New to VWL, Frustrated with apparent lack of learning resources

[terrain_la]

We are considering migrating our small landscape architecture practice to a VW Landmark workflow from AutoCAD-rhino-sketchup.

We are mainly interested in the documentation/3D SIM tools as we plan to continue to use other software for rendering, but like the idea of building a model that also works toward documentation.

I have watched all of the GSG tutorials by Tamsin Slatter as well as others available on Youtube. I've downloaded a trial and tinkered quite a bit. I am feeling fairly familiar now with the interface and basic tools, modeling, layers/classes, sheets, and viewports.

I have concluded that VW is a powerful program that will save us documentation and production time, while allowing more time for design. We also want to support a software package/company that recognizes the need for site/landscape architecture specific BIM/SIM tools.

Unfortunately, I have found that many of the landscape/site related tutorials dont seem to translate well to a practical professional landscape architecture project workflow. I am certain that the software is quite capable, but disappointed that many of the available tutorials would-be practitioners might use to evaluate the software do not demonstrate the full capabilities most useful to modern landscape architecture firms.

More specifically, Tamsin's GSG tutorials are great, however 3d site modeling and grading is covered as an addendum of sorts as well as CAD/survey input.

Typically, my experience in our own and other firms is to begin with a CAD/C3D survey, import architecture from another BIM platform and begin modeling the site design from a hand sketch or concept plan overlay.

I would really like to see VW demonstrate a start to finish landscape architecture project showing:

1. CAD/Survey import and Site modeling

2. Arch Model Import and Siting

3. Concept design overlay (as is demonstarted in the VWA GSG)

4. Concept site modeling including conceptual grading

5. Planting on a sloped site (no such thing as a 'flat site')

6. Full documenatation including cover sheet, demo plan, tree preservation, layout, materials, grading, planting, and details

I think a comprehensive demo with these items covered would help capture a HUGE segment of the landscape architecture market. We need to know exactly what the program can do and see it. We also need a streamlined process for getting up and running quickly. Switching CAD platforms is a BIG deal for many firms large and small.

Lastly, if I missed any of this I apologize sincerely. We would like to get our firm converted to VW ASAP. We dont mind purchasing training or resources, but need to know that the siftware will do everything we need before committing cash.

If there are any resources that cover the aforementioned, it would be much appreciated if you could pass that information along.

Looking forward to utilizing this forum as a resource and supporting VW.

Thank You!!

[benboggs]

First let me start off with the VW staff, tech support and other folks have been worlds of help!! Being new VW users ourselves (2 folks in our office) we are in the same boat. I manage the site department for an Architecture firm. We purchased this product knowing what it could do. The Video about Landmark was awesome - and we were hooked. But how do you get to that point? During our trial run we were allowed to sit in on a 2 day tutorial webinar that was great. I learned quite a bit. I scan Youtube VW account, Sean O'Saka Youtube frequently and the Service Select VW help website daily. Also VW Help is great.

I have found that I learned most of what I know by just diving in cold and watching tutorials, asking questions here and just messing around with the program (I suggest you save often and save backup copies of milestones you reach while creating your project file). Converting AutoCAD details to VW details has been a chore. I wish there was better info on how to convert over as well.

There is one guy that I have talked to that will come to your office or do webinar to help you convert - he was more than my boss wanted to pay unfortunately. I do not want to give his name out as Eric Gilbey (a moderator here) introduced us. Please reach out to him and he can introduce you guys.

I would love to see a "Landscape Architecture" set of construction documents as a "this is what the program can do for you guys'. I am a hands on guy and I have learned quite a bit from looking at 'sample files' and seeing how they are set up. I downloaded all of the tutorials and exercises.

Good luck - and if you come up with other training info - please let me know.

[terrain_la]

Thanks Ben.

I think we're on the same page.

I've also watched probably 30 or so tutorials on youtube and done a lot of reading around this site over the last week or so. I feel like I'm starting to get the hang of things, but its slow putting it all together into a complete workflow. Not to mention our trials are about to expire, vacation is over, and we have three projects we need to start. I hate spending all this time learning new software then having to go back to the dark (model space) side

Finally found a good tutorial on OZCAD's channel for site modelling and grading:

I'm finding the OZCAD and NOVEDGE webinars on youtube most helpful.

N