Create your own garden online constructor. Free programs for site planning and landscape design
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Preparing a site plan is a labor-intensive task. Long gone are the days when the earth was measured in steps or according to the principle of “where the hat will fly.” In the modern world, a privatized plot of land is a reliable financial investment, and neighborly wars can be waged for years even over a few centimeters of land. Site plan, made with your own hands and without the involvement of certified surveyors or land managers, has no legal force, but if a certain algorithm is followed, it can be quite accurate and gives an idea of the configuration of the land plot and its area.
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Necessary materials and tools for drawing up a terrain map
To draw a site plan with your own hands, we will need a tape measure (the longer the better) and paper for writing. At the stage of processing the received data, it will not hurt to arm yourself with a calculator, and it is most convenient to draw a plan on graph paper.
Field work
In geodesy, “field work” is the direct measurement of a site. They are carried out in the state coordinate system → (the link describes how to work with a total station) or using GPS observations.
Let's start with home. Measure it around the perimeter, recording the resulting line lengths.
To complete the picture, it is advisable for us to go to the starting point. As can be seen from the illustration, the blue arrow shows measurements inside the room. To obtain the external dimensions, the thickness of the walls must be added to the obtained value (Fig. 1b). Now we have a rigid outline of the house, which will become the basis for a DIY plan.
We take measurements of the remaining structures on the site. If the base and measured lines are parallel, one measurement will be sufficient.
In other cases, two or more measurements will be required. In geodesy, this method is called the method of alignments and perpendiculars.
If there was a separate building on the site, the measurement scheme would look as shown in Figure 1c.
On the ground, it is not always possible to plot a right angle, so measuring the diagonals can serve as a measurement control (Fig. 1d).
This method in geodesy is called the linear serif method. In the same way, we will obtain the extreme turning points of the site boundary, taking into account that most of the values at that time will already be known to us (Fig. 1e).
In practice, it is not always possible to obtain exact dimensions due to the congestion of the site, so we will use parallel transfer method.
We move the tape measure parallel to the measured value to avoid the obstacle. In this case, the length of the desired side will be equal to the sum of the measurements of the blue and red lines in the drawing (Fig. 2).
The result of our work will be an outline with dimensions, which we will turn into a site plan, drawn with our own hands (Figure 3 a).
If all the dimensions do not fit on the drawing, put them on a separate piece of paper.
Office work
In geodesy, this term refers to the processing of obtained values. For convenience, we carry out the work, observing the proportions between the real image and its dimensions on paper, i.e. to scale. In our case, for clarity, we will use a scale of 1:200 (there are 2 meters of nature in 1 cm of the plan). We start with the base line, drawing it parallel to the graph paper lines. Our size of 19.13 m on the plan will correspond to the line 9.6 cm 19.13/2 = 9.565).
We perform linear serifs with a compass, the method of perpendiculars is transferred to the drawing using a ruler (Fig. 3b). This do-it-yourself site plan can be used to determine the area.
Since we carried out the work to scale, we can calculate the area of the resulting figure as the sum of the areas of complete graph paper squares and incomplete ones, which consist of triangles, rectangles or squares (Figure 3c).
In conclusion on the preparation of a plan, diagram of the site, area
A site plan obtained in this way has some measurement errors compared to professional geodetic surveys, however, if done well, the discrepancies with topographic surveys will be minimal. In practice, this method gives an error of no more than 6% of the real value, and if the other side of the site is taken as the base and averaging the results of two measurements, the accuracy increases several times.
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Using certain programs, you can visualize a plot, garden and any other landscape. This is done using 3D models and additional tools. In this article, we have selected a list of special software that will be an excellent solution for creating a site plan.
Realtime Landscaping Architect is a professional program for creating landscape design. It provides users with a large set of libraries with three-dimensional models of various objects. In addition to the standard set of tools that have become the basis of such software, there is a unique feature - adding an animated character to the scene. It looks funny, but can be used in practice.
