Plants

The Plant tool both defines and places plant objects. The plant database maintains an extensive set of plant data that can be used in plant definitions.

Placing plants is extremely flexible. Place plants pre-defined with species information and appearance settings, or add generic plants to the drawing and re-assign them to a specific plant species later in the design process. A selected plant can be placed individually or in multiples. Once placed, a plant group can be changed into individual plants, or individual plants can be grouped. In addition, defined and undefined plant masses can be created according to several methods.

A plant definition includes the specific 2D and 3D plant appearance, parameters, and botanical data. Plants are defined by editing a current definition or by creating a duplicate of a current definition. The plant definition is specified by entering parameters or by loading (and editing) botanical data from the plant database.

When the Vectorworks Landmark product is installed, a generic plant objects library is included. In addition, 2D and 3D plant symbols are provided as default content (default content is automatically imported into the current file at the point of use and displays in the Resource Browser; see “Resource Libraries” on page 215). The resources in the Plant Defaults.vwx file are available in the Plant Settings dialog box.

When plants are defined, the definition parameters apply by default; individual plant settings can be changed before the plant is inserted on the drawing, in the Plant Settings dialog box, or after placement, in the Object Info palette.

2. The Plant Settings dialog box opens automatically if plants have not yet been placed in the drawing. Otherwise, click Preferences from the Tool bar.

3. On the Definition pane, select a plant symbol that is close in appearance to the new plant.

4. Click Edit Definition from any pane in the Plant Settings dialog box to edit the current definition, or click Duplicate from the Definition pane to create a new plant definition based on the selected plant. Alternatively, to edit a plant definition, select a plant from the drawing, select Edit from the Resources menu or the plant context menu, and select Definition.

Whether creating a new plant from a duplicate, or editing a current plant definition, the Edit Plant Definition dialog box opens, displaying the selected plant symbol. Provide a name for the plant symbol, and then specify the plant parameters on each tab to define the plant. As the parameters are defined, the preview dynamically displays the plant appearance.

Although the Edit Plant Definition dialog box and the Plant Settings dialog box appear similar, keep in mind that the plant definition parameters define the default plant settings. The default plant settings can be changed at placement, allowing for variations of the same plant definition.

The plant definition’s geometry can be based on a symbol present in the file or from default plant content, from drawing objects in the file, or from another plant; see “Creating Plant Geometry” on page 791.

5. When the default plant parameters have been defined, click OK to return to the Plant Settings dialog box. From there, additional plants can be defined, and a plant can be selected for placement.

When using workgroup referencing, the plant definitions must exist in the same file as the site model they reference, so that their Z values can be set to the site model surface.

Each pane of the plant definition dialog box is described in the following sections.

Plant Definition: Preview

Every pane of the plant definition displays the Plant Symbol Name and previews, allows botanical data to be obtained from the plant database, and provides the option to obtain the 2D and 3D plant geometry from a symbol. The previews update as the plant definition changes.

Parameter	Description
Plant Symbol Name	Enter a name for the plant symbol; this name displays in the Resource Browser
Get Plant Data	Opens the Get Plant Data dialog box; select a plant to add its data to the current plant definition (see “Using Plant List Data in Vectorworks Landmark” on page 814)
Preview	Dynamically previews the plant appearance, showing how it will appear when added to the drawing with the Plant tool
Top/Plan Preview	Displays the 2D component of the plant symbol
3D OpenGL Preview	Displays the 3D component of the plant symbol, if one has been added to the symbol definition (image props, such as those provided by xFrog®, can be used as 3D plant geometry)
Copy from Symbol	Obtains the plant geometry from a symbol in the file or from default content; see “Creating Plant Geometry from a Symbol” on page 791

Plant Definition: Insertion Options Pane

Specify the default insertion options for the plant definition on the Insertion Options pane.

If plant data were obtained from the plant database, the plant database values are displayed. Values and settings entered on this tab become the default for the plant definition. These default values can be changed for individual plants.

Parameter	Description
Spread	Specifies the default plant spread diameter (the maximum width of the mature plant, as drawn) for both single and multiple plant placement
Height	Sets the default height of the typical mature plant at insertion
Spacing	Sets the default spacing between plants at insertion, for the Poly-Edge Spaced, Rectangular Array, and Triangular Array insertion modes

Plant Definition: Schedule Pane

Click the Schedule pane to specify default plant values for display and reporting.

Parameter	Description
Latin Name	Specifies the plant genus and species
Common Name	Specifies the plant common name or names
Plant/TagID	Identifies the plant with a unique code; this code appears in the plant list and on ID tags, if selected (see “Plant ID Codes” on page 798 for the definition of common code categories)
Scheduled Size	Indicates the plant caliper or container size; displays in the Plant List worksheet
Quantity Type	Select the quantity unit for the plant; quantity can be defined as unit count, dripline area, or border area
Price Code (SKU)	Specifies the price code entry in Stock Keeping Units (SKU)
Price	Indicate the plant cost per unit of quantity; the plant cost and quantity are reflected in the Extended Price calculation in the Plant List worksheet
Schedule comments	Specifies default comments about the plant that display in the Plant List worksheet

Plant Definition: Render Pane

Click the Render pane to specify the 2D plant styles. These effects display in Top/Plan view only; plant shadows do not display in worksheet images. A document preference makes it easy to give plans a uniform appearance by applying a document-wide shadow style to all plants and massing models in a drawing (see “Preferências das Sombras do Plano” on page 60). Even when a document preference is set, plant definitions can be edited on the Render pane to customize the drawing’s appearance. The outline, massing, and shadow parameters can be toggled for all plants in a document by selecting View > Show > Show or Hide Plant Styles.

Values and settings entered on this tab become the default for the plant definition. These default values can be changed for individual plants.

Parameter	Description
Plant Massing
Mass Outline	Select a plant outline style The outline’s pen attributes can be changed for selected plant objects in the Attributes palette.
Mass Plants	Hides the details of plants that overlap to easily create a plant mass. A continuous outline is created around overlapping plants, and internal details are hidden. The 2D appearance of the massed group is controlled by the back polygon in the plant symbol group, so massing could cause the plant to display without a fill color. (An alternative way of hiding plant details is to use the Plant-Components classes to control the visibility of elements within the plant symbol.) Plants that contain bitmap images cannot be massed.
Plant Shadow in Plan View	Specifies special shadow effects that display in Top/Plan view only
No Shadow	Select to omit shadows from the Top/Plan view
Use Document Preference Settings	Select to use the settings from the Plan Shadows pane on the Document Preferences dialog box; click Settings to review or edit these document-wide shadow settings (see “Preferências das Sombras do Plano” on page 60)
Custom	Select to create a custom shadow setting for this plant object
Offset	Enter a value for the shadow offset
Offset Units	Select the shadow offset units. Factor of Object Height calculates the offset based on the object’s height and the offset value.
Angle	Set the shadow angle by entering a value between -180° to 180° or by using the slider. 0° is straight up.
Fill Style	Select a fill style for the shadow
Color/Resource/Class	Depending on the fill style selected, select a fill color, resource (hatch, image, gradient, tile), or class for the shadow
Opacity	Set the shadow opacity by entering a value between 0 and 100% or by using the slider
Use Class Opacity	Select to use the class’s opacity setting (see “Setting Class Properties” on page 175)

Plant Definition: Plant Data Pane

To change the plant data for the current plant definition only (without changing the plant list data), click on the parameter and click Edit. Enter the new value in the Edit Field dialog box and click OK.

Creating Plant Geometry

The plant geometry in a plant definition can easily be created from another symbol, from drawing objects, or from another plant.

Creating Plant Geometry from a Symbol

The Copy From Symbol dialog box opens. From the symbol list, select the symbol that has the geometry to copy and choose whether to copy the 2D, 3D, or both components of the symbol geometry.

Parameter	Description
Plant content file list	From the list browser, select the plant content file that contains the symbol to copy; symbols in the selected plant content file are used to populate the Symbol list. The Vectorworks Landmark software comes with a limited selection of default plant symbols installed to get you started; download many more plant symbols in the free content libraries provided. See “Resource Libraries” on page 215. Once downloaded, the appropriate plant content files automatically appear in the list browser.
Symbol list	Select the symbol that has the geometry to copy. The list displays the symbols in the selected plant content file; select a different plant content file from the list browser to display additional options.
Use only the 2D component of the symbol	Copies only the 2D component of the selected symbol to the plant definition
Use only the 3D component of the symbol	Copies only the 3D component of the selected symbol to the plant definition
Use the 2D and the 3D components of the symbol	Copies both the 2D and 3D components of the selected symbol to the plant definition

3. Click OK to copy the selected geometry from the symbol to the current plant definition.

Creating Plant Geometry from Drawing Objects

1. Select the 2D, and optionally, 3D drawing objects to use in a new plant definition.

A plant symbol can be created from another symbol. The xFrog plant images can be used as a basis for the 2D geometry.

Alternatively, right-click (Windows) or Ctrl-click (Mac) in the drawing, with the geometry or plant symbol selected, and select Create New Plant from the document context menu.

The Edit Plant Definition dialog box opens, with the plant symbol name as “Untitled Plant.”

If no 3D geometry was originally included, the plant symbol contains a 3D locus by default. Once the plant has been created, edit the 3D component of the plant symbol to add the 3D geometry. See “Editing Symbol Definitions” on page 243 for information on editing symbol components. Image props, such as those provided by xFrog, can be used as 3D plant geometry.

