Best iPhone + iPad Apps for Landscape Architects

Introduction.

In celebration of receiving my iPad soon, I put together a list of apps that may be useful for those of us in the landscape architecture field. I am sure this list will become outdated soon enough, but nonetheless, here it is! Please feel free to add to or comment on any of these apps! See part 2 here. 

Basics.

Dropbox (Free) 

First at foremost, Dropbox is a must have. You can drag any file from any desktop, iPhone or iPad that has the software and access it from any other machine that also has the software.

Motion X GPS ($.99)
This is the app I use to record tracks and waypoints when I am in the field (mostly doing large scale vegetation analysis). If you want to take pictures with your iphone, this app will geotag them for you if you use the camera interface within the app. You can  email your waypoints, tracks or geotagged photos  to yourself and view them in google maps, google earth or ArcGIS. Doesn't quite replace a GPS unit, but has pretty good accuracy.

Botanical.

Dirr's Tree and Shrub Finder ($14.99)

So if you studied landscape architecture, I don't need to explain this one. I use Dirr's DVD all the time at work, and now you can have it on your mobile apple device! Not nearly as awesome as Dr. Brahm's labs, but maybe one day there will be a Braham app, with stories and all.

Tree ID ($2.99)

A pretty good app for when you forget how many leaflets a pignut hickory has.

What's Invasive?! (free)

Contribute to invasive species mapping and use to ID invasives in the field. Participatory sensing!

Florafolio ($3.99)

A collection of our native flora.

Botany Buddy ($9.99)

Over 2,000 species. ID or choose plants.

Civil Engineering.

Water and Waste Management Engineer ($4.99)

I have not tried this one yet, but it has pretty much any calculator you need 

Rain Harvest (free)

Quickly calculate runoff.

Drafting.

AutoCAD WS (free)

View, edit, annotate and share CAD files in the field. The best part is that you can view a google map aerial underneath your CAD linework (well, only if your drawing is georeferenced, which by now all CAD drawings should be, come on people!).

Drawing.

Sketchbook Pro ($7.99)

Can't wait to try this app on my iPad. Rates as one of the best apps out there.

.

Google SketchUp Cookbook ($6.99)

Tutorials.

GIS and Mapping.

ESRI ArcGIS (free)

View data, collect data with your iPhone or iPad GPS, view attribute info. It's a start in a good direction. Geoprocessing to come.

Soil Web  (free)

Access real-time USDA-NRCS soil data in the field!

Miscellaneous.


Designnear- with a database of over 575 projects, find a cool design project near you!

Any Audubon apps!

Architecture and Landscape Architecture- Dictionary and Encyclopedia

Bike Maps

iRhino 3D

LEED AP Building Design + Construction (study guide)


Vegetable Garden Planner


Autostitch Panorama

Sustainable Fish Guide


Farmer's Market Finder

(a)bioitic Consults on New Allen Lane Station in Mt Airy

The Allen Lane station is located in the Mt. Airy neighbor hood of Philadelphia, PA.  It was constructed in 1880 and it's design is attributed to architect Frank Furness and now houses a well visited coffee shop.  In 1930 a wonderful pedestrian bridge spanned the tracks and blended smoothly with the station.  The building and bridge have stood as a stunning example of the Victorian style, and although they had fallen to disrepair, it was important to residents that their unique character be maintained. 

In August of 2009, reconstruction began with $6.9 million federal money. Construction can and often is difficult work and the Allen Lane project but was stalled by weather and other construction conflicts.  The renovations include adding ADA-accessible ramps (the platform itself was raised 4 feet) and outdoor shelters, as well as reconstructing the pedestrian bridge.  In addition, an ambitious planting plan should bring many beautiful and wildlife friendly native species.

Bidge and Platform Before construction.

In the summer of 2010 an initial and ultimately unsuccessful attempt at a landscape installation was made.  The soil was never properly stabilized and the proper planting soil was not used.  Many of the neighbors are anxious to see the project complete and since the initial landscape was a failure, are excited to see the landscape.

Because, of their experience with construction and planting Ben and Emily from (a)biotic design studio were asked to consult with SEPTA.   Along with a representative from the West Mount Airy Neighbor's Streetscape Committee as well as the leader of the local Town Watch, they were on a fact finding and networking mission to help the landscape reach its full potential. 

The landscape schedule is still undetermined and many of the ongoing maintenance conversations will not be able to take place until the plants are in the ground.  (a)biotic expressed their concerns regarding slope stabilization and tree protection but in general  communicated their satisfaction with the workmanship and quality of the bridge and hardscape construction.  SEPTA seemed to be as interested as the local residents to see the place succeed as a beautiful and functional social space that is enjoyed and cared for by the community.


Stay tuned for updates on construction and ribbon cutting dates!