The Dirt

Corridor Solids for AutoCAD Civil 3D on Autodesk Labs

This technology preview allows Civil 3D users to generate AutoCAD solids that represent real-world items such as tunnels, retaining walls, or pavement layers. These can be easily used for: visual analysis and design verification, construction coordination, and expanded model sharing between various project team members. Like many Labs technology previews, this is an English language add-on, but it can be installed on any language version of AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012. The technology preview is starting out as 64-bit only.

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/civil3d_corridor_solids/updates/

Sep 1, 2011 1:58:47 PM

CALTRANS Transitions to AutoCAD Civil 3D Software for Transportation Projects Statewide

Do I even have to say how impactful this is? CALTRANS is the USA's largest DOT and the largest civil engineering entity in the world . . . an enormous win for Autodesk.

Enjoy!

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. June 29, 2011— Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), a world leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, today announced that the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), one of the largest Departments of Transportation (DOT) in the United States, has selected AutoCAD Civil 3D for road and highway design projects statewide. The contract is over a five year period and includes access to Autodesk’s AutoCAD Civil 3D software, training and services. Civil 3D is part of Autodesk’s broad portfolio of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Infrastructure solutions, which includes software for planning, designing, building, and managing infrastructure.

California has almost 400,000 lane miles of road and Caltrans manages more than 50,000 of these miles. Developing and repairing this infrastructure strategically, economically, and sustainably requires innovative road design software. Caltrans plans to use AutoCAD Civil 3D software to produce timely and quality plans, specifications and estimates for transportation improvement projects statewide. Caltrans’ decision to move to Civil 3D adds them to a growing list of major transportation agencies—including Wisconsin DOT, Florida DOT, Mass Highway, and Alaska DOT—who have made the move to Autodesk BIM for Infrastructure solutions.

“We continue to see considerable momentum in the demand for our BIM for Infrastructure solutions,” said Jay Bhatt, senior vice president, AEC solutions, at Autodesk. “Agencies like Caltrans are recognizing the benefits of our BIM portfolio, including Civil 3D, for substantially reducing project costs and delivering better transportation solutions to the public. Caltrans’ decision underscores our commitment to listening to the needs of our infrastructure customers and delivering world class solutions that address them, whether it’s for transportation, water, energy, or land and urban development projects.”

Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB), a global leader in planning, design and management for infrastructure, has been using AutoCAD Civil 3D extensively on highway design projects across the state of California. “I am excited that Caltrans has decided to standardize on Autodesk’s Civil 3D. The model-based workflows that Civil 3D supports have resulted in efficiency gains for our highway engineering and management teams, giving us a competitive advantage,” said Brady Nadell, P.E. at Parsons Brinckerhoff.

Jul 12, 2011 8:11:14 AM

Think twice before reclining that seat!

For all of my fellow frequent fliers . . . Recline your seat, get smacked by the neanderthal behind you, and bang, zoom . . . fighter escort back home. Let's all try and get along, hmm?

Jun 1, 2011 2:28:49 PM

Webcast: Model-based Design at WisDOT

WHEN: 2011-May-05, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Pacific Daylight Time

LOCATION: On Line

Hear from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation about their implementation of AutoCAD® Civil 3D® and the opportunities for the department to enhance their workflows through to construction. These updated workflows, along with lessons learned, will be examined in the context of their recently completed design project.

Register HERE

Apr 27, 2011 4:28:44 PM

GIS Day 2010: BIM and GIS

In honor of GIS Day 2010, my colleagues Mike Schlosser, Neal Niemiec, and Pete Southwood have created an on-demand webcast that highlights Building Information Modeling (BIM) and its impact on the geospatial community.

BIM is now being embraced by municipalities, utilities, transportation departments, campuses and others with an interest in infrastructure; it’s not just about buildings anymore.

Nov 15, 2010 9:04:46 AM

Design Technology Management Conference - AU 2010

Newsflash! My old friend Robert Green and I will be hosting the DTMC at AU . . . .

Design Technology Management Conference

Monday, November 29
1:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

AU will break new ground in 2010 by offering this new conference focused on managers of design technology services. If you are responsible for keeping your design enterprise working smoothly, controlling overhead, and motivating staff, sign up for the Design Technology Management Conference.

Gain insight into innovative technology and management solutions.
Enjoy making new contacts with others like yourself.
Enhance your expertise in the implementation, deployment, and management of current Autodesk technologies.
Learn about Autodesk plans for the future technologies.

Why Attend?

This half-day conference will address many of the business issues that managers like you face—from the impact of a new release on their systems and teams to best practices and many other issues in between. Special focus will be on building information modeling (BIM). Emphasis will be placed on group discussions with other managers in collaborative environments that foster sharing, problem solving, and learning.

Oct 28, 2010 5:56:53 PM