Autodesk’s New Infrastructure Portfolio Additions

Autodesk announced recently their Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler 2012 software for conceptual design and AutoCAD Utility Design 2012 software for electric utility design, two new additions to the Autodesk Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Infrastructure portfolio for planning, designing, building, and managing more sustainable infrastructure. These new products complement the Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite 2012, and are designed to help professionals address the failing infrastructure crisis.

For those in the GIS industry unfamiliar with building information modeling (BIM), it is a technology designed to build a model to collect and manage all the data that goes into an infrastructure project. As projects become larger and encompass more data, the need to have a centralized repository of all associated project data from concept through to building, operations and maintenance becomes more critical. Paul McRoberts, vice president of the Infrastructure Product Line Group AEC Solutions, was formerly the head of Autodesk’s GIS division, which they rolled into the Infrastructure division in the past two years. The reason for this is that the company at its roots is focused on infrastructure, and their GIS products are best suited as complements to their other infrastructure products. Most of their customers use GIS as part of a whole in initial site planning, digital cities, building design, utility design and other infrastructure related tasks. Their GIS products are now part of Autodesk’s Civil 3D and AutoCAD Utility Design for Electrical Utility Distribution.

GIS becoming part of model-based design is another way in which GIS is becoming invisible as it becomes ubiquitous and powers various consumer, location, tracking, real estate, imagery and other applications. The convergence of design and geospatial is cutting edge and worthy of note. Autodesk presented at the 2010 Esri GeoDesign conference in Redlands, offering an interesting perspective to geodesign by way of their architectural and engineering background.

McRoberts noted that there is a $41 trillion problem with infrastructure and about $22 trillion available to fix this situation.

The Infrastructure Design Suite released earlier this year introduced the whole gamut of plan, design, construct and manage as part of the infrastructure lifecycle. “We called it our BIM for Infrastructure,” said McRoberts. “At that time we really focused on how information was leveraged throughout the entire lifecycle and took things from Map 3D in our GIS environment and moved them to Civil 3D for purposes of construction. We moved into construction and the construction phase using NavisWorks. We were moving a lot of information back and forth between these products that looked at how a project is delivered from the early stages of planning all the way through to the design build and manage environment.”

“Today we are showing how ideas are being passed through structural design and ultimately utility design as well,” said McRoberts.

What defines Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler is the expansion of Autodesk’s BIM portfolio, to be geared around the idea of being able to leverage existing information such as GIS data and any kind of disparate data: lidar data, Pictometry and photogrammetry. Users want to be able to layer this information in and to create a representation of existing conditions. “We wanted to be able to create new proposals that are very quick to help customers understand what the future BIM structure is going to look like and to move the process along that much faster,” explained McRoberts.

The next product introduced was BIM for Infrastructure for the Utility Industry. McRoberts described this product as Civil 3D for the utility design industry – with all the data and intelligence at the core, really being able to leverage everything from GIS data, network data, analysis configuration and move it quicker through the design process.

Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler 2012

McRoberts said Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler 2012 helps get the public, government officials and corporate stakeholders involved at the earliest stages of the project. “What we decided to do two or three years ago was to be able to visualize all this data- GIS, lidar and infrastructure information at an early stage in the process for those not familiar with the design and construction world.”

In one of the videos McRoberts showed, a Russian design firm working on a project in the Middle East  proposed a roundabout in the middle of the city. They wanted to lay simulation around the roundabout for traffic, just to understand what things might look like in this inner city area. One video shows the power of Infrastructure Modeler in that you can not only look above ground but under ground as well. A South American company is addressing the large urban environment and stressing the utilities underground, for which they need networks and right fixes. How do they start expanding in this large urban environment, share with utility companies with government officials and start looking at the next generation of urbanization for really moving a million more people into a city?

“The power of Infrastructure Modeler is in being able to leverage existing data, being able to sketch in new information and create proposals around what you might be looking at a very early stage in the process,” said McRoberts.

