Products, Vendors, CAD Files, Spec Sheets and More...
Sign up for LAWeekly newsletter
Starting with CAD programs in the 1980s, computer applications have continued to replace the traditional methods of graphic representation created through the design process. The tools found in a typical Landscape Architect?EUR??,,????'???s office has changed drastically in the past decade, let alone the last year. Knowledge of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), first needed out of convenience for quick changes and clean reproductions, is now a required skill. Unlike ever before, continual upgrades in technology and training are mandatory to stay competitive in the profession. Due to further technological advances, widespread accessibility, and a variety of graphic programs, computers have become an integral part of the Landscape Architect tool set. Technology Present: The Paradigm Shift In an attempt to explore the technological pattern shift, an informal survey was sent to firms primarily in the southeast. The survey asked the firms to average the percentage of time their office used hand and/or computer graphics, as well as to list the programs that they use. Out of approximately 32 responses, firms said that they used computer applications 66% of the time and hand graphics 34% of the time within the office for graphic output. Not every office used some combination of the two, but it does reflect the paradigm shift in graphic communication that has been occurring for nearly 3 decades. The other information gathered in the survey asked which programs were most commonly used in the office. Surprisingly, AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop tied for most commonly used application with PowerPoint coming in second. What was really shocking was the impact that SketchUp has played in professional practice, ranking third in most commonly used application. In a similar survey conducted in the summer of 2004, Photoshop ranked slightly lower than AutoCAD, and SketchUp was not listed or mentioned. Academia is under many of the same pressures as the professional field to stay current on technological advances and other industry demands. As in the professional world, students have a limited amount of time to learn, it is important to focus on the skills that will best prepare them for the profession. As many of you know the shift from hand to computer graphics, and the ever-evolving computer programs that come with it, is not always an easy transition. To be able to make the leap from pencil and paper to new technologies first requires that someone in the company be knowledgeable about what programs and versions are available, and more importantly how to use them. Additionally, training everyone in an office can be extremely time consuming, not to mention all of the other daily responsibilities that come hand in hand with new equipment. Technology Future: Call for Ideas Conferences, workshops and tutorials are all great resources for learning about new technologies, but many of you get inspired and introduced to new technologies right here by reading LASN. This is why, as a new technology editor, I need to hear from you. Whether you are technologically savvy or not, you can respond to this call for ideas. What would you like to learn about? How can we best serve you, our community of readers? Would you like more tutorial type articles? If so, which programs or techniques would you like to learn about in the form of a quick lesson? What computer applications should we do further reviews on? How about if we broaden the term technology to include advances in construction technologies? How about more information on the latest computer trends, like laptops, security issues, photography, backup systems or other topics that might support the office environment? I?EUR??,,????'???m also interested in receiving articles from a variety of skilled writers but also from a variety of related design fields such as architecture, interior design, planning and graphics. Listed below (but not limited to) are some article ideas: Projects developed using a variety of computer applications Computer applications used in new or unusual ways Programs that have helped your office become more productive &/or efficient ?EUR??,,????'??+Please forward all ideas, questions or comments to me at lasn.technology@gmail.com. Technology Future: Forecast for 2007 Technology forecasting is a difficult task, simply because within a matter of weeks what is new becomes outdated. But I will attempt to speculate what I expect to see over the coming year. Although it is already quite popular, I anticipate seeing an increase in SketchUp use for 3D modeling. Whether for end product graphics or line drawn templates to hand trace, it is a relatively easy program to learn and offers a variety of graphic details. In terms of newer technology, I anticipate a rise in popularity and availability of tablet PCs. If you aren?EUR??,,????'???t familiar with this technology, the tablet PC is a laptop computer where the monitor can be used as a drawing surface and can be purchased with or without a keyboard. Hand writing recognition (for taking notes) and pencil quality-sketching programs have been developed in anticipation of the tablet PCs popularity within design fields. But what I especially appreciate is the fact that the stylus, similar to a pencil/pen, provides technology challenged professionals the opportunity to still draw by hand. It?EUR??,,????'???s a little different tactile experience but it reinforces hand graphic skills for sketching while still providing the conveniences of a laptop.
Starting with CAD programs in the 1980s, computer applications have continued to replace the traditional methods of graphic representation created through the design process.