Creating Plant Geometry from an Existing Plant

Alternatively, select Create Plant from Object from the plant context menu, or select the plant to duplicate from the Resource Browser, and select Resources > Duplicate, and then Resources > Edit.

The Edit Plant Definition dialog box opens, with the plant name symbol as “Untitled Plant.”

3. The plant graphics and parameters are based on the original plant. Specify new plant definition parameters, similar to creating a new definition (see “Creating Plant Definitions” on page 787).

Adding Plants to the Design

Plant placement in the Vectorworks Landmark program is very flexible. Generally, plants are defined first, and then placed; plant parameters are set by the definition, but if necessary, certain parameters can be changed in the Plant Settings dialog box before placement, or in the Object Info palette after placement. This allows variations of the same plant definition, which is an essential part of a landscape designer’s workflow. Another way of placing plants is to place “generic” plants from the default content, and create plant definitions for them later.

In addition to the appearance and parameters defined for plants, the Plant tool can place plants in several configurations, from single plants to arrays of plants. When setting parameters after placement, an array of plants is considered to be a single “plant” in the Object Info palette. Plants can also created by drawing a polyline and then selecting the Create Objects from Shapes command (see “Creating Objects from Shapes” on page 273).

Mode	Description
Single Plant Placement	Places a single specified plant at each mouse click
Poly-Vertex Placement	Places plants at each clicked polygon vertex
Poly-Edge Spaced	Places plants along the drawn polygon at the Spacing distance specified in the definition or settings
Rectangular Array	Fills the drawn polygon with plants in a rectangular array at the Spacing distance specified in the definition or settings
Triangular Array	Fills the drawn polygon with plants in a triangular array at the Spacing distance specified in the definition or settings
Pickup	Sets the default plant settings to match those of a selected existing plant
Preferences	Opens the Plant Settings dialog box, for specifying the plant to place, its placement options, and its definition
Plant ID	Selects a plant for placement by its ID (Plant Symbol Name)

1. Click the Plant tool from the Site Planning tool set and select the plant to place.

The Plant Settings dialog box opens automatically if there are no plants in the Resource Browser. Otherwise, click Preferences from the Tool bar to select the plant to place, and specify the plant settings if they are different from the definition. The plant settings are described in the following sections.

The plant to place can also be selected by its plant symbol name from the Plant ID list on the Tool bar. The plant resources in the active drawing display alphabetically at the top of the list; the remaining plants are from the default content resources.

Double-click a plant from the Resource Browser to activate the Plant tool and place the selected plant.

The Plant tool uses these settings until they are changed again by selecting a different plant ID from the Tool bar, clicking Preferences from the Tool bar, or until Pickup mode is selected, which changes the default settings to those of a selected existing plant.

3. Depending on the placement method selected, either click in the drawing to place a single plant, or draw a polygon. As the Plant tool is clicked in the drawing, a preview of the plant spread is displayed to help with plant placement.

The Plant tool parameters are retained so that the successive placement of plants is easily accomplished.

Each pane of the plant settings is described in the following sections. As the parameters are defined, the preview dynamically displays the plant appearance.

Do not be confused by the similar appearance of the Plant Settings dialog box and the Edit Plant Definition dialog box; keep in mind that the plant definition parameters define the default plant settings. The default plant settings can be changed at placement if needed, allowing for variations of the same plant definition. Default plant settings that do not require editing can be left as defined by the plant definition.

Plant Settings: Definition Pane

The Definition pane can be used to select the plant definition for placement by the Plant tool. From any pane, you can also edit the plant definition parameters or create a duplicate of the plant definition, as described in “Creating Plant Definitions” on page 787.

Parameter	Description
Definition	Select the plant definition to insert from the graphical list. The list displays the symbols in the selected plant content file; select a different plant content file from the list browser to display additional options.
Plant Content File list	From the list browser, select the plant content file that contains the plant definition to insert; plant definitions in the selected plant content file are used to populate the Definition list. The Vectorworks Landmark software comes with a limited selection of default plant definitions installed to get you started; download many more plant definitions in the free content libraries provided. See “Resource Libraries” on page 215. Once downloaded, the appropriate plant content files automatically appear in the list browser.

Parameter

Description

Definition

Select the plant definition to insert from the graphical list. The list displays the symbols in the selected plant content file; select a different plant content file from the list browser to display additional options.

Plant Content File list

From the list browser, select the plant content file that contains the plant definition to insert; plant definitions in the selected plant content file are used to populate the Definition list.

The Vectorworks Landmark software comes with a limited selection of default plant definitions installed to get you started; download many more plant definitions in the free content libraries provided. See “Resource Libraries” on page 215. Once downloaded, the appropriate plant content files automatically appear in the list browser.

Plant Settings: Insertions Options Pane

The Insertion Options pane displays the default plant insertion settings from the plant definition. To override the plant definition parameters, select the parameter check box and enter the custom value. In addition, if the plant should be included in plant report worksheets, select On Plant List.

Parameter	Description
Custom Spread	Specifies the plant spread diameter (the maximum width of the mature plant, as drawn) for both single and multiple plant placement
Custom Height	Sets the height of the typical mature plant at insertion
Custom Spacing	Sets the spacing between plants at insertion, for the for the Poly-Edge Spaced, Rectangular Array, and Triangular Array insertion modes
On Plant List	Includes the plant in plant report worksheets

Plant Settings: Annotation Pane

Parameter	Description
Polygon Display	For multiple plant placements, changes the display of the boundary or center polygon defining the plant cluster shape.
Tick Style	Select a tick mark (plant center mark) style
Tick Size	Specifies the tick mark size
Plant Rotation	For multi-plant placements, orients the plants in the horizontal direction, rotates the plants along the line created by the drawn polygon, or rotates the plants randomly, creating a more natural appearance
Plant Scale	Keeps the plants at a fixed size, or randomly varies the plant scale according to the specified percentage of variation

Plant Settings: Render Pane

The Render pane displays the default render settings from the plant definition. The Use Plant Definition settings indicate that the plant definition render settings apply; see “Plant Definition: Render Pane” on page 789. To override the plant definition parameters, select the Custom outline and massing option, and/or select the No Shadow, Use Document Preference Settings, or Custom shadow setting.

Plant Settings: Tag Pane

Set the display of the plant ID tags on the Tag pane. To create a custom plant tag, see “Creating a Custom Plant Tag” on page 798. After creation, the plant tag’s appearance can be modified via the Plant Settings Tag pane, Object Info palette, tag class settings, and the control point locations on the drawing (see “Plant Tag Appearance” on page 800).

Parameter	Description
Display	Select On to display a plant tag to the right or left of the leader line; set the left or right position with the tag Shoulder Angle.
Class	Select a class for the plant tags, to control the tag appearance (line and marker style) and visibility. The classes present in the drawing are listed; alternatively, create a new class by selecting New, or select the default class name.
Approach Angle	Specifies the angle of the leader line, from 0 to 360°. Setting the same angle for several selected plants aligns their leader lines, for an attractive planting plan (see “Aligning and Distributing Leader Lines” on page 1033).
Shoulder Angle	When a tag shoulder line is enabled, sets the angle of the shoulder line and, if selected, tag display, from 0 to 360°. To display the plant tag to the left, specify an angle greater than 90 or less than 270 degrees. To display the plant tag to the right, specify an angle less than 90 or greater than 270 degrees. Setting the same angle for several selected plants aligns their shoulder lines, for an attractive planting plan.
Bubble	Specifies the bubble style, if any, for displaying quantity or quantity and Plant ID with the plant tag
Top / Center / Bottom	The custom tags present in the drawing and the predefined plant record field combinations for tags are listed. Specify the information to display on each level of the plant tag, or select None to hide a level of the plant tag. For the center level, select Continuation Line to continue the shoulder as a dividing line between the top and bottom tag information. Alternatively, select Set Custom Tag to define a custom plant tag (see “Creating a Custom Plant Tag” on page 798).
Enable Tag Shoulder Line	Adds a shoulder line to the leader line; adjust the shoulder angle with the shoulder control point, or by entering a tag Shoulder Angle
Snap Tag to Plant Centers	Snaps the end of the leader line to the center of the plant; deselect to adjust the endpoint location manually
Display Tag Line Marker	Displays a marker at the end of the leader line; specify the marker to use by editing the plant tag class (see “Setting Class Properties” on page 175)

Plant Settings: Schedule Pane

The Schedule pane displays the default schedule settings from the plant definition; see “Plant Definition: Schedule Pane” on page 789. To override the plant definition parameters, select the parameter check box and enter the custom value.

Creating a Custom Plant Tag

In addition to providing several predefined plant tags, Vectorworks Landmark allows designers to create custom plant tags.

1. From the Tag pane of the Plant Settings dialog box, select Set Custom Tag from one of the Top / Center / Bottom fields. Settings for the plant tag currently displaying in this field are displayed in the Set Custom Tag dialog box.

If editing an existing tag through the Object Info palette, the selected tag’s data displays.

2. Select values from predefined plant record fields in the order they should be listed, and type the delimiter text to place between the fields. Select <New Line> to start the next tag item on a new line. Up to six different combinations of fields, delimiters, and new line separators can be used. Entering a custom tag in the Top field of the Plant Settings dialog box will insert the custom tag above the reference line, a custom tag in the Center field will replace the reference line, entering a custom tag in the Bottom field will appear below the reference line.