With the help of a huge number of different settings, the user can customize the project individually, using certain weather conditions for the scene, changing the lighting and creating arrays of vegetation. The program is distributed for a fee, but a trial version is available for download for free on the official website.
Punch Home Design
The next program on our list is Punch Home Design. It is intended not only for site planning, but also allows for complex modeling. We recommend that beginners familiarize themselves with template projects; there are several of them installed. Then you can start planning your house or plot, adding various objects and vegetation.
There is a free modeling function that will allow you to create a primitive 3D model yourself. A built-in library with materials that would be appropriate to apply to the created object is available. Use 3D view mode to walk around your garden or home. A small number of movement management tools are designed for this purpose.
SketchUp
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the SketchUp program from the well-known company Google. Using this software, any 3D models, objects and landscapes can be created. There is a simple editor that contains the basic tools and functions, which is quite enough for amateurs.
As for site planning, this representative will be an excellent tool for creating such projects. There is a platform where objects are placed, there is an editor and built-in sets, which is enough to create a high-quality project in a short time. SketchUp is distributed for a fee, but a trial version is available for download for free on the official website.
Our Site Rubin
This program was created exclusively for landscape modeling, including site planning. There is a built-in editor and a three-dimensional projection of the scene. In addition, an encyclopedia of plants has been added, which will allow you to fill the scene with certain trees or shrubs.
What’s special and unique is the ability to calculate estimates. You simply add objects to the scene, and they are sorted in a table, where prices are then entered, or filled in in advance. This function will help calculate future calculations for landscape construction.
FloorPlan 3D
FloorPlan is simply a great tool for creating scenes of landscapes, arranging rooms and yards. It contains all the essentials that will definitely come in handy when creating a project. There are default libraries with different models and textures that will add more uniqueness to your scene.
Particular attention is paid to creating the roof; there is a special function that will allow you to edit more complex coverage exactly as you need. You can customize the roof material, pitch angles, and more.
Sierra landDesigner
Sierra landDesigner is a convenient free program that allows you to arrange a site by adding various objects, plants, and buildings. By default, a large number of different items are installed; for ease of searching, we recommend using the corresponding function, just enter the name in the line.
Use the building wizard to create your ideal home, or use the preset templates. In addition, there are simple render settings that will make the final picture more colorful and rich.
ArchiCAD
ArchiCAD is a multifunctional program that allows you to do not only modeling, but also creating drawings, drawing up estimates and energy efficiency reports. This software supports the design of multilayer structures, the creation of realistic images, and work in facades and sections.
Due to the large number of tools and functions, beginners may have problems mastering ArchiCAD, but then they can save a lot of time and work comfortably. The program is distributed for a fee, and we recommend downloading the trial version to study everything in detail.
Autodesk 3ds Max
Autodesk 3ds Max is considered the most versatile, feature-rich and popular 3D modeling program. Its possibilities are almost limitless in this area, and professionals create masterpieces of modeling in it.
New users can start by creating primitives and gradually move on to more complex projects. This representative is perfect for landscape design, especially if you download the appropriate libraries in advance.
There are a lot of programs for 3D modeling on the Internet; they cannot all be included in this list, so we have selected several of the most popular and most suitable representatives with which you can easily and quickly create a site plan.
