Lands Design
Lands Design is a professional BIM software for landscape architecture that provides advanced tools for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and realistic rendering within Rhino and AutoCAD environments.
Rhino 3D
Rhino 3D is a versatile computer-aided design software that uses NURBS mathematical models to help you create, edit, analyze, and document complex 3D shapes and free-form organic surfaces.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Lands Design | Rhino 3D |
|---|---|---|
| Website | landsdesign.com | rhino3d.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | One_time |
| Starting Price | $99/month | $99/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 90 days free trial | ✓ 90 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 | 1993 | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Barcelona, Spain | Seattle, USA |
Overview
Lands Design
Lands Design is a specialized BIM solution tailored for landscape architects, urban planners, and green wall designers. You can transform your creative ideas into technical reality by working within familiar environments like Rhino or AutoCAD. The software streamlines your entire workflow, from initial terrain modeling and vegetation placement to the generation of automated quantity take-offs and technical 2D documentation.
You can access an extensive database of over 1,800 plant species, each with customizable seasonal representations and growth simulations. Whether you are designing a small private garden or a massive urban park, the tool helps you manage complex topography and irrigation systems while producing high-quality visualizations for client presentations. It bridges the gap between artistic landscape design and rigorous architectural BIM requirements.
Rhino 3D
Rhino 3D gives you the freedom to create virtually any shape imaginable with uninhibited free-form 3D modeling tools. Unlike mesh-based programs, it uses NURBS geometry, which means you can design everything from a simple jewelry piece to a complex skyscraper with extreme mathematical precision. You can start from a sketch, a physical model, or even just an idea and turn it into a professional-grade digital model ready for rendering, animation, or manufacturing.
The software is a favorite among architects, industrial designers, and marine engineers because it handles complex curves and surfaces without slowing down your workflow. You can easily move data between Rhino and your other design, drafting, and engineering tools. Whether you are a student learning the ropes or a professional at a large firm, you get a permanent license that ensures you own your software without recurring monthly fees.
Overview
Lands Design Features
- Extensive Plant Database Access over 1,800 species with detailed botanical data and customizable 3D shapes to populate your projects accurately.
- Terrain Modeling Tools Create complex topographies from contours or point clouds and perform cut-and-fill calculations for your site preparation.
- Dynamic 2D Documentation Generate automatic plant schedules, labels, and dimensions that update instantly whenever you modify your 3D model.
- BIM for Landscape Attach data to every element in your design to ensure compatibility with IFC formats and collaborative BIM workflows.
- Hardscape Design Design paths, walls, and fences easily using parametric tools that adapt to the underlying terrain automatically.
- Seasonal Visualization Simulate how your design looks in different seasons or track plant growth over time to show clients future results.
Rhino 3D Features
- NURBS Modeling. Create highly accurate 3D curves and surfaces using mathematical models that ensure your designs are ready for high-end manufacturing.
- Grasshopper Integration. Build complex, generative shapes using a visual programming editor that lets you automate design variations without writing any code.
- SubD Tools. Produce organic, smooth shapes quickly while maintaining the ability to convert them into precise CAD geometry for further engineering.
- ShrinkWrap Feature. Create a watertight mesh around open or overlapping geometry to quickly prepare your complex models for 3D printing.
- Cycles Rendering. Generate beautiful, real-time previews of your designs with a powerful ray-tracing engine that shows you exactly how materials look.
- Extensive File Support. Open and export over 30 different file formats to collaborate easily with partners using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or SketchUp.
Pricing Comparison
Lands Design Pricing
- One-time permanent purchase
- Full BIM functionality
- 90 days of technical support
- Works on Rhino and AutoCAD
- Free updates within the version
- Access to full plant database
- Everything in Commercial, plus:
- Discounted rate for schools
- Up to 30 users per lab
- Educational use only
- Includes all vegetation tools
- Full technical documentation
Rhino 3D Pricing
- One-time purchase price
- No subscription fees
- Includes Grasshopper
- Full tech support
- Commercial use allowed
- Works on Windows and Mac
- Full professional version
- Deeply discounted price
- No recurring fees
- Valid for commercial use
- Requires proof of status
- Permanent license
Pros & Cons
Lands Design
Pros
- Massive library of customizable 3D plant species
- Seamless integration with Rhino and Grasshopper
- Automated quantity take-offs save hours of manual work
- Excellent 90-day trial period for thorough testing
- One-time payment avoids annoying monthly subscription costs
Cons
- Requires a separate Rhino or AutoCAD license
- High hardware requirements for large 3D scenes
- Steep learning curve for users new to Rhino
Rhino 3D
Pros
- One-time purchase means no annoying monthly subscriptions
- Incredible flexibility for creating complex organic shapes
- Massive library of third-party plugins and add-ons
- Industry-standard compatibility with almost all CAD formats
- Generous 90-day trial period for full testing
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners and non-designers
- Built-in rendering is basic compared to dedicated engines
- Requires powerful hardware for very large files