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The software claims to allow users to draw an entire project and instantly render it into real time 3D. Skeptical of this claim, I downloaded the demo version, then opened the online tutorials.  You can shape hills, embankments, berms and other raised earthworks. Set exact elevations and apply natural materials and coloring. Automatically generated topography lines make for accurate and professional construction plans. Between phone calls, meetings, teaching and grading, one of my biggest problems is finding enough time to learn a new program. I have found this, above most other technical issues, is a common problem that runs throughout the profession. Once you get comfortable with a program and have invested a lot of time and money, users may feel ?EUR??,,????'?????< What a pleasant surprise. With a relatively easy to understand tools palette, most of the commands are readily accessible and also provide keyboard shortcuts. Basic 2D drawing or drafting is simplified with a drawing grid and tags identifying lengths of lines as they are being drawn. Switching between 2D and 3D modes is very easy, as is adjusting heights of structures and inserting materials into the design. Although the design seems to develop in the 2D mode, all of the materials are modeled in 3D so a conceptual design can quickly be visualized in 3D.  Everything you design is automatically displayed as build-ready site plans. Catalog everything in the design with automatic legends to quickly list landscaping and items and create purchase lists. Add construction information like sprinkler line measurements, drainage, access and more. Also, highlight information with text, fill patterns and colored draft lines. I especially appreciated the uncomplicated steps of using and customizing materials. They were easy to select, customize and insert but what made them even nicer is the option to rotate and scale the same plant material, avoiding the stamped effect reminiscent of using blocks in AutoCAD or components in SketchUp. Users are able to design the entire property, including the house, walls and fences, water features, hardscapes, planter beds, rockwork, landscaping and site amenities. The terrain system is pretty unique also, allowing users total control of contours and slope. Lighting effects such as night or dusk views and animated elements such as waterfalls and fire pits are also available as part of an animation presentation. The free online video tutorials were great. This series features fully narrated videos showing step-by-step how to use the software. They were categorized sequentially and although a bit fast, they were relatively easy to follow. The complete series of online training features three different classes focusing on the product?EUR??,,????'?????<  How will the project look with various landscape lighting? You can show, for example, the effects of floodlights on the trees and recessed lighting on the patio. The company includes free support and free software updates. All updates download automatically as they become available. Support is offered by telephone, email, and through the discussion forums on their support center website. Support is available in English, French and Spanish. There is also a built-in help system in the software The Quick Assistant provides onscreen tool tips and the VizTerra Assistant describes every stage and feature in detail. The Discussion Forums allow users from all over the world to discuss the software and post pictures of their projects. The software allows a project to be completed up until presentation without the use of other software. It has the ability to export project information as an AutoCAD file, an Excel file or as a graphic file. An upcoming software update will allow the user to import AutoCAD files. The software?EUR??,,????'?????<  How about a split-screen rendering that reveals how the design elements look in daylight and at night, with a little moon glow thrown in for effect? As with any computer application, issues seemed to arise as I worked through the online tutorials. The tools ?EUR??,,????'?????< Thankfully, as I mentioned before, the tools themselves have been labeled well and seem consistently used and quite user friendly. Like all other programs, learning the program will take some weeding out depending on what your final product is, but skipping through the ins and outs of the tutorials could prove to be a costly mistake in time. Take the time to run through all the steps. The plant symbols library has a few plants in two seasons, blooming and green, which is a nice change as it allows the user to show seasonal variation, but it could definitely be developed further. One of the biggest hinderances is the lack of final presentation or inclusion of images. For those who like to trace an image or use images in the final document, I didn?EUR??,,????'?????<  Everything you create can be saved into the template library for use in future projects, such as this raised planter, completely landscaped. Save all your professional creations. The software provides onscreen tool tips and an ?EUR??,,????'?????< My sense is the company makes a great product for small offices, designers, nursery owners and contractors. For more information, you can log on to one of their websites: www.structurestudios.com and www.structurestudios.com/support. The Spanish language websites are www.structurestudios.com/es (Europe) and www.structurestidios.com/mx (Americas) The French language website is www.structurestudios.com/fr 2009 Price list: VizTerra membership is $95 a month or $995 for the year. A demo version can be downloaded from www.StructureStudios.com. |