The tools found in a typical Landscape Architect?EUR??,,????'???s office has changed drastically in the past decade, let alone the last year. Knowledge of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), first needed out of convenience for quick changes and clean reproductions, is now a required skill. Unlike ever before, continual upgrades in technology and training are mandatory to stay competitive in the profession. Due to further technological advances, widespread accessibility, and a variety of graphic programs, computers have become an integral part of the Landscape Architect tool set.
In an attempt to explore the technological pattern shift, an informal survey was sent to firms primarily in the southeast. The survey asked the firms to average the percentage of time their office used hand and/or computer graphics, as well as to list the programs that they use. Out of approximately 32 responses, firms said that they used computer applications 66% of the time and hand graphics 34% of the time within the office for graphic output. Not every office used some combination of the two, but it does reflect the paradigm shift in graphic communication that has been occurring for nearly 3 decades.
The other information gathered in the survey asked which programs were most commonly used in the office. Surprisingly, AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop tied for most commonly used application with PowerPoint coming in second. What was really shocking was the impact that SketchUp has played in professional practice, ranking third in most commonly used application. In a similar survey conducted in the summer of 2004, Photoshop ranked slightly lower than AutoCAD, and SketchUp was not listed or mentioned.
Academia is under many of the same pressures as the professional field to stay current on technological advances and other industry demands. As in the professional world, students have a limited amount of time to learn, it is important to focus on the skills that will best prepare them for the profession. As many of you know the shift from hand to computer graphics, and the ever-evolving computer programs that come with it, is not always an easy transition. To be able to make the leap from pencil and paper to new technologies first requires that someone in the company be knowledgeable about what programs and versions are available, and more importantly how to use them. Additionally, training everyone in an office can be extremely time consuming, not to mention all of the other daily responsibilities that come hand in hand with new equipment.
Conferences, workshops and tutorials are all great resources for learning about new technologies, but many of you get inspired and introduced to new technologies right here by reading LASN. This is why, as a new technology editor, I need to hear from you. Whether you are technologically savvy or not, you can respond to this call for ideas. What would you like to learn about? How can we best serve you, our community of readers? Would you like more tutorial type articles? If so, which programs or techniques would you like to learn about in the form of a quick lesson? What computer applications should we do further reviews on? How about if we broaden the term technology to include advances in construction technologies? How about more information on the latest computer trends, like laptops, security issues, photography, backup systems or other topics that might support the office environment?
I?EUR??,,????'???m also interested in receiving articles from a variety of skilled writers but also from a variety of related design fields such as architecture, interior design, planning and graphics. Listed below (but not limited to) are some article ideas:
?EUR??,,????'??+Please forward all ideas, questions or comments to me at lasn.technology@gmail.com.
Technology forecasting is a difficult task, simply because within a matter of weeks what is new becomes outdated. But I will attempt to speculate what I expect to see over the coming year. Although it is already quite popular, I anticipate seeing an increase in SketchUp use for 3D modeling. Whether for end product graphics or line drawn templates to hand trace, it is a relatively easy program to learn and offers a variety of graphic details.
In terms of newer technology, I anticipate a rise in popularity and availability of tablet PCs. If you aren?EUR??,,????'???t familiar with this technology, the tablet PC is a laptop computer where the monitor can be used as a drawing surface and can be purchased with or without a keyboard. Hand writing recognition (for taking notes) and pencil quality-sketching programs have been developed in anticipation of the tablet PCs popularity within design fields. But what I especially appreciate is the fact that the stylus, similar to a pencil/pen, provides technology challenged professionals the opportunity to still draw by hand. It?EUR??,,????'???s a little different tactile experience but it reinforces hand graphic skills for sketching while still providing the conveniences of a laptop.
With constantly advancing computer applications in mind, here are some technology fun facts *Answers are at the end. AutoCAD started with Version 1 in what year? True or False, The last 5 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects used AutoDesk products. What year was Adobe founded? When was Adobe Photoshop launched? When was Adobe PDF launched? True or false, most of Adobe revenue is generated within the United States? In what year was the first internet (ARPAnet) introduced? Who produced the first internet system? What application produced the following image? What does this image represent and what year was it produced? What year was PowerPoint introduced? Approximately how many presentations are made each day using PowerPoint? What year was SketchUp founded? Answers: 1. 1982. 2. False, The last 11 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects used AutoDesk products. 3. 1982. 4. 1990. 5. 1993. 6. False, More then half of Adobe?EUR??,,????'???s (almost $2 billion) revenue comes from outside the United States. 7. 1969. 8. ARPA or the Advanced Research Projects Agency which was a branch of the military that developed top secret systems and weapons during the Cold War. 9. IDRISI GIS. 10. Slope analysis, 1994. 11. 1987. 12. 30 million. 13. 1999.
