• RhinoLands / Lands Design 6 | AutoCAD | Autodesk App Store

[pendean]

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@piapenyama wrote:

And what would you suggest? Drop it like a hot potato and give up??  Alternatives...?? 

I see there are a lot of different kinds of AutoCAD. It seems like some of these are made for landscapes, but LAs Don know about them. Like maybe AutoCAD maps or AutoCAD 3D. AutoCAD for Green Building. AutoCAD water (can that be used for watersheds??). I am also overwhelmed by the different types and want to know more about them.

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If you are only able to commit to using AutoCAD, you will have to install and most likely PURCHASE 3rd party add-ons (if they exist to meet your needs, see reply above to ideas to explore) for "landscaping". All the other variant you note do not have "landscaping' tools in them at all.

Just like Autodesk seems to want you to do right here (can you count how may software packages are listed?)  https://www.autodesk.com/industry/architecture/landscape-design-software 

But you can research those variables yourself online or by contacting an Autodesk reseller in your region (who will basically inform you about the same information I just did).

OR... https://www.google.com/search?q=landscape+architects+cad+software 

HTH