Technologies for Creating Efficient Workflow Between 2-D AutoCAD Drawings and 3-D SketchUp Models In the Preparation of Planting Plans

Landscape planting designs are commonly created in two-dimensional plan view using AutoCAD or other similar software applications.  Drawings produced by these programs provide detailed information on horizontal placement of site elements, but offer little to designers or clients regarding the three-dimensional spatial relationships that are critical to successful designs.  Three-dimensional models created using Google SketchUp or other similar applications provide designers and clients with realistic virtual sites that can be viewed from an infinite number of viewpoints.  Both AutoCAD and SketchUp can be used for landscape design development, but each has a unique user interface and output.  Methods for movement from one platform to the other are desirable, but are not well documented.  With a combination of application commands and plug-ins from external sources, workflow between platforms is enhanced.