📄 Project Information

The first stage under the Design tab is Project Information. This is where you will create the foundation for your project.

GIS Image

pi1GIS Image: Insert high-resolution aerial imagery along with surveyed terrain data of your client’s property.

Type in the property address and aerial images will be inserted directly into your project. This makes it possible to automatically generate 3D terrain, trace existing structures, and calculate access.

For more information, see GIS Aerial Imagery.

 

 


Background Image

pi4Background Image: Insert plot plans and blueprints as background images to trace objects. Using the Background Image feature, you may trace existing structures and hardscapes from a plot plan of your project.

You may use printouts, sketches, blueprints, or any other graphic file as a background image. The image may be in the .bmp, .jpg, .png, .tga, or .tif graphic files formats.

For more information, see Background Image.


Import Drawings/Images

pi3AutoCAD Drawing: Import Information from an AutoCAD® File. Information from DWG files, the native file format for Autodesk’s AutoCAD software, can be copied directly into your projects.

You can also import information from DXF files. This makes it possible to import templates, landscaping symbols, and whole 2D design projects.

For more information, see Importing AutoCad Files.

 

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3D Image: Insert and edit photos for 3D presentations. This makes it easy to design a project using a photo of the property.

Use a photo, such as a picture of the client’s house, as a backdrop to a design or as the basis of the design itself.

With this feature, you can take a picture with your smartphone and upload the image directly for editing.

For more information, see 3D Image.

 

pi6YARD Design (Vip3D Only): Import a project from YARD into a Vip3D Project.

NOTE: Only drawn objects can be exported from YARD. Inserted library objects, or designs originally drawn in Vip3D, will no longer be editable or identifiable if exported back into Vip3D; after being imported, designs become one static object that cannot be edited in YARD.

For more information, see YARD.

 


Property Line

In 2D, create a Property Line that displays bearing and distance. 

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Draw Property Line: Left click on the Property Line button to start drawing. Drawing should be done in a clockwise direction, as bearing is effected by the direction the line is drawn. Property Lines can be created with the Line, Arc, Outline and Divide Tools.

Property Lines will automatically display distance and bearing in Construction Markup and Page Layout. Smart Data will provide Perimeter for all Property Lines as well as Area and Acres for completed Property Lines.

You can also type in your property line's precise Distance & Bearing. Once you draw or enter the property line, you will have the option to flip the direction of the N/S or E/W sides.

Type In Property Line

Note: The bearing of the Property Line will change based on the Orientation, so we recommend setting the orientation first.


Project OrientationOrientation

Use the compass to set North for the project.  As you move the sun or adjust the time, it will reflect the real life location of the sun.

In Construction Page Layout, the North Symbol will automatically match the Orientation set here.

 


Environment Options

Set different backdrops in the distance of your project while in 3D and Presentation. Left click on the drop-down menu to select the option you want:

Project BackgroundsBeach will show water along the horizon

Desert Options will show a desert mountain landscape

Grass will show an expanse of terrain

Hill Options will show rolling green hills

Lake will show water with rolling hills along the horizon

Mountain Options will show a mountain landscape

 

 

NOTE: The Backgrounds are set and cannot be rotated or altered.