With constantly advancing computer applications in mind, here are some technology fun facts
*Answers are at the end.
Answers: 1. 1982. 2. False, The last 11 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects used AutoDesk products. 3. 1982. 4. 1990. 5. 1993. 6. False, More then half of Adobe?EUR??,,????'???s (almost $2 billion) revenue comes from outside the United States. 7. 1969. 8. ARPA or the Advanced Research Projects Agency which was a branch of the military that developed top secret systems and weapons during the Cold War. 9. IDRISI GIS. 10. Slope analysis, 1994. 11. 1987. 12. 30 million. 13. 1999.
Scott Weinberg, the long-time Technology Editor for LASN, has been promoted to the Interim Dean of the College of Environment and Design at the University of Georgia. Unfortunately, with his new responsibilities as Interim Dean, he will not be able to continue full time as an editor. He will, however always be a part of the LASN team and will continue to contribute from time to time. His vast knowledge of landscape architecture and his years of stimulating and informative articles have left a lasting impact on the magazine and you, the readers. Luckily, as he moved forward to his new position, Scott recommended Ashley Calabria, an Assistant Professor of the College of Environment and Design at UGA to fill his shoes. Ashley has an extensive background in the field and brings some serious credentials to LASN. After earning her undergrad degree in Environmental Science in Botany at The University of North Carolina-Asheville, Ashley went on to graduate with a Master of Landscape Architecture from The University of Georgia.
Scott Weinberg, the long-time Technology Editor for LASN, has been promoted to the Interim Dean of the College of Environment and Design at the University of Georgia.
Unfortunately, with his new responsibilities as Interim Dean, he will not be able to continue full time as an editor. He will, however always be a part of the LASN team and will continue to contribute from time to time. His vast knowledge of landscape architecture and his years of stimulating and informative articles have left a lasting impact on the magazine and you, the readers.
Luckily, as he moved forward to his new position, Scott recommended Ashley Calabria, an Assistant Professor of the College of Environment and Design at UGA to fill his shoes.
Ashley has an extensive background in the field and brings some serious credentials to LASN. After earning her undergrad degree in Environmental Science in Botany at The University of North Carolina-Asheville, Ashley went on to graduate with a Master of Landscape Architecture from The University of Georgia.
She became an Assistant Professor at The University of Georgia School of Environmental Design in 2005 after spending eleven years as an Adjunct Professor. So Respected by her students, in 2005 she was awarded the Georgia Students of Landscape Architecture Faculty of the Year award. Her expertise is in computer graphics, technology, traditional graphics, and portfolio development. Additionally, she has extensive knowledge of AutoCAD, Photoshop, InDesign, and SketchUp, drawing, rendering and graphic layout. As a member of American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA),National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP), and the Design Communication Association (DCA), she has been a landscape graphic and design consultant in Athens, Ga. since 1995. Previous to that she performed sea turtle research on Sapelo Island in 1991 for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. LASN is extremely lucky to have Ashley on board and looks forward to a bright future working with her.
She became an Assistant Professor at The University of Georgia School of Environmental Design in 2005 after spending eleven years as an Adjunct Professor. So Respected by her students, in 2005 she was awarded the Georgia Students of Landscape Architecture Faculty of the Year award.
Her expertise is in computer graphics, technology, traditional graphics, and portfolio development. Additionally, she has extensive knowledge of AutoCAD, Photoshop, InDesign, and SketchUp, drawing, rendering and graphic layout.
As a member of American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA),National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP), and the Design Communication Association (DCA), she has been a landscape graphic and design consultant in Athens, Ga. since 1995. Previous to that she performed sea turtle research on Sapelo Island in 1991 for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
LASN is extremely lucky to have Ashley on board and looks forward to a bright future working with her.
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
Sign up to receive Landscape Architect and Specifier News Magazine, LA Weekly and More...
Invalid Verification Code
Please enter the Verification Code below
You are now subcribed to LASN. You can also search and download CAD files and spec sheets from LADetails.