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.
iScape
iScape is a landscape design software that uses augmented reality to help you visualize outdoor living spaces by overlaying plants, hardscapes, and furniture onto real-world environments.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ArborCAD | iScape |
|---|---|---|
| Website | cad.com.au | iscapeit.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1988 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Charleston, 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.
iScape
iScape is a visual landscape design platform that helps you transform your outdoor spaces using augmented reality. Instead of guessing how a new garden bed or patio might look, you can overlay thousands of 3D plants, trees, and hardscape elements directly onto your actual yard using your smartphone or tablet. This allows you to see the finished project before you ever pick up a shovel or spend money on materials.
You can easily swap out different plants, adjust layouts, and even share your designs with contractors or retail partners to get accurate quotes. The platform serves both homeowners looking to DIY their curb appeal and professional landscapers who need a fast, mobile way to present ideas to clients. It bridges the gap between imagination and execution by providing a realistic, scaled preview of your landscaping goals.
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.
iScape Features
- Augmented Reality Design. Place 3D plants and hardscape elements into your actual environment to see exactly how they fit your space.
- Extensive Image Library. Access thousands of high-quality plants, trees, and outdoor furniture items to create a comprehensive and realistic landscape plan.
- 2.5D Layering Tool. Take a photo of your yard and layer design elements on top to create professional-grade 2D landscape presentations.
- Proposal Generator. Convert your visual designs into professional proposals with itemized lists to streamline your bidding and sales process.
- Collaboration Tools. Share your designs instantly with clients or partners to get feedback and make real-time adjustments on-site.
- Buy Button Integration. Purchase the exact plants and materials featured in your design through integrated retail partnerships and local suppliers.
Pricing Comparison
ArborCAD Pricing
iScape Pricing
- Limited access to plant database
- Basic AR placement tools
- Standard 2D photo editing
- Save designs to your device
- Community support access
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Full access to 3D asset library
- Professional proposal tool
- Custom branding for designs
- Priority customer support
- Advanced AR features
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
iScape
Pros
- Extremely intuitive interface for non-designers
- Realistic AR overlays help close sales faster
- Massive library of specific plant species
- Saves significant time compared to CAD software
Cons
- AR features require newer mobile hardware
- Subscription cost is high for casual DIYers
- Limited desktop editing capabilities available