ArborCAD
ArborCAD is a specialized CAD software designed for arborists to create professional, scale-accurate tree survey plans and reports while automating critical protection zone calculations and data management.
Realtime Landscaping Architect
Realtime Landscaping Architect is a professional landscape design software that allows you to create detailed 2D plans and immersive 3D walkthroughs for residential and commercial outdoor projects.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ArborCAD | Realtime Landscaping Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Website | cad.com.au | ideaspectrum.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | One_time |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 0 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1988 | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Sammamish, USA |
Overview
ArborCAD
ArborCAD is a specialized design tool built specifically for arborists and tree consultants who need to produce professional, scale-accurate survey plans. Instead of struggling with generic drafting tools, you get a system that understands arboricultural data, allowing you to plot trees quickly and generate comprehensive reports automatically. You can import site surveys, define tree species, and visualize critical data points directly on your plan without manual drafting.
The software simplifies the complex task of calculating Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) and Structural Root Zones (SRZ) by automating these measurements based on your input data. You can manage large-scale projects with ease, ensuring all your documentation meets local regulatory standards. It functions as an add-on to the PowerCADD engine, providing a familiar yet highly optimized environment for your specialized consulting needs.
Realtime Landscaping Architect
Realtime Landscaping Architect provides you with a comprehensive suite of tools to design professional outdoor spaces from start to finish. You can create highly detailed 2D site plans that automatically sync with a 3D environment, allowing you to present your vision to clients through realistic walkthroughs and high-resolution videos. The software includes a massive library of over 17,000 objects, including plants, trees, and hardscape materials, to ensure your designs look authentic and professional.
You can easily handle complex tasks like terrain modeling, swimming pool design, and outdoor lighting without needing extensive CAD experience. The platform is built specifically for landscape contractors, designers, and architects who need to produce high-quality presentations and technical drawings quickly. By using the built-in cost estimator and plant growth tool, you can provide clients with accurate project bids and show them how their garden will evolve over several years.
Overview
ArborCAD Features
- Automated TPZ/SRZ Calculation Calculate and draw Tree Protection Zones and Structural Root Zones instantly based on your trunk diameter measurements.
- Tree Survey Plotting Place tree symbols on your plans quickly using a dedicated toolset that stores species and health data.
- Automatic Report Generation Export your survey data directly into professional reports, saving you from manual data entry and transcription errors.
- Scale-Accurate Drafting Create precise, professional-grade plans that you can share with architects, developers, and local planning authorities.
- Species Database Integration Access and manage a comprehensive list of tree species to ensure consistent naming and data across all projects.
- DXF/DWG Compatibility Import site surveys from land surveyors and export your finished plans to work with other industry-standard CAD formats.
Realtime Landscaping Architect Features
- Simultaneous 2D and 3D Design. Design your site plans in 2D and watch your 3D model update instantly, saving you hours of manual redrawing.
- Extensive Plant Library. Access over 7,400 high-resolution plants including trees, shrubs, and flowers with detailed botanical information for every climate zone.
- Custom Swimming Pool Wizard. Build complex swimming pools and spas with ease using specialized tools for coping, decking, and realistic water effects.
- Terrain Sculpting Tools. Modify the elevation of your project site to create slopes, hills, and retaining walls that reflect real-world topography.
- Realistic Lighting Effects. Add landscape lighting to your designs and create nighttime walkthroughs to show clients how their space looks after dark.
- CAD Drawing Import. Import existing DWG or DXF files to use as a base for your designs, ensuring perfect accuracy for professional projects.
- Plant Growth Simulator. Show your clients how their landscape will look in five or ten years by simulating natural plant growth over time.
- Automatic Cost Estimation. Generate instant material lists and cost estimates based on your design to streamline your bidding and quoting process.
Pricing Comparison
ArborCAD Pricing
Realtime Landscaping Architect Pricing
- Limited plant library access
- Watermark on printed output
- Save and load functionality
- 3D walkthrough capability
- Basic design tools included
- One-time payment of $499.95
- 17,000+ objects and plants
- No watermarks on exports
- Commercial use license
- Free technical support
- DWG/DXF import support
Pros & Cons
ArborCAD
Pros
- Significant time savings on calculating tree protection zones
- Produces professional plans that meet local government standards
- Eliminates manual data entry between plans and reports
- Specifically designed for arborist workflows rather than generic CAD
Cons
- Requires a separate base CAD engine to operate
- Limited to specific operating systems (primarily macOS)
- Higher initial cost compared to basic drawing tools
Realtime Landscaping Architect
Pros
- One-time purchase avoids expensive monthly subscription costs
- Extremely short learning curve compared to traditional CAD
- Impressive 3D rendering quality for client presentations
- Massive library of branded materials and plants
- Excellent customer support and helpful video tutorials
Cons
- Windows only deployment limits Mac users
- High hardware requirements for smooth 3D rendering
- Trial version includes watermarks on all exports