Hi all



I'm a freelance architectural technician (CAD monkey) who's worked for a
couple of landscape architects in my time



If the OP wants to collaborate with other professions then in the first
instance AutocadLT is a good choice for pure line drawings



http://www.autodesk.co.uk/adsk/servl...932&id=6669837



It's only 2D but way cheaper than the 3D version plus you can exchange
files with "most" other CAD platforms. You can import scanned maps/images
and draw over those for a bit of a sketchy feel if you want to.



Vectorworks also seems to have a good fanbase in landscaping - or maybe that's
just my imagination? I don't think they have a "Lite" version though



SketchUp is a good alternative, gives you the advantage of 3D capability,
rendering/texturing, sun paths, avi output. You can also import/export
dwg&dxf files which again means you can talk with most other software.



If it was me starting from scratch I'd probably go with SketchUp first, I
don't find it as easy as AcadLT for pure 2D drawing but then Acad runs in my
damn blood :-(



They have fantastic online forums and training videos so download the free
version and have a play :-)



Failing that there are a number of open source options to look at



Let us know if you want more info



HTH



Tim
--
http://www.timdenning.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/