The Tag Appearance field displays a static text preview of the custom tag. To preview a tag in its entirety, click-drag the bottom right corner of the dialog box to resize it.

4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 for the other Top / Center / Bottom fields on the Plant Settings dialog box, as appropriate, to complete creation of the custom tag.

Plant ID Codes

Plant ID Code	Meaning
A-#	Annual #
CTD	Conifer Tree Display
CTG	Conifer Tree Generic
ETD	Evergreen Tree Display
ETG	Evergreen Tree Generic
G-#	Grasses #
OT-M	Ornamental Tree Massed
OTD	Ornamental Tree Display
OTF	Ornamental Tree Flowering
OTG	Ornamental Tree Generic
OTM	Ornamental Tree Multi-Stem
OTP	Ornamental Tree Patio
P-1 — P-9	Perennials
P1 — P4	Palms
SD-#	Shrub Display #
SD#	Shrub Deciduous #
SDM	Shrub Display Massed
SG#	Shrub Evergreen #
SG	Shrub Generic
SN#	Shrub Needle #
STG	Shade Tree Generic
STL	Shade Tree Large
STM	Shade Tree Massed
STP	Shade Tree Patio
STS	Shade Tree Street

Editing Plants

Plant Properties

The plant properties are displayed, and can be edited, in the Object Info palette. As plants are placed, they take on the properties of the associated plant definition and/or the properties in the Plant Settings dialog box. Changes made in the Object Info palette for the selected plants apply to those individual plants only; changes are not reflected in the plant definition.

For multi-plant placement options, edit the polygon defining the plant with the Reshape tool if necessary; the plant placement automatically adjusts to fit the new shape.

Parameter	Description
Plant Settings	Opens the Plant Settings dialog box, for viewing and editing plant parameters
Definition	Displays the plant definition parameters and allows the spacing to be edited as described in “Plant Settings: Insertions Options Pane” on page 795
Replace Plant	Opens the Replace Plant dialog box; select the plant to replace the currently selected plant or all plant instances. (Alternatively, select Replace Plant from the plant context menu.)
Annotation/Render	Edits the plant annotation parameters as described in “Plant Settings: Annotation Pane” on page 796 and the render parameters as described in “Plant Definition: Render Pane” on page 789
Tag	Edits the plant tag parameters as described in “Plant Settings: Tag Pane” on page 797
Vertex parameters	Edits the plant vertices for multi-plant placements; see “Editing Vertex-Based Objects” on page 1000

Plant Tag Appearance

Plant tag appearance and placement is flexible, and can be adjusted in several ways, including through the plant settings, Object Info palette, tag class settings, and the control point locations on the drawing.

• Individual plant tags can then be changed for selected plants by adjusting the plant tag parameters in the Object Info palette. For example, selected plants in one area of a planting plan look more uniform when they all use the same tag approach and tag shoulder angle.

• The plant tag class controls the appearance of the leader/shoulder lines, as well as the marker style.

• To move the plant tags of several selected plants at once, click the Unrestricted Interactive Scaling mode of the Selection tool.

• If an individual tag needs to be repositioned, plant tags also have several control points for adjusting the tag text and leader line and shoulder position and angle.

Editing Plant Attributes

Plants are hybrid symbols, containing a 2D symbol, and optionally, a 3D symbol. As plant definitions are created, the plant symbol is automatically imported into the current file and appears in the Resource Browser. Plants are “red” plug-in object symbols (see “Symbol Types” on page 233 for information on symbol types). The 2D and 3D plant graphics are scaled by the plant definition height and spread parameters.

Because plants are red symbols, plant attributes cannot be directly set or modified from the Attributes palette. Instead, edit the plant symbol components.

1. Select the plant symbol in the Resource Browser. Select Resources > Edit, or select Edit from the Resource Browser context menu.

Alternatively, select a plant in the drawing window, and double-click or select Edit from the context menu.

Parameter	Description
2D/3D Graphics	Edits the 2D or 3D symbol components (geometry, or shape, and attributes like color and line weight) as described in “Editing Symbol Definitions” on page 243
Definition	Edits the definition of the plant symbol as described in “Creating Plant Definitions” on page 787)
Path	For multiple plant placements, selects the boundary or center polygon defining the plant cluster shape, and automatically activates the Reshape tool for editing the path

2. Edits to the 2D or 3D components immediately affect all instances of the symbol. Changes to the plant definition affect all future instances of the plant.

Replacing Plants

When replacing plants, select whether to replace the current plant only, or all instances of the selected plant.

1. Select the plant(s) to replace, or select a plant that is a representative of the plant instances to replace.

Alternatively, Right-click (Windows) or Ctrl-click (Mac) on the plant and select Replace Plant from the context menu.

Parameter	Description
Graphical plant list	Select the replacement plant from the list of plant symbols in the file and in default content
Selected Plants Only	Replaces the selected plant(s) with the new plant
All Instances	Replaces all instances of the plant with the new plant. This does not affect the plant definition of the replaced plant, but simply replaces all plants of one type with another.

3. Click OK to replace the plant(s) or all the plant instances with the new plant.

Modifying Plant Clusters

Plants placed in a multiple placement mode of the Plant tool are associated as a cluster. The cluster moves together, and parameter changes affect all plants in the cluster. However, it is possible to dissociate the cluster to make individual plant changes. In addition, new clusters can be created with different combinations of plants. Clustering identical plants which are in close proximity can be desirable for labeling and identification purposes.

Converting Plant Clusters

One or more plant clusters can be disassociated to change individual plant parameters or location.

Alternatively, right-click (Windows) or Ctrl-click (Mac) on the plant cluster and select Change Plant Grouping from the context menu.

3. If one plant cluster is selected, the plants in the cluster are automatically converted to individual plants.

4. If more than one plant cluster is selected, the Choose Mode dialog box opens.

6. Click OK. The plants are converted, retaining their original plant type; they can be moved and changed individually.

Combining Plants

Individual plants and plant clusters can be combined into a single plant cluster. The converted cluster will be a multi-plant placement at polygon corners.

1. Select the individual plants, plant clusters, or combination of individual plants and clusters to convert.

Alternatively, right-click (Windows) or Ctrl-click (Mac) on the plant and select Change Plant Grouping from the context menu.

3. If the selection consists of individual plants of the same type, they are automatically converted to a single plant cluster.

4. If individual and clustered plants are selected, the Choose Mode dialog box opens.

6. Individual and clustered plants of the same type are automatically converted to a single plant cluster.

If the selection consists of more than one plant type, the Please Choose Plant dialog box opens.

7. All the plants in the selection will be converted to one of the plant types. Select the plant type from the list and its Plant Spread value is displayed. Click OK.

8. The selected plants are converted to a single cluster of identical plant types.

Plants are clustered based on their drawing order. If the joining polygon of the resulting plant is not as expected, change the drawing order of the plants prior to joining them.

The Plant Database

The plant database provided with the Vectorworks Landmark product manages an extensive list of plant names and botanical information which can be used to associate specific plant data with plant definitions.

The plant database is a stand-alone FileMaker® application that opens in a separate window. The benefits of using the FileMaker database for plant data management include improved navigation, editing, searching, and filtering, as well as the ability to import data from industry-standard sources. At installation, a large set of plant records is provided.

FileMaker is a comprehensive data-management program. The details of every menu command and option are beyond the scope of this manual. However, all relevant information for using FileMaker in conjunction with the Vectorworks Landmark product is presented. Familiarity with FileMaker is not required to use the database or to manage botanical data, and to use that data in the Vectorworks program. The full version of FileMaker can also be used when working with the plant database. For in-depth information about FileMaker, including product documentation, visit www.filemaker.com and navigate to the Support area. (The plant database may not contain all the functionality documented for the full version of FileMaker.)

The general workflow consists of managing the botanical information in the plant database application, and from there, creating the plant lists to be used in the Vectorworks Landmark product.

Accessing the Plant Database

Alternatively, right-click (Windows) or Ctrl-click (Mac) in the drawing and select VW Plants Database from the context menu.

2. Indicate where the plant database information is to be located. By default, the plant database is stored locally, in the user folder of the computer where the Vectorworks software is installed. Larger offices that wish to share the plant database among several computers can store and access the plant database from a workgroup folder located on a central computer or server. Alternatively, select Browse for database folder and then click Browse to specify the desired location.

If this is the first time the plant database is being accessed and it does not yet exist in the specified location, the database is automatically created in that location. Whenever the plant database is opened in the future, it will use the data from that location. The location can be changed at any point by selecting the Choose VW Plants command from the appropriate menu:

It is possible to maintain several plant databases and switch among them with this command.

3. Click OK. The creation of a new plant database location may take a few moments.

The VW Plants dialog box may open. Specify a user name for the FileMaker application.

Once the plant database has been set up, it is accessed immediately when selecting Landmark > VW Plants Database. The plant database can also be accessed when creating a plant definition, by clicking Open VW Plants from the Get Plant Data dialog box.

Importing Plant Database Information

A default set of plant database records is provided at installation. The plant database supports several data formats for import, including tab-delimited files, Excel® spreadsheets, .xml files, and many others. The import folder feature allows movies and images to be imported. In addition, plant lists from previous versions of the Vectorworks program can be imported.

2. Select the File > Import Records database command. Files, folders, or .xml files can be imported. Select this command to import plant lists from Vectorworks program versions prior to 12.

