Autodesk releases its 2006 suite of software

Autodesk has just released its latest suite of software. More than 25 products are in the Autodesk 2006 suite. They include Autodesk Civil D3 2006, Autodesk Map 3D 2006, Autodesk Revit Building 8, AutoCAD 2006, Autodesk Buzzsaw, and Autodesk DWF Composer and DWF Viewer.

Infrastructure releases
Software releases from the Infrastructure Solutions division are Autodesk Civil 3D 2006, Autodesk Map 3D 2006, Autodesk Land Desktop 2006, Autodesk Survey 2006 and Autodesk Raster Design 2006, Autodesk says it is simplifying and streamlining the creation, management and sharing of spatial information.
Autodesk Civil 3D 2006 software for example is a dynamic engineering model for road, site, sewer, storm drain and subdivision projects. New features include:
 Integration of pipes (sanitary, storm drainage and more)now, pipe network changes result in drafting updates, providing a more comprehensive design package for civil engineers
 Multi-user access to surfaces, points, alignments and profilesplans or profile sheets are in sync regardless of the number of people involved in the project, minimizing duplication and errors
 Extended corridor modeling capabilitiesnew editing capabilities
 Powerful common Application Programming Interface (COM API)helps developers quickly build applications for creating and querying civil data
Autodesk Map 3D 2006 software connects CAD and GIS. New features include:
 Directly read and write Oracle and ArcSDE directly and simultaneously access proprietary and non-proprietary data from multiple databases and files (including Oracle9i, Oracle 10g, and ArcSDE). This direct access helps ensure the accuracy of information by minimizing data conversion. By providing an open alternative to ArcGIS for editing ArcSDE data, customers have greater flexibility when choosing an editing environment.
 Improved Display Manager easily query and stylize datacreate compelling presentations for use when communicating with clients and other departments
 New MapBooks simplifies and automates a complex task that customers perform on a regular basis producing map books for the office or the field
 Improved GIS User Interface modern, flexible toolbars and commands are now task based and easy to learn, speeding productivity
Autodesk Raster Design 2006 new features include:
 Enhanced raster cleanup and raster editing tools "Paint-like" cleanup tool speeds project cleanup and delivery time
 Extended Presentation Tools – capture images for use in applications both within and outside of AutoCAD application
 Ability to edit, modify and save DEM and multispectral imagery allows more efficient and convenient use of these large imagery sources
 Raster Data Querying – provides raster data for more informed decisions
 Additional Image Saving Support for JPG2000 and GeoTIFF image formats

Building Design and Engineering
The 2006 suite is the 20th release of the AutoCAD program. The manufacturer says it incorporates improvements to its interface for easier data input; annotation enhancements that speed changes to text, hatching and table calculations. It also has single-click conversion to Autodesk DWF format, allowing instant sharing of designs and related information with anyone through a free downloadable reader.”
Autodesk lists new features in Autodesk Building Systems 2006 as:
— the ability to layout HVAC systems easier with objects that respond to changes, update and stay connected.
– Improved design accuracy, with easier access to the engineering design data and exporting to third-party applications that now include fabrication and estimating.
— The ability to directly schedule engineering data without manual editing.
— One-click conversion to DWF or to publish to the web.

Building Information Modelling
Autodesk Revit Building 8 is a building information modelling system to allow designers to work on designs holistically since all designs and documentation are coordinated throughout the design process. Thus any change is automatically coordinated through model views, drawing sheets, schedules, sections, plans and renderings.
Additional new features in the new release, Revit Building 8, include:
 Interference Detection scans models for conflicts between user-specifiable elements and systems.
 Easy upload of files from Autodesk Revit Building to an Autodesk Buzzsaw project site, and automatic conversion to DWG or Autodesk DWF format.
 Link DWF markups made in Autodesk DWF Composer, allowing you to keep your revision markup process digital, preserving data integrity and ease of sharing.
 New API allows developers to access object data, query properties, extract geometry and change properties.
See www.autodesk.com