Got a weird request to add a 3D model of a specific oak tree to a site plan last week

The client wanted a 'landmark' for a new park in Austin, so I tried using a free SketchUp model from a forestry site instead of building it from scratch. It cut my modeling time down from like 6 hours to 45 minutes and they loved the detail. Has anyone else found a good source for free, accurate plant or tree models for civil drawings?

2 comments

2 Comments

nora_barnes2d ago

The city arborist in Portland has a public 3D library of local species. It's for urban planning. I downloaded a Douglas fir model last year that was survey-accurate for trunk spread. Saved me from guessing. Those municipal forestry departments sometimes have the best data because they map every tree. Check if Austin has something similar online.

faithb742d agoMost Upvoted

Austin's tree map is actually pretty solid. I used it to check oak coverage in my neighborhood last fall. Their data on heritage trees is weirdly detailed.