To import plant data from Vectorworks versions 2008 through 2012, first select the File > Convert VW Plants database command to convert the plant data to the most recent FileMaker format. Then, import the data with Import Records.

To import plant lists from Vectorworks 12.x, select the File > Import Vectorworks 12 Plant List database command.

3. After specifying the location of the file(s) to import, field mapping is required to import the data correctly into the current database. (For Vectorworks 12.x plant lists, field mapping is automatically performed.)

Adding Additional Plant Data

Additional plant datasets may be located in the Plant Database\VW Plants\Additional Datasets folder. These files typically contain regional plant sets provided by a distributor or other plant sets installed with the Vectorworks Landmark software. The field matching has already been performed for these data sets, and they are easy to add to the plant database.

Select the file to import. Field mapping is automatic, and the plant information is added to the plant database.

Viewing Plant Database Records

Each plant entry and its associated botanical information is considered a “record” in FileMaker. Several view modes display the records in ways designed to facilitate performing related tasks. When the plant database first opens, the records operate in Browse mode, with Forms displayed.

To familiarize yourself with the different display modes, and view the plant records in a variety of ways:

2. Select the View > Status Toolbar database command to enable viewing controls and status at the top of the record form. Many of these items can also be found on the View and Records menu.

3. From the Status toolbar and the View menu, select the view mode and layout options depending on the task to accomplish.

Mode or View Option	Description
View Mode
Browse	Displays plant record information and allows editing
Find	Displays a blank form for specifying search criteria
Preview	Displays plant record information as it will be printed
View as Form	Displays each record as an individual form or “page”
View as List	Displays records consecutively in a scrollable list
View as Table	Displays each record as an item in a table, for sorting and reordering
Layout
Data View	Displays plant record information
List View	Displays limited plant data for each plant, for sorting and reordering
Web View	Displays a special browser (using the default system browser) for locating plant images and information
Records Found toggle and status	After a search, the green toggle button displays an approximate pie chart and the number of records found; click the green pie chart button to toggle the display to records that are not in the found set. The sort status is also indicated.
Show All	Clears the results from a search, displaying all records
New Record	Adds a plant record to the database
Delete Record	Deletes the currently selected record from the database
Find	Switches to Find mode layout, for searching
Find menu	Allows searches to be saved, modified, recalled, and cleared
Sort	Opens the Sort Records dialog box, for determining the sort order for the plant records, or for unsorting the records
Quick Find	Searches for the text entered or recent searches, without switching to Find mode
Preview	Displays the records in a Print Preview mode

Searching for Plants

The plant database can be searched from Quick Find in the Status toolbar or by switching the view to Find mode. Quickly search by entering text or repeating a recent search, or conduct flexible, sophisticated searches by combining search criteria. Search criteria can be saved and managed, making it easy to re-create plant lists.

Quick Find Search

1. Type one or more search terms into the Quick Find field in the Status toolbar.

To quickly repeat a previous search, click on the Quick Find menu and select the search term used previously.

Find Mode

Find mode performs a more advanced search based on specific criteria. Searches can be saved and managed.

2. Select the View > Find Mode database command or click Find from the Status toolbar. Alternatively, select Find > Create New Find.

A blank form opens and the display switches to Find mode. Find mode functions are available from the Status toolbar.

Examples include searching for the Latin name “Liatris,” Light Range “Sun,” with a Height > 3-5 ft.

Click the Omit button in the Status toolbar (or select the Omit options from the Records menu) to exclude, rather than search for, the criteria. Use the Operators list for even more specific searches.

5. The view mode automatically switches to Browse, and the records that meet the search criteria are displayed.

Other search criteria set maintenance can be performed from the Find menu, to modify, edit, clear, and select saved searches. A previously saved search is executed by selecting its name from the Find menu.

To return to viewing all the plant records, select the Records > Show All Records database command or click Show All from the Status toolbar.

Managing Plant Database Records

Editing Plant Records

• Placing an image, video, audio, pasted text, or link to an embedded object into one of three containers; right-click on an image container to access the options

• Adding extra plant or project information that is useful in the Vectorworks program

Switch between metric and imperial units for the Height and Spread fields with the Edit > Options > Use Imperial Value Lists or Use Metric Value Lists database commands.

Project ID numbers and favorites can be easily be added to all plants found by a search, with the Records > Add Project ID and Records > Mark As Favorite database commands. These fields export to the Vectorworks program and are useful for tracking and finding plants. If the Project ID is no longer needed at the completion of a project, search for all plants with that ID and then select the Records > Delete Project ID database command to remove it.

Adding Plant Records

3. Select the Records > New Record database command or click New Record from the Status toolbar.

Deleting Plant Records

3. Select the Records > Delete Record database command or click Delete Record from the Status toolbar to delete an individual record, or Records > Delete Found Records to delete a found set of records.

Accessing Plant Information from the Internet

If access to the Internet is available, plant images and information are easily obtained from within the plant database window. Images can be copied directly into the database (image credits can also be specified).

3. Select the View > Swap Data View/Web View database command to toggle to web view, or select the Web Data layout from the Status toolbar.

In web view, a search is automatically conducted for the current plant based on its Latin name, and information about it, as well as images, are displayed from different sources.

4. Click on the web view tabs to find plant information from the various sources. The available sources may depend on regional settings provided by a distributor.

5. Click the buttons to navigate through the web pages of each tab or to reset the view to the initial search (based on the Latin name).

6. To easily copy an image from the Internet to the plant database, select Copy (Windows) or Copy Image (Mac) from the image context menu. Then select Paste from the image container context menu. Image credits can be added in the Image Credits area under the images, to avoid copyright issues.

7. Select the View > Swap Data View/Web View database command, or change the layout from the Status toolbar, to return to the database view.

Creating Plant Lists for Vectorworks Landmark

Plant lists are the connection between the FileMaker plant database and the Vectorworks Landmark product. Creating plant lists from the entire set, or from found sets, in the plant database allows that data to be attached to plants in the Vectorworks program. Create as many plant lists as necessary; the appropriate plant list is selected for the plant definition. The data attached to a plant becomes part of the plant definition, and can be added to planting plans and displayed by plant ID tags.

Plant lists are created from the plant database; plant lists can also be created automatically based on plant category.

2. Search for the plants to include in the plant list (see “Searching for Plants” on page 807). The plant list is created from a found set of records, or from all the plant records. Larger plant lists take longer to load into the Vectorworks program.

The plant list file is a tab-delimited file saved in the location of the plant database.

Plant Lists from Categories

A plant list is created for each category. If there are no plants found for a category, no list is created for that category. Plants without a category assigned, or with a custom category, are not included. In addition, an “All” plant list contains all plants regardless of category.

3. The plant lists are tab-delimited files saved in the location of the plant database.

Plant Lists for Existing Tree Species

By default, all plants in the tree Category of the database are included in the Species Data dialog box for access by the Existing Tree tool. If desired, search the plant database for the trees you require, and then add only these trees to the existing tree species list.

3. Select the File > Create ‘Existing Tree’ List database command. This customizes the existing tree list to use only the plants found in the database search.

Using Plant List Data in Vectorworks Landmark

Plant list information is available to plant definitions from the Plant Data tab.

Parameter	Description
Plant List	Select the plant list that contains the required plant information; all plant lists created from the plant database and saved in the database location are listed. A progress bar indicates the status of the plant list import when it is used for the first time, and allows the import to be canceled.
Open VW Plants	Opens the Vectorworks plant database, for locating plant information and creating plant lists
Explore	Opens Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) to the folder containing generated plant lists
Name List Display	Toggles between plant list display by Latin name or common name
Name Find	Finds a plant in the plant name list by matching typed characters
Name List	Lists the plants included in the currently selected plant list. Select a plant to view its botanical information on the right, and to use that data in the plant definition.
Plant Data	Displays the botanical information (from the plant database) for the plant selected in the name list

3. Select the plant name and data to include in the plant definition, and click OK.

Plant Database Field Mapping

When plant data is imported into the Plant Database with the File > Import Records > File database command, field mapping is required (see “Importing Plant Database Information” on page 805). Certain fields must be used during mapping for the plant list to function properly when exported for use with the Vectorworks Landmark product. All significant Vectorworks fields have a VW prefix.

Target Field Name	Notes or Example Values	Target Field Name	Notes or Example Values
VW Autumn Color		VW Height
VW Bloom Time	Also referred to as Season	VW Landscape Use	Border, Hedge, Shade Tree...
VW Category	Shrubs, Herbs, Trees...	VW Latin Name	Also known as the plant botanical name
VW Climate Zone	Arid, Semi Arid, Dry...	VW Light Range	Deep Shade, Shade, Sun, Full Sun
VW Code		VW Other Tolerance
VW Comments 1		VW Other Use
VW Comments 2		VW Persistence	Deciduous, Semi-Evergreen, Evergreen...
VW Comments 3		VW pH Range	Acidic, Adaptable
VW Common Name		VW Price
VW Favorites		VW Region
VW Flower Characteristics	Double, Erect, Fragrant, Horizontal...	VW Region Notes
VW Flower Color		VW Season Notes
VW Foliage Characteristics	Aromatic, Broad-leaf, Evergreen, Fronds, Small leaves...	VW Size Notes
VW Foliage Color		VW Soil Range	Bark, Sand, Sandy loam, Potting soil...
VW Fruit Characteristics	Acorns, Berry, Catkins, Cones	VW Spread
VW Fruit Color		VW Tolerances	Cold Frost, Drought, Heat...
VW Growth Habit	Arching, Broad-domed, Columnar, Climber...	VW Used in Project
VW Hardy Zone	1 – 11 (from USDA zone mapping)	VW User notes

Documenting Existing Trees

The Vectorworks Landmark product includes the Existing Tree tool, for documenting the existing trees on a site. Details about each tree can be provided, including information such as species, condition, life expectancy, significance, and action to be taken. The 2D and 3D appearance of the trees can be specified, indicating the root and tree protection zones, with detailed plant ID tags and graphics for retained and removed trees, and the ability to select a 3D trunk and canopy shape. A report including the relevant information can be automatically created.

