The Dirt

When the Rivers Run Dry

I just finished a great book.  Fred Pearce's When the Rivers Run Dry is a slightly frightening look at the growing, global shortage of our most precious resource, fresh water.  Now I don't consider myself an alarmist, a truther or even a tree hugger - but this is a must read.  For those of us in the civil engineering space it really hits home.

Consider a future where water is scarce.  So scarce that wars are fought over it, unimaginable sums of money are exchanged to find, keep and distribute it.  Corruption, violence, theft are all commonplace as water reserves disappear.  Well, that future is happening now in places all over the world.

It's an enlightening read.  Enjoy.

3D Models from Photographs?!?!?

Yep, it's true:

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/photo_scene_editor/

Easter Island Documentary Film to air SAT, July 3

At long last the documentary I filmed with The Travel Channel on Easter Island in 2009 is scheduled to air on Saturday, July 3rd.  The show is called Secret Worlds.  The TC is airing all six Secret Worlds episodes in a row and I don’t know which one will air first. Sorry!  If curious monitor the TC’s website of listings HERE. 

AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 Help Files Now On-Line

The AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 Help files are now available on the web HERE. New additions this year include the Installation Guide and videos for Tutorial exercises and workflows.

 

PDF versions of the 2011 Help are now available HERE.

 

 

New Support Page for Autodesk Product Installation & Licensing

Check it out HERE

Autodesk Sighting - Up in the Air

I was in a Milwaukee hotel last night and rented the George Clooney movie, Up in the Air.  If you watch very closely when they crash the tech-ie convention they pass a sign at the entrance to the show floor.  On that sign it says (among other things)  Autodesk.

Keep in mind the movie was freaking me out a bit as I could not help but see myself in Clooney's character.  The Autodesk cameo was even more startling.

If you travel a lot, see the movie.  If you travel too much, see the movie.  You'll laugh out loud and also be a bit disturbed by how familiar it is!  I go home now!

Autodesk Subscription Customers / Electronic Downloads

Starting this month, software download will replace CDs and DVDs as the default method of delivering software upgrades to most Autodesk^® Subscription customers worldwide.

If a customer would prefer to receive their software upgrade via CD/DVD instead of via download, customers can set their delivery preference to “box” by signing in to Subscription Center and updating their profile prior to March 12, 2010.  (Date does not apply to Media and Entertainment customers.) After March 12, 2010 customers in countries affected by this policy change can still request a CD/DVD by submitting a request in Subscription Center and Autodesk will ship a CD/DVD at no additional cost.

Software download gives Subscription customers immediate access to the latest Autodesk^® software. It’s more convenient than installing upgrades from a CD or DVD. And, it’s a more sustainable choice.

Autodesk will continue to ship CDs/DVDs to Subscription customers in some countries as the default delivery method. However, these customers will also have the option to download their Autodesk^® software upgrades.

Questions

Additional information and a Customer FAQ can be found on the Subscription Software Download page.
Or email [email protected].

Massive Chilean Earthquake

Last night a massive 8.8 earthquake hit Chile.  The resulting tsunami warning extended across the entire Pacific Basin.  This includes Easter Island.

As many of you know I have dear friends in Santiago and on the island.  I'm happy to report all the news is good.  Everyone is ok.  What a HUGE relief!

Let's hope my friends on Hawaii, Kosrae and Guam are as lucky

Bridge Design w/ Civil 3D & Revit Structure

 
Some cool new stuff up on Autodesk Labs specific to bridge design using Civil 3D:  http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/civil3D_bridge/

Doyle Drive (Presidio Parkway) Groundbreaking

This past Saturday (October 17, 2010) I was invited to the groundbreaking ceremony for the (then) Doyle Drive, (now) Presidio Parkway project in San Francisco.  In attendance were Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, and Administrator of the Federal Highways Administration, Victor Mendez.

Check out the PP websitefor the stunning Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) videos produced by Parsons Brinckerhoff. . . done with Autodesk products!

Mr. Mendez (above) is a fellow Arizonan so I introduced myself and asked for a photo.  That's the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.