Expert: Bob - 8/30/2004

Question
I like to know what is best 3D design software in the market? for landscape and architecture.

What do you evaluate about Archicad, vectorworks, artlantis, form-z and Maya?

Thanks.

Answer
Well -- a tall question, best answered by yourself after you have checked out those softwares, as you are the one to be comfortable. Your question also frustrates me, as software choices are made in a SITUATION, not in the abstract, so it is hard to give an answer that helps you. The point is not which is best, but which suits your situation.
You leave out Autodesk Architectural Desktop, which is what I use, and Revit. Autodesk has other software for hilly landsapes. Archicad is architectural software, a good program, Vectorworks is passe to me, the others are in use, but really not what I would want.
Some of these are to make pretty renderings, some to make accurate plans. If you are sharing drawings with others, it is usually better if they have been created in an AutoCAD based product.
Match the software to your needs, your collaborations, and your abilities. Not knowing them, I can only give a "beauty reply".
Bob