Existing Tree Workflow

When placing existing trees into the drawing, the following workflow is recommended:

• Click the Existing Tree tool from the Site Planning tool set, and then select Preferences from the Tool bar to open the Object Properties dialog box for the existing tree. Set the defaults for the placement of existing trees, including automatic numbering, ID tag, 2D and 3D appearance (including the selection of 2D component symbols), and species information.

• While setting the default properties for the Existing Tree tool, specify classing wherever possible to be able to control the visibility of classed elements (easily accomplished from the Navigation palette) as well as specify appearance by class for many of the elements.

• Select Tools > Organization to open the Organization dialog box. On the Classes tab, navigate to the classes related to the existing tree, and specify their appearance. Classes should be set to Use at Creation. For canopy and trunk classes, set the texture (Renderworks required) or color to display in 3D views. Set the marker and line style of the tag class if a marker is to be displayed.

• When placing existing trees, keep in mind that the selected 2D component symbols will not display until an Action has been specified. This helps you determine at a glance which trees still require an action to be set.

• The parameters of groups of selected trees, or trees on a specific layer, or all trees can be set in a single operation by using the Apply Properties in the various existing tree dialog boxes.

• Indicate the location of important and less important areas of the site by specifying the significance of each tree or group of trees.

Placing Existing Trees

If this is the first time the object has been placed in this session, the Object Properties dialog box opens. Set the default existing tree properties before placing trees, or place the tree and then edit its parameters in the Object Info palette.

2. Click in the drawing to place the existing tree. Click again to set the rotation.

The appearance of the existing tree may not match its 2D settings until certain parameters have been specified in the Object Info palette. For example, until the Action is specified, the tree does not display with the symbol set for Retain or Remove; the significance must be set for the significance color to display.

Parameter	Description
Get Species Data	Opens the Species Data dialog box, to obtain botanical information from the plant database; see “Specifying Existing Tree Species Information” on page 823
Botanical Name/ Common Name	Displays the tree’s botanical and common name, when obtained by clicking Get Species Data; alternatively, enter the botanical and common name if not using the plant database information
Tag and Number Options	Opens the Tag and Number Options dialog box, to set the plant ID tag and automatic numbering options; see “Existing Tree Autonumbering and ID Tags” on page 830
Tree No	Displays the tree’s autonumber, when autonumbering is enabled; alternatively, if autonumbering is not selected, enter an ID number for the tree
Origin	Specifies whether the tree is an endemic, native, or exotic species
Height	Sets the height of the tree
Irregular Canopy Size	Opens the Irregular Canopy Size dialog box, to specify the plan shape of an irregular canopy rather than use the regular canopy diameter method; see “Specifying an Irregular Canopy” on page 827.
North Angle (irregular canopy shape)	Rotates an irregular canopy to enable the North, East, South, and West dimensions of the canopy to be correctly aligned to the points of a compass
Canopy Max. Diam (regular canopy shape)	Sets the tree’s maximum canopy diameter
Also Use Canopy Min. Diameter (regular canopy shape)	Enables the canopy minimum diameter option, which allows an additional smaller canopy size to be specified, for tree canopy shapes that are oval rather than circular
Canopy Min. Diam	Specifies the minimum dimension of the canopy; the oval canopy shape is created within the specified maximum and minimum values. The 3D solid shape is also affected.
Canopy Rotate (regular canopy shape)	Sets the rotation angle of the tree canopy; this is useful when the canopy is an elliptical or uneven shape
First Branch Hgt	Indicates the height of the lowest (first) branch; this determines the bottom position of the 3D canopy
DBH	Specifies the diameter of the tree trunk at breast height. Adult breast height is considered to be 51 – 55” (1.3 – 1.4 m) above the ground. The DBH value also determines the initial diameter of the critical and primary root zones. A tree with multiple stems displays with the number of stems after the DBH value, which cannot be edited. Because a this kind of tree does not have a single central trunk, the DBH is calculated differently, by calculating the square root of the sum of each stem’s squared diameter value.
Multiple Stems	Opens the Multiple Stem Calculator dialog box, for trees with more than one central trunk or stem. Select Use Multiple Stems, and then specify the diameter of each stem or trunk to include in the DBH calculation. The DBH is automatically calculated, but can be adjusted if necessary.
Root Display	Sets whether to display the critical and/or primary root zones, the root ball zone only, or no root zones. Specify the appearance of the zones by clicking 2D Properties (see “Setting 2D Existing Tree Appearance” on page 824). The root zones move with the tree trunk location.
Critical Root Diam	Specifies the diameter of the critical root zone; initially, this value is set to 2.5 times the DBH, but the value can be changed. A changed value is reset if the Root Display is turned off; set the value to 0 (zero) to re-apply the DBH factor.
Primary Root Diam	Specifies the diameter of the primary root zone; initially, this value is set to 5 times the DBH, but the value can be changed. A changed value is reset if the Root Display is turned off; set the value to 0 (zero) to re-apply the DBH factor.
Ball Diameter	When the root ball is set to display, indicates the diameter of the root ball
Tree Protection	Select how to display the area around the tree that protects the tree; see “Specifying the Tree Protection Zone” on page 827
TPZ Cnr Radius (irregular zones)	When the tree protection zone editing mode is enabled for irregular protection zones, specifies the corner radius of the protection zone; set to a smaller value to simulate sharp corners
TPZ Radius (circular zones)	For a circular or 12 x DBH tree protection zone, displays the radius of the zone
TPZ Area	Displays the calculated area of the tree protection zone
Condition	Indicates the condition of the tree: excellent, good, average, poor, or custom
Custom Condition	When a custom condition is selected, enter the custom tree condition
SULE	Indicates the Safe Useful Life Expectancy (SULE) rating for the tree. A custom life expectancy value can be entered.
Custom SULE	When a custom SULE is selected, enter the custom life expectancy
Significance	Specifies the significance of the existing tree. This selection causes the significance color set in the 2D Properties dialog box to display. A custom significance can be set.
Custom Significance	When a custom significance is selected, enter the custom tree significance. To preserve the ability to set and display the significance color automatically, select one of the provided significance values, and then select Custom. Keep the initial default significance word, and then enter any custom information. For example, to use the Hazardous category, but add custom comments, select Hazardous, and then Custom. The word “Hazardous” displays for Custom Significance. After the word Hazardous, add your custom comment, such as “Hazardous - remove immediately.” By retaining the word Hazardous at the start of the custom comment, the significance color selected for Hazardous still displays.
Action/Comment	Indicates the action to be taken for the tree. The category selected (Retain, Transplant, or Remove) determines the symbol to display based on the selections made in the 2D Properties dialog box. A custom action can be set. When transplanting a tree, set the original tree Action to Transplant - Original location. Copy the tree, disabling its automatic numbering properties and manually assigning it to the same Tree No. as the original tree. Move the copy to the new tree location and set the Action for the copy to Transplant - Proposed location.
Custom Action	When a custom action is selected, enter the custom action to take for the tree. To preserve the ability to automatically set the displayed symbol, select one of the provided actions, and then select Custom. Keep the initial default action category, and then enter any custom information. For example, to use the Remove category, but add custom comments, select Remove, and then Custom. The word “Remove” displays for Custom Action. After the word Remove, add your custom comment, such as “Remove - storm damaged.” By retaining the word Remove at the start of the custom comment, the symbol selected for Remove still displays.
Additional arborist fields	These specialized fields only display when enabled in the Additional Fields dialog box; each tree can be rated according to whether it meets arborist criteria
Form	This refers to the shape of the tree, from uniform to lopsided
Structure	Trees with excellent structural integrity, growing in native habitat, rate higher than less stable trees or trees not growing in typical habitat for the tree type
Vigor	This describes the health of the tree and whether it is growing well, with no pests and with good structure and form
Diam. at Buttress	The diameter at buttress is the diameter of the trunk measured immediately above the base of the tree where the trunk mostly becomes parallel, as shown by the red line in this example:
Show Structural Root Zone	The Structural Root Zone (SRZ) refers to the circular area around the base of a tree that is required for the structural stability of the tree. The appearance of the SRZ indicator is set by the Critical Root Zone parameters (Critical Line Color/Style in the 2D Properties).
Calc’d SRZ Radius	Displays the structural root zone radius value in meters, which is calculated based on the diameter at buttress value (D) according to the following formula: If the calculated value is less than the Minimum SRZ radius specified in the Additional Fields dialog box, the minimum value is displayed instead.
Reduced Level/Age/Year Planted/Date Assessed/Location/Notes	These parameters provide additional information about the tree and can be included in reports. Notes can be selected for display in the tree tag. The field names can be edited, and additional fields can be added, by clicking Additional Fields.
2D Properties	Opens the 2D Properties dialog box, to set display options for the 2D symbol components, significance colors, and the root zone and tree protection zone attributes; see “Setting 2D Existing Tree Appearance” on page 824
3D Properties	Opens the 3D Properties dialog box, to set the 3D canopy and trunk display options; see “Setting 3D Existing Tree Appearance” on page 828
Additional Fields	Opens the Additional Fields dialog box, for customizing Object Info palette fields, adding custom fields, and including arborist parameters to worksheet reports
Custom Field Labels and Visibility	The first six default fields from the Object Info palette can be edited to use different field names, and four additional fields can be named. Regardless of the names used for the fields, the worksheet formulas for displaying them remain fixed; mouse over each field to see its associated formula in the help text. • Field 1: =(“Existing Tree”.“RL”) • Field 2: =(“Existing Tree”.“Age”) • Field 3: =(“Existing Tree”.“Year Planted”) • Field 4: =(“Existing Tree”.“DateAssessed”) • Field 5: =(“Existing Tree”.“Location”) • Field 6: =(“Existing Tree”.“Comments”) • Field 7 – Field 10: =(“Existing Tree”.“Fieldx”) where x is the field number
Display	Select how many fields to display in the Object Info palette
Additional Arborist Fields	Displays specialized arborist parameters in the Object Info palette
Display Form, Structure, and Vigor	Displays these fields in the Object Info palette
Display Buttress, Structural Root Zone, etc.	Displays these fields in the Object Info palette
Minimum SRZ radius	Specifies the minimum required Structural Root Zone (SRZ) radius; if the calculated SRZ radius is less than this value, this value is used instead
Apply Properties	The custom fields can be applied to a single tree, to all trees in the drawing, and as the tool default settings. • This object only: Applies the properties to the currently selected existing tree • All objects in file: Applies the properties to all existing trees in the drawing • This object + file defaults: Applies the properties to the currently selected existing tree and sets the properties as the default properties for the Existing Tree tool. Existing trees placed by the tool after clicking OK will have these properties applied. • All objects in file + file defaults: Applies the properties to all existing trees in the drawing and sets the properties as the default properties for the Existing Tree tool. Existing trees placed by the tool after clicking OK will have these properties applied.

