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.