SketchUp is designed to let you create models of your intended design in a 3D environment an intuitive way. Once a 3D model has been built, SketchUp contains tools to apply rendering to surfaces in your model, create 'see though' and hidden line views, take sections through the model, orbit around the design and create a walk through the 'virtual' site. Because it can do all these things, the software is a tool much used by architects and other construction and engineering professionals. In short, SketchUp can enable clients to understand a proposed design better than they can from a 2D plan. 

The database describing SketchUp models differs markedly from those models created in AutoCAD, IntelliCAD and MicroStation. These latter CAD tools use a complex mix of Coons patches, ruled surfaces, surfaces of revolution and so on to describe their 3D model. SketchUp has a much cleaner and faster method of recording the model geometry than other CAD tools. As a result, it can be used effectively on quite modest equipment.

We have developed a piece of CAD software which has been christened GardenCAD. The development of the tool has been dictated by the needs of students in a garden design diploma run by a local college. You can get a quick overview of the tool and how it works by clicking on the link below. A small movie will play on your computer screen.

Take a look at GardenCAD - CAD software for Landscape Design.

If after viewing the movie, you would like to download a copy of the program and try it out for yourself, please visit http://www.gardencad.net

This site offers a comprehensive training program for GardenCAD users. Click on the blue information link alongside the course 'Using GardenCAD - CAD software for landscape Design'

This case study is based on a real job. A company making shade sails to order was experiencing increasing demand for its design and installation service. Their research suggested that this was likely to continue as an appreciation of the damage that excessive exposure to the sun can cause takes hold in the public's psyche.

Two major problems faced the company:

1. There is a pressing need to cut down on wastage of materials. At present, the company sales consultants tend to measure and design a job using pencil and paper and a scale ruler. They tend to over order material, just in case it is needed for the job. Somewhere between $100 and $200 of material is wasted on every job.

2. Some clients experience great difficult reading and interpreting 2D plans. It is important that the company be able to produce 3D models of designs.

This small study attempts to show how CAD software like AutoCAD and IntelliCAD can be used to overcome both these difficulties.

The instructional movies here are made with IntelliCAD as the software tool, but essentially the same operations are carried out in the AutoCAD environment.