Specifying Existing Tree Species Information

The species information for existing trees is obtained from the Vectorworks plant database; see “The Plant Database” on page 803. If the plant database has not yet been opened, its default location needs to be set.

1. If it has not yet been opened, initialize the plant database by selecting the Choose VW Plants command from the appropriate menu:

By default, all plants in the tree Category of the database are included in the Species Data dialog box for access by the Existing Tree tool. If desired, search the plant database for the trees you require, and then select the File > Create ‘Existing Tree’ List database command. This customizes the existing tree list to use only the plants found in the database search.

2. From the Object Info palette of a selected existing tree, click Get Species Data.

The Species Data dialog box opens, listing tree species information. Species can be easily added to the list.

Parameter	Description
Species list	Lists the botanical and common name of the trees contained in the existing tree list; click either heading to sort. Black text indicates species that appear in the Existing Trees.txt file located in the Plant Database folder within the user folder. Blue text indicates species that you have added to the list.
Botanical Name/Common Name	Displays the botanical and common name of the selected tree; to add a tree to the list, enter its botanical information and click Add Tree to Existing Tree List
Remove Tree from Existing Tree List	Removes the selected custom (blue text) tree species from the list. Black text indicates default species, which cannot be removed from the existing tree list.
Add Tree to Existing Tree List	Adds the current Botanical Name and Common Name to the existing tree list. Edit a default entry if needed, or add a new species to the list. Custom (added or edited) species display with blue text.

Setting 2D Existing Tree Appearance

The 2D appearance controls the symbol for the tree and trunk, and also sets the attributes of the significance status, primary and critical root zones, and tree protection zones. The settings apply to the selected tree or a variety of other selection options, and can be set as the default 2D attributes for the drawing. This is a powerful way to control the 2D appearance of all existing trees in the layer or drawing in one operation.

Using classes for the significance colors, root zone, and tree protection zone is recommended. The visibility of these elements is easy to control with classes. See “Classes” on page 172.

Existing tree symbols are provided as default content (default content is automatically imported into the current file at the point of use and displays in the Resource Browser; see “Resource Libraries” on page 215). The resources in the ET Symbols.vwx file are available in the 2D Properties dialog box.

1. From the Object Info palette of a selected existing tree, select 2D Properties. Alternatively, double-click on an existing tree.

Parameter	Description
Use 2D Component Symbols	Uses 2D symbol components to display the tree. The tree symbol displayed in the drawing depends on the Action specified in the Object Info palette.
Tree Retain	Select the symbol to display for a tree that is retained (the associated Object Info palette Action is Retain)
Tree Remove	Select the symbol to display for a tree to be removed (the associated Object Info palette Action is Remove)
Tree Trunk	Select the tree trunk symbol for either retained or removed trees
Transplanted Trees	Select the symbol to display for the existing position of a tree to be transplanted (the associated Object Info palette Action is Transplant - Original location); select the symbol to display for the new position of the transplanted tree (the associated Object Info palette Action is Transplant - Proposed Location). Specify the tree trunk symbol for transplanted trees in both the original and new locations.
Use Significance Colors	Applies significance colors to the tree to indicate its relative importance on the site. The significance color used depends on the Significance selected in the Object Info palette.
Significance rating colors	For each significance rating, select the color to display. For more information on colors, see “Applying Colors” on page 1130.
Display	Specifies where to place the significance color. Use the significance color as a tree fill for complex plans with multiple trees, to easily distinguish significance categories for densely forested areas.
Class	If desired, select a class to control the display of the significance indicators. The classes present in the drawing are listed, or select the default class, Exist Tree-Significance. Class attributes control all indicator attributes with the exception of the fill color (any fill colors selected here override the class settings).
Root Zone Attributes	Applies line colors and styles to the primary and critical root zone indicators. Root zones must be selected for display in the Object Info palette.
Primary Line Color/Style	Select the color and line style for the primary root zone line
Critical Line Color/Style	Select the color and line style for the critical root zone line
Class	If desired, select a class to control the display of the root zone indicators. The classes present in the drawing are listed, or select the default class, Exist Tree-Root Zones. The line attributes set here override the class settings.
Tree Protection Zone Attributes	Applies a line color and style to the tree protection zone indicator. The tree protection zone must be selected for display in the Object Info palette.
TPZ Line Color/Style	Select the color and line style for the tree protection zone line
Class	If desired, select a class to control the display of the tree protection zone indicator. The classes present in the drawing are listed, or select the default class, Exist Tree-TPZ. Any line attributes set here override the class settings.
Apply Properties	The various 2D properties can be applied to a single tree, all trees in the layer or drawing, and as the tool default settings
Apply list	Select the method to apply the properties. • To this object only: Applies the properties to the currently selected existing tree • To all objects on all layers: Applies the parameter categories selected in Properties to Apply to all existing trees in the drawing • To all objects on active layer only: Applies the parameter categories selected in Properties to Apply to all existing trees in the current layer • To all selected objects on all layers: Applies the parameter categories selected in Properties to Apply to selected existing trees in the drawing • To all selected objects on active layer only: Applies the parameter categories selected in Properties to Apply to selected existing trees in the current layer
Also apply as the document defaults	Sets the selected 2D properties as the default properties for the Existing Tree tool. Existing trees placed by the tool after clicking OK will have these properties applied.
Properties to Apply	When applying properties to more than just the currently selected tree, select which properties to globally apply

Certain 2D properties depend on selections made in the Object Info palette for each existing tree, and are not applied immediately. For example, the symbol specified in Tree Remove does not display unless Remove is selected as the Action for the tree.

The symbols for retained and removed trees are scaled by the canopy height and diameter specified in the Object Info palette. The original and proposed symbols for a transplanted tree are scaled by the DBH parameter.

Specifying the Tree Protection Zone

The tree protection zone is the area around the tree that should be fenced off, or preserved, to protect the tree. The tree protection zone moves with the tree trunk location. The zone can be irregular or circular; irregular zones can be reshaped. The TPZ Area displays the calculated area for the entire tree protection zone.

From the Object Info palette of a selected existing tree, select the type of tree protection zone.

Zone	Description
None	Does not display a tree protection zone
Display Irregular Zone	Displays the tree protection zone as an irregular shape which can be reshaped as needed to represent the zone
Edit Irregular Zone	Allows an irregular zone to be reshaped as described below
Display Circular Zone	Displays the tree protection zone as a circle around the tree trunk; set the circle radius with TPZ Radius
Display using 12x DBH	Displays a circular tree protection zone that is calculated based on 12 times the diameter at breast height (DBH) parameter

An irregular tree protection zone may need to extend beyond the initial boundary shape. To reshape the tree protection zone:

2. Drag the handles to reshape the zone. Adjust the radius at the corners of the zone with the TPZ Cnr Radius value, which only displays during zone editing.

3. When reshaping is finished, select Display Irregular Zone from the Tree Protection parameter.

Specifying an Irregular Canopy

Since trees are not always perfectly symmetrical, the Existing Tree tool allows an irregular canopy shape to be defined by setting the measurements, in four different directions, from the center of the trunk to the edge of the canopy.

If the trunk had previously been repositioned by moving its control point, it is reset to the default position when an irregular canopy is selected. The trunk cannot be offset for irregular canopy shapes.

1. From the Object Info palette of a selected existing tree, select Irregular Canopy.

The Irregular Canopy Size dialog box opens. Specify the canopy size in four directions.