Today on the Internet you can download a large number of ready-made landscape projects for suburban areas. But many people prefer to create a project themselves from scratch, taking into account their own taste preferences. In this case, you can use one of the landscape design programs. To help you master landscape design programs, we present to your attention a tutorial that describes how to work with programs such as Garden Planner, X-Designer and 3D Home Architect Design Suite Delux. Visualization and accessibility of information ensures quick mastery of the functionality of the programs. Download the tutorial (124 Mb) Next, we present to your attention the most popular landscape design programs:1.) X-Designer - 3D garden planner
This program does not require special training and allows you to easily model a site using the existing extensive library of plants and landscape objects. You can not only place any residential and commercial buildings, gazebos for relaxation, a wide variety of lawns, flower beds, trees and other components, but also see how the planned area will look at different times of the day in any season. There is also the opportunity to photograph your own creation in order to continue working on the project. Download the program for free(0.2 Gb) 2.) Our Garden, Ruby 9.0 Multifunctional, but at the same time very convenient program allows you to design the landscape design of your site using high-quality digital photographs. The editor-planner can be used both for modeling from scratch and for cases where there are already some objects on the site. The program's library includes many different construction objects and garden elements, so it is possible to create interesting landscape projects. Download the program for free(4.3 Gb) 3.) Garden Planner 3
A very simple program for modeling a garden plot. All that is required is to arrange the proposed elements and objects in accordance with your own wishes, using the convenient “drag and drop” interface. To enhance clarity, the developers have provided the ability to change the scale and color of foliage. Download the program for free(3.5 Mb) 4.) 3D Home Architect Design Suite Delux
This program turns the process of site modeling into an exciting experience. It is a powerful multifunctional scheduler, but at the same time it has a clear interface. A huge selection of design elements allows you to develop a highly accurate site design. Despite the fact that the project itself is created in 2D format, the modeling result can be viewed using the built-in functionality in a three-dimensional version. Download the program for free(0.2 Gb)
Professionals with a high level of training can use the following programs when creating landscape projects: 1.) AutoCAD One of the most famous professional design software tools. Using this program, specialists can create projects taking into account all the subtleties of the site's topography. When modeling, coordinates and surface breaks are taken into account, and all designed objects are visualized. In addition, powerful software allows you to create various project documentation. 2.) 3D Max A very complex, full-featured and high-performance program that provides enormous capabilities for modeling in 3D format. In most cases, this planner is used by architects and engineers after completing specialized courses. 3.) Punch! Professional Home Design
This specialized 3D planning program features an extremely simple and efficient interface. In this regard, it is popular among ordinary people when modeling a plot, house or even apartment. The program library contains a huge number of standard objects and elements that can be modified. The value of this program for professionals lies in the ability to produce high-quality design documentation, and also in the fact that it is possible to expand the library with your own components.
It is much easier to do all the calculations and projects on paper than directly on the plot of land intended for setting up a garden. In this case, it will be much easier for you to correct the inevitable mistakes and miscalculations.
First, you should draw a sketch of the plan of the garden plot at your disposal, and then add all the details to it, in accordance with your ideas.
If the area is large, divide it into separate sectors, which you will combine later. A sketch of a small garden will fit on one sheet of paper. Don't forget to leave margins along the edges of the sheet where measurements will be recorded.
The necessary tools for measuring the site and drawing up a drawing
1. Measuring tape- it is most convenient to use tape measures 30 m long, they are easy to work with, and ordinary plastic tapes do not curl well.
2. Metal ruler 1.8 m long for measuring short distances.
3. Pegs, with the help of which they mark the area or secure the end of the measuring tape (a metal kebab skewer is perfect for fixing the end of the tape measure).
4. Pencils, sharpeners and eraser.
5. Tablet with clamps and graph paper.
First draft of the drawing
Write down the dimensions of all the main elements of the garden such as trees, paths or a garage. Do not draw on the plan what you have decided to get rid of.
The easiest way to measure a small rectangular garden. Sometimes the length of its boundaries can be determined by simply recalculating the number of spans of the picket fence and multiplying it by the length of one span.
Most objects can be plotted on a plan by measuring at right angles the distance from them to the boundaries of a piece of land.
If the area has an irregular shape, you can stretch the rope cords at right angles to its sides, and then take the necessary measurements.
The first drawing of a future garden plan can be very simple, only the main measurements should be marked on it. Don't include anything you don't want in your new garden.
