LAPIS : A landscape architecture plant information system: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Horticultural Science (Honours) in the University of Canterbury [Lincoln College]

Abstract

Over recent years there has been an increasing interest in the application of computers to landscape design and management. One of the simpler of these applications is the selection of plant species to meet specified requirements. (Whitton and Jacques, 1984.) Over the years a number of packages have been developed but very few are commercially available, particularly for New Zealand conditions.

Although it is unlikely plant database systems will completely replace the variety of information available in books and knowledge gained from practical experience in landscape architecture, they are a useful aid. The ability of computers to store photographs and sketches is being utilised. This development is relatively new but will increase the usefulness of plat information packages. Traditional reference material will continue to have a major role.

The need to develop a Landscape Architecture Plant Information System (LAPIS) at Lincoln College became apparent (Barthelmeh, 19B8). The 1988 Diploma in Landscape Architecture class became interested in producing such a package. They were involved in the initial task of evaluating selection criteria and gathering information for the initial plant records in the database.

M Barthelmeh (Studio Tutor, Landscape Architecture Section, Lincoln College) was consulted about details pertaining to development of LAPIS. Any additional ideas for useful features were evaluated and implemented if practicable or noted for future work. At various stages Ms J Moore, a practising landscape architect (Ministry of Forestry) was consulted.

The database management system chosen to implement LAPIS was dBASE III plus. As this was a completely unfamiliar package the initial task was to learn to use dBASE interactively using a learners' guide (Metzelaar and Fox, 1987). Adapting my existing programming skills to the dBASE environment was achieved largely by reading "dBASE II plus Trail Guide" by Dickler (1986) and a number of other texts (Chou, 1986; Jones, 1987; Prague and Hammit, 1987).

The aim of this project was to develop a user friendly plant information system for landscape teaching and ultimately commercial use. The background to the project is described in more detail in chapters two and three, the database design and implementation of LAPIS in chapter four. Chapters five and six are a user's guide and programmers guide respectively, and a summary and future work are given in chapter seven.