Site Layout/Plan Software

Agree with Bo. Beauty of sketchup (SU) is that it can be as complicated or simple as you want. Buildings can be simple boxes, but the plan can still convey phasing, site establishment, hoarding lines etc etc.



DWG files can easily be imported so much of the work is done already (sometimes the scale is messed up on import, but easily rectified). Import a site plan DWG for starters. When you have learnt a bit more, import a floor plan and try building a representation of your project.



Scenes can be created to form a changing "movie" of your project from start to finish. You can get very good results for free, compared to the expense of software like Synchro.

As Andrew suggests I would also try Google Sketchup. It is extremely easy to learn and use, you can download thousands of pre-made components from the 3D Warehouse, plenty of instructions videos to download for free on Youtube and other sites (those from Aidan Chopra are very good) and best of all, it is free (unless you go with the Pro-version).



Software like AutoCad, Revit, Synchro, Vico, etc. carry a huge price tag, much more difficult to learn and it can sometimes be difficult to pursuade management that you need a license of this expensive software when you only use it as a secondary tool compared to the planning software a planner normally utilizes. No problem with Sketchup as it is free.



Bo

I used to do the same, producing logistics and phasing drawings on Powerpoint, recently started using MS Visio this has the ability to draw to scale and using familiar MS controls. Try the 30 day free download.

Dear Noel,



I highly recommend that you use Autocad for this purpose. Then you move on into 3D.



I am sure that if you make a few phone calls to the local surverying companies around you, then would tell you what software they are using and is compatible with their equipment.



With kind regards,



Samer

Noel



We have just started using Sketchup 7 for our site layouts - it lets you produce 3D layouts walkrounds etc and can be outsourced to powerpoint if you need to.



Andrew

Powerpoint is used mainly for presentation of slides and i don’t think the drawing objects inside the program can be used efficiently for drawing layouts or anything like that. For basic, I recommend, of course, Autocad. By all means it’s the best and most flexible drawing software.



For 3D, you can use BIM softwares such as Revit (structure, mep, civil, architecture), archicad or microstation.



if you want 4D, you can use Navisworks, Synchro or Vico Presenter...