Terrain modeling is a central discipline in landscape architecture (Anthos 2004). The software that has been developed today, gives terrain modeling quite a new dimension changing drawing-oriented design into object-oriented design. In short, a set of drawings is replaced by an intelligent model of the landscape, and from this model it is possible to extract drawings, cut and fill calculations, analyses, perspectives etc. 

Information technology is continuously pushing the limits as a tool for designers. At the moment, architects around the world struggle to implement digital strategies based on Building Information Models (BIM) to replace previous strategies based on drawings. A BIM is a digital representation of buildings, containing both graphic and numeric information of the objects, such as walls, windows and stairs, which make up the architectural project. The model appears in 3D and the designer operates in this spatial environment to add and edit objects.

Terrain is essential in developing landscape design. It forms the ground on which we live and shaping it involves both aesthetic and functional considerations. Software has been developed that works with a digital terrain model and offers an extended vocabulary with which to express design intentions. Interacting with a model represents a conceptual leap from the accepted use of computers for drawing based design.