BIM on the Rocks

Overlay Analysis in Map 3D 2010 for Floodplain Study

I’ve spent quite a bit of time over the past few months digging through the FEMA Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners. (And quite a few other sample documents and regulations.)

I’ve been learning about how different water resources projects come together- of course from a hydrology/hydraulic analysis perspective, but also from an exhibit and study perspective. I remember that the stormwater management and drainage reports that I did were largely an exercise in collecting data, creating maps, creating exhibits, documenting what we found… THEN taking it to the next level and crunching the numbers.

One exercise that often has to be done for flood studies is to identify parcels that are located within certain flood zones. This same idea also applies to a broad range of water resources, environmental, civil engineering, land planning, etc. projects. Thinking about finding certain land uses within a watershed, or parcels in a special zoning area, or green space within a municipal boundary.

You’ve been able to do an overlay between map topologies in Map 3D (and Civil 3D which is built on Map 3D) for a few years now, but I just learned how to do an overlay with data connected through the FDO.

You can find the command if you switch to one of the geospatial workspaces. This one is from the Task-based geospatial workspace.

I’ve recorded a short video showing the process.

Here is a summary of the tasks shown:

1. Drag and drop a .shp with county parcels into the drawing

2. Stylize the parcels to be a light gray, line-only style.

3. Drag and drop a .shp with floodplain information

4. Create a theme for the flood zones, then query only the zones I am most interested in.

5. Create a Feature Overlay to overlay parcel polygons with floodplain polygons.

6. Looking at the resulting overlay information noticing that the information about the parcels is now merged with the information about the flood zones.

Ways to take this further:

-Export the overlay table to .csv and taking the information into excel for further sorting and calculations, graphs, charts, summaries, trends, etc. (select all first)

-Create a layout tab, insert your appropriate sheet sized title block and build report exhibits

-Add aerial imagery, school locations, and any other information you need to study as part of due diligence, flood study, watershed study, etc.

-Export or convert critical polygons into AutoCAD objects either by exporting your map to dwg…

or using the Extract Feature from Geometry

Then use AECLINEWORKSHRINKWRAP to make a bounding polyline for things like… building a flood elevation surface to show on profiles and sections.

Thoughts on this? What types of exhibits to do you make that you don’t know how to get Civil 3D or Map 3D to do for you? What type of analysis do you still do by hand when it comes to preparing and overlaying data? What other types of reports do you create that could take advantage of this?

Connecting to a Raster Image through the FDO

I saw a question about this today and I figured it would be quick enough to write a short post about it. I thought maybe I had seen Murph post about this before, but I couldn’t find it.

Very simply- you can insert raster images into Civil 3D using the Map tools two different ways.

You can mapinsert the image (also Map>Image>Insert for those of you in a menu version).

Click on the image below to see an animation of the process.

Or you can connect to the image using the FDO.

Click on the image below to see an animation of the process.

You may notice better performance when connecting to the image rather than inserting it.

It’s easier to transform multiple images from one coordinate system to another using the FDO. Using Map 3D, you’d have to create a warehouse drawing at one coordinate system and query the images into a second drawing applying the transformation. Raster Design makes that a bit easier, but it’s still a pretty heavy process. Using the FDO, you do get more visibility and style options, and you can use the Display Manager to control things. (You also can use tricks for image transparency like Murph shows here.)

More about image insertion and image connection:

Using Drawing Based Image Source (very detailed post showing how to query images and more)

Getting Images into AutoCAD Map 3D via FDO (Step by step of what I show above, applies to both Map 3D and Civil 3D)

Speed up Large Datasets with Tiled Raster

CAD and GIS (Translation and FDO)

AU Online Class: Raster Images for Mapping and Land Development Professionals

For more on CAD, Civil 3D and GIS integration, be sure to subscribe to these blogs:

CAD and GIS Integration

geoExpressions: An Engineer's Perspective on CAD and GIS integration 

geoExpressions youtube channel for tutorial videos on buffers, and GIS in LEED-ND

Autodesk Acquires Assets From BOSS International, Inc.

