Custom 3D Land is a simple software that will get you started on your landscape designing ideas. It does not have many of the features and tools that the top-ranked landscaping software do.
There are many sample designs, plants and object choices though, so you’ll need to spend time experimenting to learn how to choose options wisely.
This program has a generous set of features, but unfortunately, you can’t import a digital photo of your home into the program. Custom 3D Land offers a database of existing home designs to choose from; you’ll have to load one of these homes to begin your design.
Even though you can’t import a digital photo, you can input your lot from a plat map, record what you already have on your lot or start from scratch. You can also do impressive stand–alone gardens or landscapes without your home included.
The plant search tool will help you locate the right plants—you can search by several criteria, including: type, shape, height, usage, sunlight, flower color, bloom season and plant features. The searchable plant and object database is customizable; you can also add your own plants or objects.
The program includes a checker that you can run to help identify potential problems—such as plants that won’t thrive in your hardiness zone or trees that are planted too close together.
You can also do a 3D walkthrough or 3D fly around of your design, which is a nice realistic feature.
After you complete your landscape design, you can print a shopping list or even email your project to your landscaper or other interested parties.
There are several wizards, tutorials and windows that show you how to accomplish tasks. There is also a content–sensitive search and a How–To Guide. You can email in technical questions, and the ValuSoft website includes a knowledge base and a resource webpage containing links to related sites and books.
Ultimately Custom 3D Land doesn't satisfy most of the basic needs of the amateur or professional landscaper.
