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Geospatial Infrastructure Software






tial solutions, Bentley PowerMap Field - a field data collection and as-built reporting solution, Bentley Redline - used for viewing, redlining, and printing of DGN and DWG files, Bentley View - a CAD file viewing application that can open, view, and print DGN, DWG and DXF file formats, MicroStation GeoGraphics - a tool for mapping, data collection, editing, cleanup and analysis, supports XMLbased feature modeling and serves as the platform for vertical applications from Bentley such as water and wastewater network management and communications and utilities network design.

AUTODESK
Autodesk provides 2D and 3D technologies that can be used to visualize, simulate, and analyze the real-world performance of their ideas early in the design process. Autodesk solutions comprise infrastructure-specific modules, such as cadastral, drainage, sewer, and water, that work together or as stand-alone applications and uses the same data throughout the process, eliminating interoperability issues. The modules are built on Autodesk software, with an underlying Oracle® database that integrates all data types and formats across the project lifecycle. The Autodesk Geospatial has a range of products for CAD and GIS systems, so that the organizations can design, manage, publish, and integrate spatial data more efficiently.

The main products from Autodesk used worldwide are,

Do not replace anything, leverage what exists

Manideep Saha, Head - Infrastructure Solutions Division, India and SAARC, Autodesk.

Product
Infrastructure is what you create on the top of the earth and when we define infrastructure, we talk of GIS to include the non-structural civil engineering part of it as well. Autodesk caters to the entire spectrum - right from preparing the spatial maps (GIS) to creating engineering design for the road, piping and other utility networks to post construction operations and maintenance of the assets and facilities created. Autodesk focusses on certain key segments worldwide like transportation (roads, railways, ports and airports), government (federal/state, municipal), and utilities. Autodesk addresses the engineering component of utilities.

Autodesk has a line of products which is not just design but also a GIS concept in order to create and manage GIS data (land data, water bodies, forest cover). Design work helps us design and implement all the utilities like power network above the ground, setting up hydro power plants, drainage network, piping networks From a product standpoint, Autodesk is in the space which starts right from creating maps from satellite imagery. We have a software called Raster Design (earlier called as CAD Overlay) which is able to capture satellite data (16bit, 32bit, MSS etc.), scanned paper maps (raster data) and convert them into vector (semi-automatically) and read it through a software called Map 3D, our flagship product. Raster Design is one product which is used by all our businesses, not just GIS.

AutoCAD Map 3D is our flagship GIS tool, which is fairly all encompassing and has been built on the 2D platform AutoCAD.

Map 3D is not just a GIS scientist’s tool but is also an effective tool for a Civil / GIS engineer Since this is built on AutoCAD and most of the GIS data worldwide is delivered on DWG (AutoCAD) format, there are no interoperability issues of bringing the data directly into Map 3D. AutoCAD Map 3D 2008, the latest version, is a full functional GIS tool that creates intelligent and classified spatial data unlike the earlier AutoCAD and can also import and export data of any format (MapInfo, ArcSDE, Oracle, DGN, etc).

Map3D helps to create , manage and share data effectively within your organization and also has a whole bunch of APIs which can be used to create applications on it as per one's need.

Segment
Autodesk focuses worldwide on certain key segments like transportation (roads, railways, ports and airports), government (federal/state/municipal/local), and utilities. Besides GIS, Autodesk also addresses the engineering component of utilities. For example, AutoCAD Civil 3D can be effectively used in road network design, water utility design etc.

Clientele
The biggest segment for Autodesk is transportation having a fairly large presence in India. In terms of visibility and sales, Map 3D and Civil 3D are the most sold products. Autodesk is also fairly strong in the hydropower and land development segments in India and SAARC countries (Sri Lanka & Bangaldesh).

Competitors
Truly speaking we never compete. We complement the other players in the GIS market. We help our customers leverage on their existing investments on GIS and engineering products and help them get higher ROI. One of the key mantras of ours is, "Do not replace anything, leverage what exists". We develop solutions around what exists because we are extremely strong on data interoperability across different platforms.

