Autodesk Enhances Geospatial Software Solutions

Autodesk, Inc. has announced the latest enhancements in AutoCAD Map 3D 2009, Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise 2009 and AutoCAD Raster Design 2009 software applications build on the solutions' fundamental properties of open data access and interoperability with other design, GIS and IT systems.

In addition, the new products offer an enhanced, intuitive user environment and new tools to help organisations quickly capitalise on their staff's expertise with AutoCAD software and with existing spatial data.

With its 2009 geospatial solutions, Autodesk is expanding on two key principles that address customers' needs: an open, flexible and interoperable geospatial platform, and tools that are easy to learn and use. The latest enhancements build on an open architecture that preserves data integrity and helps ensure that vital design and spatial asset information moves in and out of systems easily. The software applications and their open application programming interfaces serve as the basis for solutions purpose-built for utility companies by Autodesk and third-party software developers.

As part of its commitment to interoperability and flexibility, Autodesk has continued to take steps to help customers make the most of their hardware and software investments. AutoCAD Map 3D 2009 software reflects that effort: The software has been validated with Citrix Presentation Server software through the Citrix Ready program, offering customers more deployment options. Customers can take advantage of AutoCAD Map 3D software and the Citrix application delivery environment's support for consolidated delivery and single-point management, in pursuit of efficient, cost-effective design and spatial data solutions.

Other significant new functionality in AutoCAD Map 3D 2009 enhances the user environment and builds on Feature Data Object or FDO technology, a central component of the Autodesk geospatial platform that allows customers to work with the data format they prefer and helps ensure consistent access to data regardless of source or location.

AutoCAD Raster Design 2009 software plays a part in more efficient spatially enabled design, as well. The application extends the power of AutoCAD software and AutoCAD-based applications to make the most of scanned drawings, maps, aerial photos, satellite imagery and digital elevation models. AutoCAD Raster Design 2009 works with Autodesk geospatial solutions and other AutoCAD 2009 software-based applications, and includes a new ribbon-style interface for quicker, visual access to commands that helps improve user productivity.

Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise software provides a powerful mapping platform for delivering geospatial information quickly, easily and cost-effectively via the Web. Based on MapGuide Open Source, Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise couples the innovation of a broad community of developers with quality assurance and support characteristic of a proprietary application.

The latest release incorporates Flexible Web Layouts, based on the recent contribution of Fusion technology to the MapGuide Open Source community by DM Solutions Group. Flexible Web Layout technology helps speed development of Web mapping applications created with Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise 2009 and with MapGuide Open Source 2.0 (recently released at http://www.osgeo.org/mapguide). With Flexible Web Layouts, Web designers and software developers do not need specific geospatial application development expertise to create Web mapping applications.

Autodesk MapGuide Studio 2009 software, the authoring environment within Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise software, also supports Flexible Web Layouts and makes it easy for developers to switch between a set of design templates and click-and-drag application functionality options.

AutoCAD Map 3D 2009, the Autodesk MapGuide 2009 family of products and AutoCAD Raster Design software are scheduled to be available in the spring. Product availability will vary by country. Details and purchasing options will be accessible starting 25th March 2008, at;