Parameter	Description
Use Canopy Offsets from Center of Trunk	Select to specify an irregular canopy shape
North/East/South/West	For each direction, specify the distance from the center of the trunk to the edge of the canopy

2. Click OK. The 2D and 3D appearance of the tree displays with an irregular canopy shape, roughly based on the selected symbol definition.

The irregular shape can be oriented differently by entering a North Angle offset in the Object Info palette.

Setting 3D Existing Tree Appearance

The 3D appearance controls the symbol for the tree and trunk in 3D views. The settings apply to the selected tree or a variety of other selection options, and can be set as the default 3D attributes for the drawing. This is a powerful way to control the 3D appearance of all existing trees in the layer or drawing in one operation. Showing trees in a 3D view is also useful for creating shadow diagrams (Renderworks required).

Using classes for the tree canopy shape and trunk is recommended. The attributes (color or texture) of these elements are easy to control with classes (Renderworks is required to use textures). The class color or texture must be set to Use at Creation. See “Classes” on page 172.

Image props, such as those provided by xFrog, can be used as 3D tree geometry. However, canopy height and canopy diameter changes in the Object Info palette do not affect the geometry of image props.

1. From the Object Info palette of a selected existing tree, select 3D Properties.

Parameter	Description
Create 3D Geometry	Select whether to create 3D geometry for the existing tree
Canopy Shape	Select the symbol to display for the 3D canopy
Trunk Shape	Select the symbol to display for the 3D trunk shape. Short trunks extend to the First Branch Hgt value indicated in the Object Info palette, while long trunks extend into the canopy. If using a canopy texture that is partially transparent, use a long trunk shape for a more realistic appearance. A curved shape gives the trunk a flanged appearance near the ground; random selections are slightly more free-form in shape.
Optional Class Names
3D Canopy	If desired, select a class to control the appearance and visibility of the canopy. The classes present in the drawing are listed, or select the default class, Exist Tree-3D Canopy.
3D Trunk	If desired, select a class to control the appearance and visibility of the trunk. The classes present in the drawing are listed, or select the default class, Exist Tree-3D Trunk.
Apply textures to classes (Renderworks required)	When the canopy and/or trunk appearance is defined by classes, determines whether to apply the texture set for the class. In drawings with many external trees, performance may be improved by turning off the class texture. As the project becomes complete, apply the classes for optimal presentation.
Apply Properties	The various 3D properties can be applied to a single tree, all trees in the layer or drawing, and as the tool default settings
Apply list	Select the method to apply the properties. • To this object only: Applies the properties to the currently selected existing tree • To all objects on all layers: Applies the properties to all existing trees in the drawing • To all objects on active layer only: Applies the properties to all existing trees in the current layer • To all selected objects on all layers: Applies the properties to selected existing trees in the drawing • To all selected objects on active layer only: Applies the properties to selected existing trees in the current layer
Also apply as the document defaults	Sets the 3D properties as the default properties for the Existing Tree tool. Existing trees placed by the tool after clicking OK will have these properties applied.

The 3D canopy shape is affected by changes in the Object Info palette for height, diameter, irregular canopy shape, First Branch Hgt, and DBH values.

Existing Tree Autonumbering and ID Tags

Existing tree tags can contain an automatic numbering ID as well as tree information. Set up the new tree autonumbering properties first, to automatically number the trees according to the settings as they are placed on the drawing. Autonumbering can also be changed after placement on a tree-by-tree basis.

1. From the Object Info palette of a selected existing tree, select Tag and Number Options.

Parameter	Description
Auto Number New Trees	Sets autonumbering defaults for trees to be placed on the drawing. Deselect the option if autonumbering is not desired.
Leading Zeros	Specify the number of leading zeros to use for the autonumber. Using leading zeros allows correct sorting in worksheets.
New Tree Prefix/Suffix	Specifies a prefix and or/suffix, if any, before and after the autonumber
Auto number duplicated trees	When selected, existing trees that are copied or duplicated (with the Duplicate command, or by clicking and dragging with the Option (Mac) or Ctrl (Windows) key pressed) receive their own autonumber
Separate numbering on each layer	Restarts the autonumbering series for each layer of the drawing
Auto Number This Tree	Sets autonumbering properties for the currently selected tree; deselect to manually enter a number in Full ID Number instead of using an autonumber. When displaying transplanted trees, for example, the same number is needed for the tree representation in the original and new locations. For one of the representations, deselect Auto Number This Tree and enter the identical number in the Full ID Number. If Auto number duplicated trees is not selected, Auto Number This Tree is automatically disabled when an autonumbered tree is duplicated.
Leading Zeros	Specifies the number of leading zeros to use for the autonumbering of the selected tree
This Tree Prefix/Suffix	Specifies a prefix and or/suffix, if any, before and after the autonumber for the selected tree
Full ID Number	Displays the selected tree’s autonumber; deselect Auto Number This Tree to specify a custom ID Number
ID Tag Options	Specifies how to display existing tree ID tags
Snap tag to edge of trunk	Snaps the end of the leader line to the edge of the trunk; deselect to adjust the endpoint location manually
Display marker at end of tag leader	Adds a marker to the leader line endpoint. The marker style is controlled by the ID tag class.
Enable tag shoulder line	Adds a shoulder to the leader line
Shoulder Angle	Sets the angle of the ID text and shoulder
Display	Specifies the information to display in the tag; each item displays on its own line. The Notes information is set in the Object Info palette.
Class	If desired, select a class to control the appearance (color of text and attributes of the leader line, as well as marker style) and display of the ID tag. The classes present in the drawing are listed, or select the default class, Exist Tree-Tags.
Apply To	Select the method to apply the numbering and ID properties. • To this object only: Applies the properties to the currently selected existing tree • To all objects on all layers: Applies the properties to all existing trees in the drawing • To all objects on active layer only: Applies the properties to all existing trees in the current layer • To all selected objects on all layers: Applies the properties to selected existing trees in the drawing • To all selected objects on active layer only: Applies the properties to selected existing trees in the current layer
Also apply as the document defaults	Sets the tag and numbering properties as the default properties for the Existing Tree tool. Existing trees placed by the tool after clicking OK will have these properties applied.
Also apply position of ID tag	Also applies the position of the ID tag and leader line from the currently selected tree to the existing trees set in Apply To
Full ID Number	If Auto Number This Tree is not selected, manually enter a number for the selected tree

Existing tree tag appearance and placement is flexible, and can be adjusted in several ways, including through the Object Info palette, tag class settings, and the control point locations on the drawing.

• When existing tree tags are required, define their appearance in the Tag and Number Options dialog box. Apply the ID tag options to all existing trees and to the document defaults.

• Individual tags can then be changed for selected existing trees by clicking Tag and Number Options from the Object Info palette. For example, selected trees in one area of a planting plan look more uniform when they all use the same tag approach and tag shoulder angle. Set the Shoulder Angle and then select Also apply position of ID tag.

• The existing tree tag class controls the appearance of the leader/shoulder lines, as well as the marker style.

• To move the plant tags of several selected plants at once, click the Unrestricted Interactive Scaling mode of the Selection tool.

• If an individual tag needs to be repositioned, plant tags also have several control points for adjusting the tag text and leader line and shoulder position and angle.

Customizing Existing Trees

Existing trees are hybrid symbols, containing a 2D symbol component, and optionally, a 3D symbol component. The default existing tree symbols are located in the default content included with the Vectorworks Landmark product in Vectorworks\Libraries (see “Resource Libraries” on page 215). As 2D and 3D settings are made, the associated tree symbols are automatically imported into the current file and appear in the Resource Browser.

As with any resource, the symbols can be edited through the Resource Browser, and these edits apply to the current file. Alternatively, custom existing tree symbols can be added to the default ET Symbols.vwx file, either directly or by exporting edited tree symbols to the file (duplicate and rename the symbols from the Resource Browser first, so that the original symbols are not overwritten). For more information on symbol operations in the Resource Browser, see “Trabalhando com Recursos” on page 221. See “Exporting Custom Resources” on page 229 for information on exporting resources.

These naming conventions ensure that any custom symbols are available for selection in the 2D and 3D Properties dialog boxes:

• Symbol names for retained trees, or the new location of transplanted trees, must begin with 1. (the number 1, followed by a period)

• Symbol names for removed trees, or the original location of transplanted trees, must begin with 2.

Plant Graphics

In addition to plant placement with the Plant tool, there are additional ways of representing plant masses on a planting plan. Large, defined planting areas containing specific plants can be created with the Landscape Area tool. Undefined plant masses and groups can be added with the Plant Line and Vegetation Line commands. To further change the appearance of the planting plan, all plant styles can be displayed or hidden.

Creating Landscape Areas

Landscape areas consist of large, defined regions of plant combinations, useful for conceptual planning and specifying large planting or reforestation areas, when individual plant symbols do not need to be drawn. Plant information from a landscape area is based on plant symbol data, and is included in plant list worksheets. If a site model is present, the landscape area is calculated based on the site model and displays in the Landscape Area Settings dialog box.

A landscape area can also be created without plant information specified, for use as a general ground cover or mulch area with a label showing the total area required.

