Photo imaging used in the landscape industry is the process of altering digital photos, traditional photos, or even hand-drawn illustrations. These alterations are accomplished by incorporating plants, hardscapes, and other features into the pre-existing image. Photo imaging is used by the designer to enable the visualization of the final design. This visual image gives the client a better perception of the designs layout. A demonstration of photo imaging software can be found at the following link:
http://www.prolandscape.com/images/uploads/pages/Before-After1.avi
In the landscape contracting industry, a designer can use photo imaging to present before and after images to the customer prior to making physical modifications to the landscape. The programs used to do this are particularly useful because most packages include a large database of landscape and hardscape features while still remaining very user friendly. As a result of the ease of use, editing can take place swiftly allowing the designer to better address the client’s needs in a timely fashion. Prices range from $70 to $1400 depending on the program’s capabilities. Here is another example of a photo imaging project used for landscape design:http://www.softwarerepublic.com/photoscapes/sample.aspx
While photo imaging presents many benefits to the landscape industry, there are downsides to these techniques as well. The professional level software that is used for photo imaging can be very expensive. For example, PRO Landscape, a common photo imaging program, costs $1,395. Also, depending on the program used and the user, the finished images can at times look fake or unprofessional. Another drawback of this type of software is that some of the prepackaged images, such as trees or shrubbery can be misleading to the user if they have little or no horticultural background. The reason for this confusion is that some plant materials are shown either at maturity or in bloom. This image, for example, displays annuals and shrubs in full bloom while a mature tree is experiencing a fall color change: http://www.prolandscape.com/index.php/photo_gallery/image_full/26/. This is not always the case in any one given season. Additionally a tree can easily be inserted into a photo using an imaging program with a click of the mouse that, in reality, could cost close to a million dollars to install. The image below on the following website displays this flaw perfectly, in that a tree is being planted in front of a house, which is as tall as the house itself: http://www.softwarerepublic.com/photoscapes/. An installation of this scope is possible but highly unlikely due to the cost of the tree and the installation. Finally, the images created using photo imaging are only visual representations of a finished product. In other words, the images are not a design plan and cannot be used by a contractor to implement the design.
All photo imaging software must be installed onto a reliable computer. The computer must be able to meet the operating requirements of the program. Digital cameras can be used to increase accuracy of the project design. This is done by taking digital images of the property and the obstacles on the property. In terms of software, there are many photo imaging programs. Many of these programs must be purchased from software retailers. Some commonly known landscape contracting programs are PRO Landscape, Corel’s Earthscape, and Photoscapes. This is a technology that can be done on-site using a tablet PC. Doing on-site work will save the designer time and money, while also helping in one on one communication between the designer and the homeowner. The convenient aspect for most of these programs is that any type of modern color printer will print your final image.
PRO Landscape is one example of photo imaging software and will be discussed in the following question.
Corel Earthscapes is another program that gives a strong image of finished landscapes and can easily be used for business purposes. At a cost of $1,095, Earthscapes is less expensive than PRO Landscape. Earthscapes claims to have the highest resolution images at 330 dpi (dots per inch). In addition, there is only a 30 day money back guarantee on Earthscapes. More details on Corel Earthscapes can be found at: http://www.visualimpactimaging.com/products/earthscapes/index.htm.
Software Republic's Photoscapes is an example of a more affordable photo imaging program, but falls short in features. The image library has both fewer objects and is of lower resolution. Also, there is only a 30 day money back guarantee. More details on Photoscapes can be found at: http://www.softwarerepublic.com/photoscapes/.
Realtime Landscaping Architect, from Idea Spectrum, is priced at $249 and offers 12,000 images of plants, pictures, models, and symbols. The program has a 30 day money back guarantee. Idea Spectrum also offers Realtime Landscaping Pro($99.95), Plus($79.95), and Photo($59.95). They are not as expensive as Realtime Landscaping Architect but do not offer as many features. More details can be found at: https://secure.ideaspectrum.com/index.php and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C4LVlrJz5Y.
When choosing a photo imaging package there are several things to consider. Most importantly the program must fit the project's intended use. Another aspect that must be examined is the user's comfort level with the software. A technology such as PRO Landscape may be very simple to use for novice designers, however it may lack certain features that a more experienced designer would need. Each person must evaluate their learning skills, budget, and time. The budget is very important because an inexpensive program will save money, but it may not have as many features as a larger investment. As stated before, a few examples of these technologies to consider are PRO Landscape, Corel Earthscapes, and Software Republic's Photoscapes.
The PRO Landscape package is a common photo imaging program and it will be the one we will use in our class. PRO Landscape software covers multiple aspects and features of landscape design. The software includes imaging, CAD, and estimator programs to assist with landscape projects. The software includes a library of over 6,000 images for a landscape layout including plants, hardscapes, water features, statues, light fixtures and more. One of the reasons we will be using this technology is because we have access to it here at Penn State. 3-D images of landscaping materials can be added to an existing plan. These images can be altered in many ways. The featured images can be rotated and zoomed in/out with the image editor software. The lighting feature allows the user to add elements such as walkway lights and holiday lighting. This feature provides a second income on the off-season of landscaping. This is an example of holiday lighting: http://www.prolandscape.com/index.php/applications/holiday_lighting. Another great feature that Drafix implements is the view perspective of the design from 3-D perspective. One of the best things about this package is that it is very user friendly. The package is relatively easy to use and there is only minimal CAD expierience PRO Landscape has many video tutorials and a comprehensive user manual as well. PRO Landscape also includes a 60-Day money back guarantee. For more information on PRO Landscape visit: http://prolandscape.com/.
All of the programs detailed above offer a wide variety of educational tools. The software provided by PRO Landscape includes a user manual and video tutorials. Another resource can be found on the PRO Landscape software itself. Once a project is started, help is available by selecting the help tab, located in the upper left hand corner, and selecting Pro Landscape Image Editor help. The software is explained in 11 chapters using step-by-step instructions complimented with pictures. Many Consumers find these resources efficient at providing a strong knowledge base for this product. Though PRO Landscape provides technical support for specific issues, the company also recognizes the value of continued one-on-one training. For this reason DigitSolutions has been utilized to provide further support. Three alternative options have been offered: Classroom Training, Distance Learning, and On-site Training. Classroom Training consists of a one-day classroom training sessions with 5-10 students at the cost of $495/person. There is also a two day, 5-20 student learning experience at the cost of $695/person. Distance Learning is offered on the internet or over the phone for $95/hour. Similarly, On-site Training offers one-on-one sessions, but in person. This form of training is highly customized to specific needs, therefore costs $1,095/day. Our group will be using the product tutorials and a copy of the user manual to gain a thorough understanding of the product. The most advantageous method of becoming fluent with this product is simply through spending time experimenting with the software itself.