Academic Catalog

HORT 45: LANDSCAPE DESIGN: 2-D COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2026
Units: 3
Hours: 2 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (60 total per quarter)
Advisory: HORT 40 and a basic understanding of the operation of computers is recommended; not open to students with credit in HORT 60E.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU/UC
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge of landscape design software command skills through development of an appropriate landscape design project.
  • Utilize the terminology appurtenant to computer aided design software.

Description

Introduction to two-dimensional (2-D) software for computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), specifically for landscape related applications. Focus is on development of basic command skills, including 2-D drawing, editing, creation of layers, plant placement tools, dimensioning, symbol libraries, section and elevation drawings, and preparation of completed designs. Importing, exporting, and printing options.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Exhibit an understanding of the principles of computer aided design and drafting.
  2. Discuss the different types of 2-D software available to landscape designers.
  3. Perform basic drawing activities in 2-D using CADD software.
  4. Prepare a planting plan using CADD software.
  5. Import information used in drawings.
  6. Export CADD drawings for printing and use in other programs.

Course Content

  1. Introduction to computer aided design and drafting (CADD) for landscape design
    1. Overview of CADD software
    2. Practical applications, given project type, size, and business structure
    3. Underlying principles of CADD
    4. Design nomenclature (entity drafting, layers, dimensioning, grids, etc.)
  2. Types of software for creating 2-D drawings (examples)
    1. Vectorworks
    2. Realtime Landscaping Architect
    3. Layout (SketchUp)
    4. Dynascape
    5. AutoCAD Light
  3. Performing basic 2-D computer aided design and drafting activities
    1. Drawing files; opening and saving
    2. Menu layout and ribbon layout
    3. Symbol libraries
    4. Drawing tools
    5. Editing tools
    6. Layers and classes
    7. Sheet setup and layout
    8. Templates
    9. Sections and elevations
  4. Preparing planting plans
    1. Plant placement tool
    2. Modifying plant characteristics
    3. Inserting plant schedule
  5. Importing information
    1. Importing and re-scaling base information
    2. Importing images
    3. Importing PDFs
  6. Exporting and printing information
    1. Exporting drawing as PDF, DWG, DXF, and other file types
    2. Saving drawing in previous releases
    3. Using CADD exports in other drawing formats
    4. Printing CADD exports

Lab Content

  1. Preparing designs using CADD
    1. Drawing setup
    2. Drawing rendering
    3. Drawing editing
  2. Manipulating drawings using CADD
    1. Creating symbols
    2. Changing layers and classes
  3. Importing and exporting
    1. File types
    2. Images
    3. Existing base sheets

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. CADD laboratory with computer work stations, CADD software, and a multi-media projection system; and/or student provided laptop computer with minimum system requirements to run software.
2. Students provide printer supplies and other relevant drafting equipment or supplies necessary to complete exercises and projects.
3. Students provide drawing storage media (USB thumb drive or equivalent).
4. Students may need to purchase software used in class through publisher.
5. When taught online, on-going access to computer with email and internet access.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Participation
Class exercises
Class projects

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Lectures
Discussions
Lab activities
Assigned reading activities

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Wiuggansa, Jiadare. Sketchup 2025 Guide for Beginners: Mastering 3D Modeling. 2024.

Vectorworks software

Vectorworks Getting Started Guide (free online guides and videos)

Realtime Landscaping Architect (free online guides and videos)

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

Reading assignments will include reading approximately 10 pages per week from the online guides or book(s).

Discipline(s)

Ornamental Horticulture