Technical marketing manager Linda Sharkey gave a demonstration of Infrastructure Modeler and suggested where you might start creating a model. “You can use the data you already own and manage as part of the planning and design process to create your model, and then more details from the Infrastructure Design Suite software or Navisworks or Revit can be incorporated,” said Sharkey.

AEC firms maintain a lot of CAD, GIS and design data. Map engineers work with data including surface data in raster form, road center lines, land use, parcels and building footprints. This same data can be used to create an infrastructure model. Raster data or AutoCAD 3D surfaces can be used to create terrain and make the terrains more realistic and informative by tracing aerial photography or site plans or topographic maps on top of them.

With Infrastructure Modeler, you can connect to data from relational databases, flat files, as well AutoCAD DWG. You can make full use of the CAD and GIS data that you already have to display 3D representations grown from 3D data both above and below the ground. You can connect to these different data formats and then configure them to become different feature types such as buildings, trees or roads, or in this case, some land coverages. Infrastructure Modeler comes with a large number of out of the box style catalogs that allow you to change road styles, simply by dragging and dropping these styles onto the feature. This allows you to tailor to the different needs of clients or stakeholders and you can change and enhance the model as you get more detailed data.

Because style models are customizable, you’re able to add these to the catalogs and use to enhance your model. The same goes for more detailed models from other software including Civil 3D, 3ds Max, Navisworks or Revit, all Autodesk products.

Another way of enhancing the model is incorporating time into it. Actions can be given start and termination dates. If you set the model date and time the model will update to only show assets valid for that time frame.

You can use conceptual design as a basis for detailed design, according to Sharkey.  You can use AutoCAD Map 3D to perform a buffer analysis on the conceptual design road to find out what underground utilities are within a hundred feet of the building or asset and which needs to be considered when you start to dig. Results can be brought into the infrastructure model.

“We were able to create a project proposal in only two hours with Infrastructure Modeler, and that same process would’ve taken two weeks or more using traditional practices,” said Sharkey.

AutoCAD Utility Design for Electrical Utility Distribution

McRoberts talked about the need for a SmartGrid and how it requires smart design. There is a lot of technology being developed for location based sensors and to turn grids on and off, and the ability to manage utilities more efficiently. “What does a model based design product look like, how do we know where something is, how was it intended to be used, what the materials are, what’s configured, how is it set up and configured as part of a network?” he asked. “The SmartGrid revolution requires a new way to think about design and our BIM approach for AutoCAD Utility Design does just that.”

Getting power from a windfarm generation operation to the location where power can be consumed is not being accomplished because there is not the grid in place to make this happen. The aging infrastructure is not designed to support this and to support existing customers. Smart Grid demands are getting greater, and creation and distribution of power are on the minds of all utilities professionals.

Sharkey talked about model based design for electric utility distribution networks. which makes it possible to “drive consistency and productivity with model based design.” The goal of this product is to analyze these designs, optimize them and enhance reliability, and deliver more consistent and coordinated design models automatically.

AutoCAD Utility Design for Electrical Utility Distribution addresses three main areas: design, analysis and automated processes.

Design –
Smart grids require smart information and because you’re working with true model based design and that 3D connectivity and level of intelligence can be incorporated at the drafting phase.

One of biggest benefits of AUD would be the ability to set up templates. An experienced designer can set up a number of templates for use by the entire team, complete with coordinate system information and document properties.

You can pull GIS information into your template to better inform your design, you can use building and parcel data from AutoCAD 3D.

Analysis –
Not only are standards are evolving far more rapidly than ever before, the assumptions used for calculations in analysis are evolving too and the components that make up the grid are changing. AUD contains a comprehensive set of configurable engineering analysis tools, such as automatic guiding, voltage drop calculation, clearance checking and more. Analysis for voltage drop can run automatically.

