- Newsletter Article -
Understanding the difference between Imaging and 3D Software
By Len Hordyk l.a.t., Landscape Designer
Product Manager - Design Solutions
DynaSCAPE Software
It appears that there is some confusion out there about the difference between imaging software and 3D software for landscape design. There are significant differences between them and we should start by defining what they are. Generally imaging software produces single view, photo realistic presentation picture while 3D software (and 2D for that matter) is a flexible, scalable design tool. The following outlines the differences in detail as well as the pros and cons for each type of software.
Imaging software for landscape design basically consists of the ability to take a photograph of a house and paste cut-outs of images of landscape material in front of it to create photo-realistic picture of the house completely landscaped. The images used are generally taken from photographs. Views are ‘fixed’, meaning you are normally limited to viewing the house and landscape from one angle, unless you want to take the time to create multiple views.
Imaging Software Example (Craig de Necker, The Friendly Plant Garden Design, ZA)
3D software gives you the ability to draw, view and modify polygons and solids in three dimensions (x,y,z coordinates) for the purpose of creating the illusion of height, width and depth. With this type of software you can move around the model and view it from any angle you wish and walkthroughs are usually a standard feature. Most 3D software programs present drawings in a more artistic way.
SketchUp 3D Model Example
Imaging Software Issues:
Although the finished picture can be a wonderful sales tool, there are several issues with imaging software that one should consider:
Customer Expectations: Although imaging may appear more realistic than 3D models, it can understandably create unrealistic expectation for the prospective client. The picture of perfect-looking plants, all blooming at the same time can be misleading and may lead to disappointment when the project is completed – this finished project will never look like the image presented. 2D and 3D non-photorealistic drawings leave more room for imagination due to their artistic flavour.
Imaging Software Example (Casey Davis, Sam’s Lawn Tree & Landscapes, WA)
Estimating and Construction: You cannot measure or estimate from an image as you would from a 2D drawing or a 3D model, and you therefore cannot use the image to build from, unless the project is very small. You could estimate and install a foundation planting but not a full front yard landscape with any accuracy. For most projects bigger than a foundation planting you would most likely need to produce a scaled plan view as well, using the images only as a sales tool.
Limitations of Software: Imaging software has greater limitation than 2D and 3D regarding what you are able to show. Since all the images needed are cut-outs from photographs you are limited to the library of images that are provided with the software. Plants and rocks can look the same from most angles but objects like furniture, cars and garden structures don’t. This means you have to have an image of the object with the correct angle to make the picture appear correct. With 2D and some 3D modeling software programs, if the feature or material is not included with the program, you have the option to create them with the software as you need them.
SketchUp 3D Model Example (Craig de Necker, The Friendly Plant Garden Design, ZA)
Project size is also a factor to be considered. The larger the projects the harder it will be to accurately represent your design ideas. Larger areas will be difficult to show with one view, meaning multiple views will need to be made in order to cover the project properly. This is not a limitation with 2D or 3D software where the entire project can be developed in one drawing.
Summary:
The output comparison and software comparison charts below help to illustrate how the different types of software best fit into the process of designing and building projects. In summary, imaging software is not truly design software. Rather it is a relatively inexpensive tool for presenting design concepts in a sales presentation. It's value for estimating and building is limited. 2D and 3D design tools provide additional functionality for accurate conceptual and working drawings that imaging cannot provide. Imaging software for landscape design is a simple way to produce a photo-realistic illusion of 3D, but it isn't true 3D.
3D Software |
2D Software |
Imaging Software |
 |
 |
 |
Software Comparison Chart:
Criteria |
3D |
2D |
Imaging |
|---|---|---|---|
Presentation value |
High |
Medium |
Medium |
Ease of use/learning curve |
Hard |
Medium |
Easy |
Estimating value (Automated takeoffs) |
Medium |
High |
None |
Design accuracy (Visual) |
High |
High |
Low |
Dimension accuracy (Include dimensions?) |
High |
High |
None |
Production value (Installation tool) |
Medium |
High |
Low |
Adding customizable content |
Hard |
Medium |
Hard |
Project scale limitation |
None |
None |
Limited to photos |
Cost per design (Software & effort) |
High |
Medium |
Low |
Project plan view |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Fall 2009 Newsletter Article Links:
-
Understanding the Difference Between Imaging and 3D Software
- DS|Manage Continues to Grow
