At Lands End

Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler 2013 Launched!

Having just started as a product manager on the Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler team, I can honestly say that I could not have moved to this team at a more exciting time.  It was only months ago that I sat in a meeting with Chris discussing "what could be".  Today, I am here to announce "what is".

Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler 2013 has launched!  Here's what's new:

Model Creation:

• Build large models from GIS, civil, FBX, and raster data Incorporate detailed models from other software, such as AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Civil 3D or Autodesk® Revit software products
• Civil 3D round-trip workflows
• One-click workflows with Autodesk 3ds Max and Civil 3D

Conceptual Design Alternatives (Sketching):

• Design concept alternatives (sketching) roads, water and land features, and other infrastructure
• Create multiple design alternatives in a single model
• Reuse conceptual design data in detailed design (e.g. Civil 3D)
• Rail style editor

Analysis & Measurement:

• Terrain shading
• Distance & Volume Measurement, and range finding
• Sun shadow

Sharing, Visualization, & Collaboration:

• Interactively navigate and change data in real time
• Shift between design alternatives
• Hyperlinks and tooltips
• Produce rendered images and videos

And so much more...

For more details, visit www.autodesk.com/autodesk-infrastructure-modeler (but you already know that).

Where to go for Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler 2012 help

This weekend, I noticed that a Twitter user posted a question asking "Autodesk: Do you have a manual for Infrastructure Modeler?"

It seems to be a common question that folks need some help getting to know Infrastructure Modeler and can't seem to find the right info.  It's a new product, so we're not too surprised that it takes a little while for users to figure out all the places to go.

So... here's a quick list of some of the resources that you might find helpful as you get to know the product:

Official product page (system requirements, FAQ)
Free trial for AIM 2012
Official wikihelp pages (the official manual)
Infrastructure Modeler discussion forum
AU 2011 Infrastructure Modeler 2012 tutorial
Online virtual training class
Infrastructure YouTube channel (some great AIM 2012 content)

As we get more content posted, we'll be happy to update these links.

Happy modeling! 

Autodesk Project Galileo Online extended through September 30, 2012

Project Galileo Online, the trial technology to publish infrastructure models to the web and share them through web browser and mobile viewers with colleagues, has been extended through September 30, 2012.

Sign up and download Project Galileo Online here

To publish models from Project Galileo Online, you must be using Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler 2012.

To view Project Galileo Online scenarios in a web viewer, you must log into the Project Galileo Online Labs site and download the web viewer plug-in.

To view Project Galileo Online on your IPad 2, you must log into the Project Galileo Online Labs site and follow the directions for TestFlight.

Here's a brief overview of the components that are in Project Galileo Online:

Infrastructure Modeler helps plan Otsuchi-town tsunami recovery

I was very excited to find that one of my colleagues worked with Autodesk partners to use Infrastructure Modeler to help with the Japanese 2011 tsunami recovery effort in Otsuchi Japan.  For a graphic description of some of the devastation that happened in Otsuchi, take a look at this blog from a northern Californian who visited to help with the relief effort.

Infrastructure Modeler was used to help show how high different parts of the town would have to be filled in and reconstructed to safeguard against future earthquake and tsunami events.  Approximately 50% of the town was destroyed by a surge that crested tsunami blocking walls and swept inland by at least 2 km.

Autodesk staff worked with Engineers from the Iwate Digital Engineer Training Center to help build 3D models that could demonstrate the recovery plans in a visual medium that was understandable by town officials and citizens.

Read the translated PDF success story here

Infrastructure Modeler screen shot showing planning details within a 3D model of the Otsuchi area 

Infrastructure Modeler screen shot showing planning details in another view of the Otsuchi model 

The devastation to the lives and property of the town of Otsuchi is terrible and we're really glad that Infrastructure Modeler can help the town plan for a safer future.

Intermap limited time offer for free US county data

 

One question we get all the time is "Where do I find the geospatial data that can be the context for my projects in Infrastructure Modeler?"

The truth is... the possibilities are endless.  But there are some great companies out there who collect and broker data to help make the search process a bit easier.

Intermap, a Denver based company that collects high quality terrain data for much of the world, has a limited time offer for GIS professionals to downwload a county of terrian data.  Here's their offer:

Claim your no-cost terrain data now!   In celebration of the new NEXTMap® WebStoreTM, you now have access to the U.S. county of your choice through March 16, 2012. To take advantage of this offer, visit the WebStore, choose your U.S. county and use offer code "YourCounty" at checkout.

To access this offer, click here.

As always... send us some cool screenshots or video if you try this out!

Blast injuries in Congo preventable through urban planning?

If you heard about the blast in Congo, here's something to consider. High density, unconstrained growth in developing countries can have disastrous consequences when citizens are packed in near hazardous sites.  In this case, an arms depot that was in empty space a few years ago is now surrounded by poor quality, high density housing. 

This article offers a more indepth perspective on the need for urban design in the developing world.  Interesting read.

It's the responsibility of governments to not only build sustainably and efficiently, but also to avoid placing citizens in harm's way.  It's the responsibility of service providers, vendors, and those who support governments to educate them about the tools that can help!