Automated processes –
Automated processes can help you improve you design to construction time even more. The ability to integrate with work management systems allows you to generate work orders, and the ability to integrate with materials and billing systems means you can generate reports of materials and labor costs estimates and because it is built on AutoCAD Map 3D 2012. The industry model used is exactly the same, and you can deliver an intelligent model that has all the attributes, connectivity, and containment information that you need to better manage those assets.

Top of the News

Mobile phones and tablet PCs could soon join the humble bike pump as an Australian cycling essential if a plan for an online map of the nation’s bike and hiking trails gains traction.

The concept, devised by the nation’s leading location intelligence specialists Esri Australia, would show riders the most scenic track to take, where they could undertake emergency repairs, or even help them locate the nearest pub for those with a hard-earned thirst.

Esri Australia’s Professional Services Manager for South Australia and self-confessed cycling tragic Andrew Fellows peddled the innovative concept at the national Tracks and Trails conference in Sydney  as a response to the huge growth in recreational cycling.

Blom and Cyclomedia have signed an exclusive franchise agreement to produce BlomSTREET in the territories of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark, and are currently investigating similar agreements for other territories in Southern Europe.

Cyclomedia’s well-known family of data models will be distributed by Blom as part of  the brand BlomSTREET, adding to Blom’s vast European collection of geographical Data Models such as BlomOBLIQUE and BlomORTHO. All of Blom’s street level imagery will be viewable in Blom’s GIS Viewing applications BlomWEB Viewer and BlomDESKTOP Viewer – giving fast and easy access to the product.

Acquisitions/Agreements/Alliances

RapidEye Canada Ltd., an affiliate of Iunctus Geomatics Corp., the leading supplier of optical satellite imagery in Canada, announced  that it has acquired the assets RapidEye AG of Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany, a global provider of high-resolution imagery and geospatial solutions. The purchase was finalized on Monday, August 29, 2011 in Potsdam, Germany.

1Spatial has been appointed as UK and Ireland distributor for Latitude Geographics and is pleased to offer Geocortex Essentials to organisations who want to get more from their investment in ArcGIS Server.

Geocortex Essentials provides a framework of highly functional web mapping components designed to fast-track the development of ArcGIS Server based applications. The powerful integration capabilities and use of workflow technology allow organizations to realize their vision for GIS by providing highly efficient, business function specific applications, whilst minimising development effort.  Geocortex Essentials includes:

• Ready-to-use map viewers offering extensive additional capabilities
• Workflow technology that reduces development effort and streamlines user interactions
• A unique Spatial Application Infrastructure approach that delivers multiple web applications designed to accommodate inevitable technology change over time

Orbit GeoSpatial Technologies is proud to announce that Geograma is appointed as Orbit GT Reseller for theSpanish market.

Geograma will adapt the Orbit GT portfolio for the Spanish market and represent Orbit GT solutions in Spain. This partnership will have a primary focus towards the emerging business of mobile mapping and integration with Spanish partnering software vendors, bringing this innovative technology to local and national administrations and industries.

Position Partners Pty Ltd., has joined the Pointools Partner Program in Australia. Pointools software streamlines scan-to-model workflows by enabling project teams to reference and reuse the largest point cloud models – the billions of measurement points taken by 3D laser scanners – inside the broadest range of applications.

GITA has entered into an agreement with the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation (NAPSG) to explore a partnership to design, develop and conduct educational events to raise awareness of the use of geospatial technologies in the public safety/emergency response sectors and to provide first responders and others with enhanced capabilities for applying geospatial information technologies to emergency/disaster planning, mitigation, response, and recovery.

Valtus Imagery Services, a division of North West Geomatics Ltd. and Surdex Corporation announced  that they have entered into a partnership whereby Surdex will both supply as well as distribute data through the Valtus delivery system.

As with all other datasets contained within the Valtus library, data supplied by Surdex will be accessible through Valtus’ Views: Spatial Data Access Subscription, an ArcXML and WMS service, allowing for real-time streaming of the imagery directly to the user’s desktop, as well as a static download from the Spatial Data Store.