Future
We would like everybody to move into the 3D environment from the present 2D in near future. An estimated 50-60% of the companies, working on data conversion, data preparation or digitization have moved from 2D to 3D. A 3D adoption campaign is going on worldwide where we train our customers in 3D through pilot programmes. Autodesk would like all its users to reach the top of the geospatial value chain and where CAD, GIS and business applications converge.

neering GIS platform towards creating and managing spatial data. It bridges CAD and GIS by providing direct access to data and also enables the use of AutoCAD software tools for maintaining a broad variety of geospatial information. Autodesk Topobase - an infrastructure design and management solution that extends the Map 3D and MapGuide platforms. Built on AutoCAD Map 3D, Autodesk MapGuide, and Oracle software, Topobase is an open solution with industry-specific data models and workflows that allows users to see the big picture and make decisions, manage infrastructure assets, and enhance data quality. Although this module is not available worldwide, but it is being tested with some key infrastructure solutions and shall be made available worldwide soon.

AutoCAD Raster Design - Known to the earlier users as CAD Overlay, this product is an extension to AutoCAD-based applications that extends the value of scanned drawings and maps, aerial photos, satellite imagery, and digital elevation models. Autodesk Utility Design - Built on Auto- CAD Map 3D functionality, it’s completely compatible with the wide variety of peripherals and data exchange formats supported by the AutoCAD Map 3D graphics engine. This provides design tools which helps the user to design, engineer, order materials, and estimate costs for residential, commercial, and industrial gas and electric systems.

There are several other products which are used for specific applications, and are listed below, AutoCAD Civil 3D - built on the Auto- CAD Map 3D platform, this is a civil engineering application that helps in completion of transportation, site, sewer, storm drain, and subdivision projects. It also helps in evaluating multiple design alternatives quickly, minimize manual edits, and output updated plans automatically. Autodesk GIS Design Server - provides a solution to integrate map and design data into the IT infrastructure of utilities, communications, local and regional governments, and other organizations.

INTERGRAPH
Intergraph helps organisation “see the world clearly”. Using the available solutions the organisations can build and manage systems and operations in the field of oil and gas, utilities, communications, and transportation networks to national security and public safety systems. In the geospatial domain, following are the three areas of intervention for Resource, Infrastructure and Facilities Management viz.,

Geospatial Infrastructure Management is meant for agencies involved in managing the infrastructure for water, wastewater and roads. The different modules under this are, GeoMedia PublicWorks Manager - designed for water and wastewater projects, GeoMedia Transportation Manager - for transportation, rail companies, waterways, and pipeline operations, GeoMedia Parcel Manager - for creation, manipulation, and maintenance of parcel and boundary information and Mobile Resource Management - meant for monitoring and locating all the mobile assets in real or near-real time.

Geospatial Resource Management is intended towards managing the assets like network of pipes, wires, cables etc., to deploy the right personnel and equipment to the right location. The different solutions being offered are, InService - provides outage and workforce management technology, G/Technology - addresses cost containment, process improvement, systems integration, customer base retention, and new service opportunities for its customers, oneMobile - helps the field force with tools to manage their work, and extends the back-office capabilities to the mobile workforce, onePortal - is a visualization and analysis tool that provides real-time links to geospatial data warehouses.

Transportation Operations Management helps the organisation to gather and analyze information on inventory, safety data, and the condition of assets so that the GIS system can be integrated with the business system. The solutions being offered are, I/Enterprise - provides real-time access to enterprise information, Image Management Solution - helps in designing and implementation of an enterprise geospatial system, GeoMedia Transportation Manager - helps professionals in analyzing and maintaining the transportation infrastructure through building a linear network model that supports linear referencing system and vehicle routing applications, GeoMedia Transportation Analyst - helps professionals access and use enterprise data with both linear referencing system and routing analysis capabilities, Roadway Inventory Management System - used for managing roadway assets, GeoTRAMS (Geospatial Transportation Asset Management System) - a web-based solution for agencies to manage data and infrastructure.




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