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Irrigation contractors across the country are finding that automated irrigation design software can be a great tool. Just like a pipe puller or trencher, irrigation design software can be a tool to make your irrigation layout process more efficient and more accurate. Yes, it requires some training, but the benefits for those willing to make the commitment to learn it and use it have far outweighed the initial investment. If you have ever thought about utilizing software to do your irrigation plans, I offer the following points for your consideration.
One of the first things to determine is your method of collecting site data such as size and location of existing structures, property boundaries and existing planting beds. The irrigation designer is typically supplied with a landscape plan of proposed plantings or a plat (mortgage survey) from the homeowner. You will want to ensure that the software package which you are considering will allow you to “scan” the plan into the computer and then design the irrigation “on top” of that scanned image. This eliminates the need for manually inputting the buildings, property lines, beds etc. These scanned images will become files that may be in a variety of formats, including bitmaps, tiffs or gifs.
A second way to get the site information into your computer is to receive it in electronic format (on disc or via e-mail). Many developers, builders and landscape designers have automated their process of developing planting plans and can simply give you the site layout in this manner. You can then open the file, usually a “.dwg” file that was created in AutoCAD, and start designing. (CAD just means “Computer Aided Design.”] Since AutoCAD software is so widely used by developers and builders, you may want to ask if the irrigation design software you are considering can “read” the latest file version available from AutoCAD.
Another key item when considering an automated design solution is what method the software uses for head placement. Don’t become mesmerized by the automated routines that you may see demonstrated at shows, etc. These routines often work well for large open areas -- but as you well know, each designer has his or her own technique for fine-tuning an irrigation design. You should try to determine how easy it is to switch between different types of heads; sprays, rotors, etc. It would also be important to find out if the software package includes the specifications and symbology for all of the latest brands and models of irrigation supplies. Remember this is the portion of the software where you will be spending the largest portion of your time during the design process. You will also want to find out if the automated system can help you in zoning the heads as well as calculating precipitation rates for water usage calculations.
The next area to evaluate when considering automation is the piping routines. In my own practice, I have found this feature saves me the largest amount of time. As you well know, if you give the same plan to three different designers you will get three different pipe-routing layouts. Your software choice should allow for maximum flexibility in designing a pipe layout. All the types and sizes of pipes should be available for you to easily spec into your design. Find out if the pipes can have curves in them or if they must all be straight-line segments. Most importantly, evaluate the pipe-sizing routines that are used by the automated system. Do they consider elevation as a factor in pipe sizing? Can you set the permissible velocity of the water through the pipe network? Does it allow you to select the type and size of the remote valve?
After the system has been designed, you will want to consider how your design can be printed out to present to your customer. Will the software you are considering allow you to print your design on a normal printer or will special equipment be required? Will it print out at a scale that you can choose? Does the software create a water usage report based on your scheduling needs? Can you get a detailed material list with unit costs? Can you prepare the plan in color to ensure the clarity of the plan for your client and for your installation crew?
Finally, I thought I would include some tips that I use that may prove helpful to those designers who are already utilizing an automated system. I usually provide two sets of plans for the installation crew: one set that has the zone areas defined with color as well as my intended pipe locations, and one set that has the pipes removed from the plan for the crew to sketch in where the piping was actually installed. This makes it very easy for me to create the “as built” plan while providing a “to scale” print for the installation crew to make notes on. When presenting my plans to a homeowner, I prepare a plan with the head symbols and coverage arcs filled in a light blue and have no pipes displayed. I utilize this plan to educate the client about the need for a properly designed plan that clearly illustrates how each area will be irrigated.
The author is owner of Evergreen Solutions and can be reached at tim.smith@egreensolutions.com. Evergreen Solutions is an independent consulting firm -- located in Dubuque, Iowa -- focusing on the technology needs of the Landscape Architect and Green Industry Professional throughout the United States and Canada.