PlantTracks - A TKE PowerTool for Punch!

Version 2.1.3

The set of plans that Punch! creates in its Architectural Series tools is no accident. A traditional planset for a residence features the same series of plans that Punch! creates: the foundation plan, the floor plans, electrical plumbing, and HVAC, roofing. The landscape plan is also a part of that set.

A specialized Landscape plan attempts to give the user an idea of plant coverage, in terms of types of plants and how they cover and shade the property. Different plants have different densities and different shapes. Punch! shows a "one size fits all" symbol for all the plants on the plan. In order to get an idea of how the plan works, different symbols are required for plants, so that not only can get an idea of how they are distributed but also how they fit together to produce a harmonious whole.

PlantTracks is a microtool which works in with the PlansPlus PowerTool to produce better landscape plans. PlansPlus provides extended display, export and print facilities for all Punch! plans, while PlantTracks adds the ability to assign basic plant representation schemes to individual plant species and varieties. Then, as these plants are added to the plan, one can see how they mingle and compliment each other. As an example of how this might be used, the tree shadowing the front porch can be identified as a evergreen on the paper plan without having to go back to the computer display.

As with all MicroTools related to the PlansPlus PowerTool, PlantTracks can be used in full compliment with all the other MicroTools. PlantTracks can be used, for example, in conjunction with PlantTracks, a microtool wich provides custom dimension references. Each MicroTool adds it's enhancement to the overall planset and therefore synergistically improve the plans more than any single tool does.

Compatibility

PlantTracks, as of version 2.1.0, is fully compatible with all Punch! PowerTool-enabled versions through level 12.x, including AS5000-12 and Master Landscape Pro-12. See the Compatibility page for more details.

PlantTracks and the contents of this help file are
Copyright©2006 by ThistleKeep Engineering; all rights are reserved.
Comments and suggestions, as well as support, are entertained at Lmc@ThistleKeep.com.
"Punch!" and other titles of Punch! operations are trademarks of Punch! Software L.L.C.
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