Digital Planning Tools

Technology is revolutionizing how everyone lives their lives and how many are conducting business. The same is true for those in the outdoor design project field. While paper sketches may have been the original means of planning and construction projects, these sketches are being digitized. Moreover, even how the project is completed is getting an upgrade. From initial brainstorming to blueprinting to buying materials to assembling and installing, every piece of the design process can be made more efficient with new software.

This software provides a wealth of resources, assets, and information to ensure the project goes as smoothly as possible. When used correctly, these tools can be a cost-effective way to better manage your business and exceed client expectations. With that in mind, here are three digital planning tools that project managers in outdoor design, landscapers, and creators can explore.

1. 3D Modeling and Visualization

Building a landscape or designing an outdoor area for the community can be hard to imagine. Even the most talented designer can’t always capture how the final look will come together with a hand-drawn illustration. New technology has given way to new ways to visualize designs. 3D modeling and visualization tools such as SketchUp, Planner 5D, AutoCAD, and Revit are paving the way forward in terms of creating realistic models.

After importing site data and leveraging terrain modeling tools to mimic the landscape, these tools can create lifelike depictions of various designs. They can model how certain playground equipment will look on the site of a schoolyard or how a new community house pool will appear. By having access to these intricate designs, you can get immediate feedback from project managers and customers. So instead of wasting time — and money — buying equipment that the school doesn’t like, you can swap in different equipment in the digital 3D model.

If you’re new to using these types of visualization tools, there can be a learning curve. Some platforms are known for an easy user interface, while others may be more suitable for expert contractors and architects. Do some research and ask for a free trial to find the tool that best suits your needs.

2. Cloud-Based Collaboration

Whether you’re designing a new landscape or a new playground, chances are you aren’t doing it alone. There will be various people involved from start to finish. This includes everyone from project managers to contractors to landscape architects to community representatives — just to name a few. Keeping everything organized and on task can be a nightmare of a job. Thankfully, cloud-based collaboration tools are here to streamline processes and make everyone’s lives more efficient.

Tools such as Asana, Trello, Monday.com, and ClickUp allow each person on the project remote access to the project board or workstation. This means everyone can log in and see where the project stands in real-time. If a rainy week has triggered construction delays, the landscaper can plan accordingly. They may wait to buy their materials, including plants and soil, until they have a better sense of when they’ll be activating their part of the project. With centralized project information, outdoor design projects are more likely to stay on schedule with these types of tools.

Additionally, cloud-based software can automate tasks as well. This can be handy for processing, creating, sending, and tracking invoices. You’ll never need to dig through your files to see if or when the contractor was paid. Everything will be easily accessible on the platform. These tools improve communication and ensure that nobody drops the ball on the project at hand.

3. Design Library Tools

No matter the size of the project, ideating what could look best in the provided space isn’t always a walk in the park. A church with limited space that wants to implement a playground can be just as tricky as designing a waterscape feature for a neighborhood park. Landscape design software is available to help design and visualize different options. These tools offer an extensive library of options, meaning you just have to drag and drop different elements to see what you like best.

So instead of going to a blank drawing board, you can ideate based on what the program and the library have to offer. You may, for example, find a tall playground design that is perfect for the smaller landscape you’re working with. Or, you may get inspiration from a waterfall example that sparks your creativity for the rest of the design.

There are different tools available depending on your specific needs and level of experience. PRO Landscape, for example, provides a comprehensive plant and hardscape library with an easy drag-and-drop capability. Realtime Landscaping Plus allows you to input people so customers can get a better sense of how each space can be utilized. Some of these software tools are free or provide a free trial, so you can test out different options before going all in with one option.

Conclusion

Whether you’re new to the outdoor design business or you’re planning out your one hundredth park or playground, there are digital tools available to simplify the process. While cloud-based communication software will assist with project management, 3D and extensive library tools will help with planning and designing the physical space.