Announcements

DigitalGlobe announced that it has activated its fourth new remote ground terminal (RGT) this year, completing the first phase of its RGT expansion initiative on-plan and on-schedule. The initiative, begun in 2010, calls for the construction and activation of seven new RGTs by mid-2012.

Pitney Bowes Business Insight announced it will be the first organization in Australia to provide an address validation and geocoding solution with verified National Address Management Framework (NAMF) certification.

Governed by ANZLIC – The Spatial Information Council – NAMF provides an overarching set of standards for the process of verifying an address and exchanging digital address data between government departments and organizations. The stated overall aim of the NAMF is to provide a unique address where one address equals one location.

New Products

Leica Geosystems is pleased to announce the new version 4.1 of its Leica Spider software suite including Leica GNSS Spider, Leica SpiderWeb and Leica SpiderQC.  The market leading software introduces full GPS & GLONASS satellite correction signals support in accordance with the recently amended RTCM v3 international standard for network RTK (MAC).

Leica Spider software is an integrated suite of programs for GNSS networks that is modular and scalable.  It can be tailored to suit various GNSS surveying, machine control, GIS, seismic and structural monitoring applications. Professional service providers world-wide count on the Leica Spider infrastructure software.

NAVIGON AG announced the second generation of its award-winning navigation apps for Android devices and the iPhone will be available this fall. The new versions redefine core elements of smartphone navigation, including an industry first approach to map management and updates, an even more effortless and intuitive user interface, and new features not found in any other navigation app. Current Android and iPhone users are eligible for free upgrades to the new versions. In addition, NAVIGON is making its successful navigation app available for Windows Phone 7 later this year.

Extending Oracle’s smart grid capabilities, Oracle Utilities Network Management System 1.11 offers new modeling and analysis features to improve distribution-grid management for electric utilities.

The new modeling enhancements provide real-time views of grid activity to help properly align electricity generation with demand. Understanding potential outcomes under multiple possible conditions, such as storms, extreme temperatures and fluctuations in commercial and consumer usage, helps utilities improve contingency plans to maintain continuous operations through events that previously resulted in outages.

Trimble announced  its 80 megapixel Trimble Aerial Camera (TAC 80MP), extending the range of applications for today’s medium-format aerial cameras.

Trimble announced the release of its Inpho 5.4 software suite. Inpho software is specifically engineered to meet the rigorous standards of digital photogrammetry and laser scanning data production. With the release, Trimble has significantly improved Inpho’s performance, workflow integration and result quality.

GISi launched its GIS HealthCheck campaign. Local government organizations are dealing with reduced budgets and need to do more with less!  To help them maximize their GIS investments, GISi has sprung into action and built a GIS HealthCheck toolkit and SWAT team of consultants that have worked in the GIS sector of local government for years.

TomTom announced the launch of the portable navigation device with a suite of popular travel apps. The connected TomTom GO LIVE 1535M device will combine the most comprehensive road and traffic information from TomTom HD Traffic, with the insight of travel-related apps. These new features will give people in cars the information they need on a dedicated device designed to offer the best navigation experience.

Accela, Inc. formally launched Accela Mobile 311, a native iPhone and iPad app that enables residents, businesses and other members of the public to take an active role in their community by requesting services from or reporting incidents to their local government agency, whenever and wherever convenient. Local governments using Accela Automation software license Accela Mobile 311 based on a community’s population. Governments can then brand the app, using their own name and logo, and offer it to their local constituents via Apple’s App Store.

Around the Web

GISCafe Today Blog

‘Smart Collar’ in the Works to Manage Wildlife Better August 29, 2011, The New York Times (registration required)

Events

Tags: BIM, Infrastructure

Categories: AutoCAD Utility Design 2012, Autodesk, Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler 2012

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