You'll see this around the web once or twice today, I imagine. It's one that is close to my heart since I focus on our solutions for environmental and water resources. Should be lots of fun! Stay tuned for more details. ~DBP

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Autodesk Acquires Assets From BOSS International, Inc.

StormNET, RiverCAD and WaterNET Software Tools to Provide Autodesk

Civil Engineering and Utility Customers with Comprehensive Water Analysis Capabilities

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., August 26, 2009—Autodesk, Inc.  (NASDAQ: ADSK), a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, has announced the acquisition of certain assets from BOSS International, Inc. to further expand its water resources analysis capabilities for the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry.  StormNET for stormwater management analysis, RiverCAD for floodplain analysis, and WaterNET for water distribution analysis will be more closely integrated with Autodesk’s model-based design solutions, including AutoCAD Civil 3D, to help engineers streamline workflows, reduce errors and boost productivity. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.   

The environmental engineering and water/wastewater utility markets have recently experienced an

uptick due in large part to economic stimulus spending. The acquisition of these products aligns

with Autodesk’s mission to consistently extend value to its customers and satisfy industry demand.         Adding valuable expertise and industry knowledge, Chris Maeder, former president and CEO of

BOSS International, will join Autodesk as an industry solutions manager for the environmental

engineering industry.

“The addition of BOSS International’s water, sewer, and stormwater analysis technology to the Autodesk portfolio supports Autodesk’s commitment to extend the value of our model-based design solutions for conducting simulation and analysis of design performance before projects are built,” said Jim Lynch, vice president of marketing for AEC solutions at Autodesk. “This is particularly important for sustainable design when engineers need to evaluate the impact of various stormwater management approaches – including rain gardens, bioretention and green roofs – to identify those with minimal environmental impact.”

“This acquisition is exciting news. I am a long time user of Civil 3D and BOSS International’s StormNET and RiverCAD. The integration of the two is a striking example of Autodesk’s continued commitment to the maturation, improvement and evolution of civil engineering proficiency,” said Robert Gill, senior project manager at Menlo Engineering Associates.   “The civil engineering community will receive a tremendous lift by Autodesk and BOSS International aligning these technologies to further facilitate the design process, reduce the time required to complete projects and improve the quality of deliverables to the client.”

At this time, product support and distribution of new product licenses for the StormNET, RiverCAD and WaterNet software products will only be provided by BOSS Computec, a former subsidiary of BOSS International.  Product integration details will be announced at a later date.

Business Outlook

This transaction is expected to have no impact on previously issued guidance.

About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are built. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This media alert contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the impact of the acquisition on Autodesk's previously issued guidance, product offerings, product integration plans and the performance of its business. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the following: difficulties encountered integrating Boss International’s business; whether certain market segments grow as anticipated; the competitive environment in the software industry and competitive responses to the acquisition; and whether Autodesk can successfully develop new products or modify existing products and the degree to which these gain market acceptance.

Further information on potential factors that could affect the financial results of Autodesk are included in the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2009, and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2009, which are on file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

# # # #

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, StormNET, RiverCAD, and WaterNET are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

© 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

Peter Thomson on Pipes

If you're a reader of the Autodesk Discussion Group for Civil 3D, you've probably seen the name Peter Thomson before. Here's a face to go with that name.

At teamblue22 Civil 3D University a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Peter and attending his class on pipe networks. I enjoyed the entire class, but one of his best lines was something like... "...how to label pipes like old people need them to be labeled..." After an initial laugh, I realized what he was getting at. A move to something like Civil 3D requires a huge change in mindset and workflow, but we still need to get our printed pages out the door and through approvals. Ideally, we're all working towards the idea of BIM, electronic delivery, and models for construction, but that will take awhile to become the norm. Peter had some great techniques for getting his work done. Here are some of my favorite takeaways:

-Keep a short alignment and associated profile view in your template so its handy for quick grade checks, but more permanent than a quick profile.