Intermediate version of the site drawing
Having made the necessary measurements of the site and made the first drawing of the future garden, you can start planning it more carefully.
At this stage of work, you can give free rein to your imagination, trying to realize all your desires on paper. Sketches should be drawn to scale.
After the basic plan is ready, necessarily drawn in accordance with the real scale, the most interesting stage in planning the future garden begins. It is at this moment that all your dreams begin to come true. However, to avoid any difficulties in the future, all changes made to the plan must now be made to scale.
To do this, a rough sketch of the outlines of the garden, made immediately after measuring the site, should transfer to drawing paper or graph paper. This procedure will allow you to accurately calculate the amount of building materials required (at least stone blocks and bricks), the length of the site boundaries and the size of lawns and lawns.
It is most convenient to use graph paper, which is sold in specialized stationery and art supply stores.
If the garden is small, its plan can be drawn on one standard size sheet; if the site is of impressive size, sketches of its individual parts can be placed on several sheets, but even in this case it is better to draw a general plan on one large sheet of graph paper.
Necessary choose this scale so that the garden plan fits on a piece of paper. For most small areas, a scale of 1:50 is suitable (1 cm on the plan corresponds to 0.5 m in reality), for large ones it is more convenient to use a scale of 1:100 (1 cm on the plan corresponds to 1 m of the site).
First, draw the boundaries of the future garden and the location of the house, not forgetting to draw all the doors and windows. Then put on the drawing everything that you would like to keep unchanged on the site.
All the necessary dimensions are available on the hand-drawn rough sketch that you drew while measuring the area.
Do not include everything that must be removed from the future garden on the drawing.
On the plan given here as an example, a summer garden house is indicated, since it is conveniently located, and it was decided to leave it. The image of the apple tree in the upper left corner was saved at this stage of the work, since perhaps this tree could be useful when decorating the garden. However, in the final version of the layout it had to be abandoned.
Final site plan
1. Be prepared for the fact that before the final version of the plan is ready, you will have to draw several sketches. Even experts in their field do this. Anyone who is doing this for the first time should not skimp on paper.
To make sure the decisions are correct, it is better to make several working drawings. You can make your work much easier by making several photocopies of the first sketch, which shows only the main elements of the garden, and using them as a template.
2. You can simplify the work if the main plan is on top apply tracing paper and try to arrange the elements of the garden by drawing on it.
Even if you don't have a drawing board or a special tablet that artists use, a regular office tablet with clips will do just fine.
3. If you prefer color image, it is convenient to use transparent films and special felt-tip pens for retro spotlights or overhead projectors.
In this case, unnecessary lines can be easily erased with pieces of cotton wool or blotting paper.
4.Can be cut figurines of basic elements used in garden planning (pond, flower beds, garden furniture, etc.), made of paper, respecting the scale. By moving them across the surface of the drawing, you can easily find their optimal location. However, after the final impression is formed, these objects still have to be drawn. If this is not done, the consistency and coherence of the elements in the garden design may be lost.
Using the data recorded on the rough sketch made by hand when taking measurements of the site, draw a plan of the garden in accordance with scale. To do this, it is advisable to use graph paper.
If you don't have drafting skills, try the tips below. They may be useful to you.
Draw first external contours of the site, then the position of the house and other basic garden design elements. Before putting anything on the plan, make sure that the measurements taken earlier are correct.
Following the main elements, draw such details that easy to place on the plan (for example, rectangular flower beds, a round pond or shed) and the location of which is not in doubt.
Shade or paint over those parts of the planned garden that you know will remain in the final version (for example, fences and garden paths that you do not intend to change). Those elements, the expediency or location of which there are certain doubts, draw with a pencil first. In this case, it will be easier to make the necessary changes without redrawing the plan. Once their final location is determined, outline their outlines with ink and color in.
In order to draw curved lines and circles, you can use a compass, various round objects, or, which is much more convenient, special bendable rulers, the shape of which can be changed.