2. Click Preferences from the Tool bar to specify or change the default landscape area parameters.

Parameter	Description
Tag Information	Specifies the landscape area tag format
Name	Provides a name for the landscape area, which can be displayed in the tag
Tag Display	Select On to display a landscape area tag to the right or left of the leader line; set the left or right position with the Tag Text Angle
Tag Class	Specifies the class for the landscape area tag, or allows a new class to be created for the tag
Tag Line Angle	Specifies the angle of the leader line, from 0 to 360°
Tag Text Angle	When a landscape area tag is set to display, sets the tag text display angle, from 0 to 360°. To display the area tag to the left, specify an angle greater than 90 or less than 270 degrees. To display the area tag to the right, specify an angle less than 90 or greater than 270 degrees.
Tag Header	Select the information to display in the first line of the landscape tag, or select None to hide the top portion of the ID tag; select Set Custom Tag to define a custom landscape area tag (see “Creating a Custom Landscape Area Tag” on page 836)
Tag Body	Select the information to display in the main portion of the landscape tag, or select None to hide this portion of the ID tag; select Set Custom Tag to define a custom landscape area tag (see “Creating a Custom Landscape Area Tag” on page 836)
Area Units	Select the units for calculating the landscape area; this is set to the file units by default (see “Units” on page 66), but can be changed
Display Tag Line Marker	Displays a marker at the end of the leader line; specify the marker to use by editing the tag class properties (see “Setting Class Properties” on page 175)
Graphics
3D Display	Select a 3D display option for the landscape area; in 3D views, plants conform to the surface of the site model if one exists
2D Only	Does not create a 3D representation of the landscape area; the landscape area displays in top/plan view only
3D Plants	When the landscape area contains plant symbols with an image prop 3D component, switching to a 3D view displays the image props in a rectangular array, for a realistic 3D view. Plant density is determined by the distribution or percentage specified for the landscape area. 3D loci are placed when the plant definitions do not have a 3D component.
3D Poly	Creates a 3D polygon at a default elevation of 0, and can display a fill color when rendered. Alternatively, assign the landscape area a texture from the Render tab of the Object Info palette (Renderworks required)
Texture Bed	Creates a texture bed for the 3D representation of the landscape area. If there is more than one site model in the file, the texture bed conforms to the site model that is in the same layer as the landscape area, if there is one. Apply a texture to the landscape area (Renderworks required). Select the site model and click Update from the Object Info palette; the landscape area displays as a texture bed on the site model
Border Style	Specifies the type of border for the edge of the landscape area
Standard	Sets the landscape area border to a single line
Plant Cloud	Draws the landscape area border with a convex or concave cloud shape; specify the cloud billow type and the billow parameters. In addition to selecting the billow size and height, the billow variability sets the variation between the smallest and largest billows.
Plant Line	Creates a freehand plant line border for the landscape area; for a rougher plant line border, specify a short segment length with high segment thickness
Plant Information	Specifies how to calculate the plant quantities of the combined plants in the landscape area, for tag display as well as planting plan worksheets; select Distribution Rate or Percentage
Distribution Rate (automatic coverage area %)	Calculates plant quantity based on plant distribution rate. As each plant is added to the list of plants in the landscape area, its rate per area or from the center is specified; the percentage of each plant in the landscape area is calculated automatically.
Distribution Rate (custom coverage area %)	Calculates plant quantity based on plant distribution rate. As each plant is added to the list of plants in the landscape area, its rate per area or from the center is specified, as well as the percentage of each plant in the landscape area. This option allows plants to be merged within the landscape area.
Percentage	Calculates plant quantity based on plant percentage of the total. As each plant is added to the list of plants in the landscape area, its percentage is specified. The plant distribution rate must be the same for all plants in the landscape area; specify the rate and units to use.
Landscape Area	Displays the landscape area value based on the surface area of the site model found if one exists, or based on the landscape area polyline if no site model is present. The units for the display are specified by Area Units.
Plant list	Displays the plants included in the landscape area, including each plant’s distribution rate and percentage of the plant total. The plant order can be changed by click-dragging an item in the # column to a new position; this affects the plant list order in the plant tag body.
Add	Click to open the Edit Landscape Area Information dialog box, to add a plant to the list of plants in the landscape area, and specify its distribution rate or percentage
Edit	Click to open the Edit Landscape Area Information dialog box, to edit the selected plant; a different plant symbol can be selected, or the plant distribution rate or percentage changed
Delete	Click to delete the selected plant from the list of plants in the landscape area

3. Specify the plants included in the landscape area, as well as their frequency. Click Add to specify or Edit to change an included plant and its distribution rate or percentage value. The total percentage of all plants in the landscape area should be 100 when finished.

Parameter	Description
Plant Symbol	To include plant information in the landscape area, select a symbol from the default content or the current file’s plant symbols (see “Resource Libraries” on page 215)
Latin Name/Common Name/Plant/Tag ID	Displays the selected plant’s definition information
Rate	If Distribution Rate was selected in the Landscape Area Preferences dialog box, indicate the plant distribution value and units. This distribution value is used to calculate the plant quantity for each plant type in the landscape area.
Percentage	If Percentage was selected in the Landscape Area Preferences dialog box, indicate the percentage of this plant in the landscape area. Using a fixed distribution rate for all plants, the percentage is used to calculate the plant quantity for each plant type in the landscape area. The total value of all plants must add up to 100%.

4. Click OK, and then click OK again to close the Landscape Area Preferences dialog box.

5. Click on the appropriate mode in the Tool bar to select the boundary creation method of the landscape area.

7. Click to set the end of the segment and the beginning of the next. Continue drawing segments in this manner until the landscape area object is complete.

• Change the landscape area parameters from the Object Info palette, including specifying a general unit price (for indicating the price per square unit in worksheets), price code (such as a SKU number) and vertex parameters; click Landscape Area Settings from the Object Info palette to change landscape area information and other preference parameters

• Change the landscape area tag appearance by editing its parameters in the Object Info palette, editing the tag class properties, and/or moving tag control points (similar to a plant tag; see “Plant Tag Appearance” on page 800)

• Reshape the landscape area by double-clicking on it. The Reshape tool is automatically activated, to reshape the object directly in the drawing.

• Right-click (Windows) or Ctrl-click (Mac) on the landscape area object and select Edit from the context menu. The Edit Landscape Area dialog box opens. Either edit the settings of the selected landscape area, or edit the shape of the object path with the Reshape tool.

Creating a Custom Landscape Area Tag

In addition to providing several predefined landscape area tags, Vectorworks Landmark allows designers to create custom landscape area tags.

1. From the Tag Information pane of the Landscape Area Settings dialog box, select Set Custom Tag from either the Tag Header or Tag Body fields. Settings for the landscape area tag currently displaying in this field are displayed in the Set Custom Tag dialog box.

If editing an existing tag through the Object Info palette, the selected tag’s data displays.

2. Select values from the predefined plant record fields (including an empty string to skip the field value) in the order they should be listed, and type the delimiter text that will appear between values. A combination of up to six landscape area values and plant record fields can be specified for the Tag Header and Tag Body fields.

The Tag Appearance field displays a static text preview of the custom tag. To preview a long tag in its entirety, Click-drag the bottom right corner of the dialog box to resize it.

Creating a Plant Line

The Plant Line command creates a freehand plant line along a line, polyline, or polygon. It can be used to represent a single undefined plant, line of plants, or general plant mass. No specific plant symbol information is included in a plant line; use the Landscape Area tool if defined plant areas are necessary (see “Creating Landscape Areas” on page 833).

The Plant Line dialog box opens. Suggested values are based on the selection’s perimeter.

Parameter	Description
Segment Length	Maximum length of each plant line segment; longer segments create a rougher plant line appearance
Thickness	Maximum perpendicular distance of each segment; a higher thickness value results in a rougher plant line appearance
Corner Types	Specifies the type of corner to create between segments; each type produces a different plant line effect
Delete original	Select to remove the object that forms the basis of the plant line

3. Select the desired plant line parameters and click OK. The plant line is created. If desired, apply colors, textures, and other attributes to the plant line with the Attributes palette.

Creating a Vegetation Line

The Vegetation Line command creates a vegetation line around a selection of closed objects or symbols. It can be used to represent a massed collection of undefined vegetation.

1. Select the closed objects or symbols that will form the basis of the vegetation line. The items should overlap.

The Vegetation Line dialog box opens. Select the type of vegetation line to create, and whether the original objects should be deleted or retained.

Parameter	Description
Standard Vegetation Line	Creates an outline based on the outer perimeter of the selections
Cloud Vegetation Line	Creates a cloud outline based on the parameters specified
Minimum/Maximum Radius	Specifies the minimum and maximum radius of each arc in the cloud
Billow Height	Specifies the cloud billow height factor
Delete Original	Select to delete the original selection of objects when creating the vegetation line

3. Click OK to create the vegetation line. If desired, apply colors, textures, images, hatches, gradients and other attributes to the vegetation line with the Attributes palette. See “The Attributes Palette” on page 1091 for more information on applying attributes.

The vegetation line can be assigned to a class (with the desired attributes). The original plant symbols can remain hidden by a vegetation line with a solid fill; however, the underlying vegetation can be revealed by hiding the vegetation line class.

Show/Hide Plant Styles

These effects display in Top/Plan view only. In a complex drawing with many plants, these settings can take a significant amount of time to display and edit, and it is useful to toggle the effects on and off.

2. If the plant styles are currently hidden, this command displays the outline, massing, and shadows of all plant objects with those parameters set.

If the plant styles are currently visible, this command hides the effects. The Outline selection is saved for the plants, even when hidden.