-If you create multiple types of pipe networks in the same drawings, keep an empty pipe network for Storm Pipes, Sanitary Pipes, etc. in your template. Since the template command settings can only store on batch of defaults, the empty networks allow you to precook the parts list and other settings and just begin working.

-When doing pipe design, paste your design surface into a new surface and drop it down a few feet (whatever your cover requirement is). Sample that surface on to your profiles to use as an instant visual check. Similar to the technique shown in this post about water networks.

-If you'd like to show sanitary sewer laterals and take advantage of profile views and interference checks to make sure they are working properly, make a lateral-only pipe network. Some related posts from various blogs: A Lateral Network, Add Laterals to a Pipe Network, Sewer lateral code.

-If you are working on forcemains, try toggling the pipe layout button from downhill to uphill and start your pipe layout from the low spot. Some more ideas: Ideas for water networks, Using a corridor to model forcemains and pressure pipe.

Peter also shared some videos with me which I will share with you tomorrow!

Debrief

Those of you that follow me on twitter probably picked up that I've been on the road the past few weeks.

You may have also spotted me in some of Jack's photographs of Manchester. The ideas always get flowing when this troop gets together. In addition to workflow and technical breakthroughs, I also came up with the concept of a Civil 3D reality show where we swap technical specialists from one geography to another. For example, Jack takes over Jerry's midwest territory, while Jerry hits the road in the UK. I can only imagine the reaction to Jack's left hand drive demonstrations in the great plains, and I see Jerry rambling along in an ancient truck and dapper hat making rounds James Herriott style. Nobody else seemed to think this was a great idea, though.

After a week in Manchester digging into a special project, I visited AEC Systems in Sydney. We sat down with two of their clients, and held a lunch where we talked about what BIM means for the Civil Engineering market. The guys also talked me into doing the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb with them, which was truly life changing.

 

I must say when Sean originally told me about it, I was scared. My worries were unfounded- and it was amazing. While I don't think my fear of heights was totally cured, I will say that I am less likely to avoid opportunities just because they are scary. It was a lot like adopting Civil 3D and an intelligent modeling process- but I will save that analogy for a longer post later this week.

Next, I traveled to Brisbane to speak with KarelCAD and their customers about BIM, and touch base with their Civil team. I only saw Brisbane briefly, but it looked like a place I'd like to get to know better. Tons of sunshine, palm trees and a funky coastal town energy.

Before leaving Australia, I stopped in Melbourne for a breakfast session with some local firm project managers and owners. The event was put on by CADApps and Civil Survey Solutions. (You might know from Advanced Road Design and Stringer.)

I then spent Thursday and Friday in Auckland with teamblue22 at Civil 3D University, New Zealand. What an impressive event! Robert, Shane and the crew hosted nearly 100 users, and put on 14 unique Civil 3D and related product classes. The users in New Zealand are phenomenal, and I was great putting faces to names I recognize from Autodesk University and the discussion groups, as well as seeing old friends like David Growcott.

I

I have pages of notes to go through today- on pipes, stormwater, BIM, Navisworks, QTO, Revit-Civil 3D interop, and more- so stay tuned. I am looking forward to getting back in the blogging swing after six weeks of being too busy to sit still.

My few free hours in Australia, I spent climbing the bridge and examining structural engineering, but I did manage to explore Auckland a bit on Saturday and took some pictures of drainage and curbing. The thing that struck me the most is that much of the curbing in made of volcanic rock.

 

From an urban planning perspective, Auckland has an interesting park where sheep and cattle roam freely amongst the joggers and picnickers.

If you are interested, I've posted some pictures to my flickr album. Auckland Parks and Drainage, Civil 3D University NZ.

Live from Auckland

Live from Auckland,
originally uploaded by Dana Breig Probert.

Great stuff at NZ's Civil 3d University today. First thing I learned this AM- make a blank pipe network in your template precooked with settings.

Yesterday, Robert had the tip of doing something similar with surface analysis color and range schemes- do it with a sample surfae, remove the data and keep the blank surfae in your template.