Autodesk announced the release of two new product updates today, Autodesk Utility Design 2009 and Autodesk Topobase 2009. Both products place the emphasis on more efficient network design and enhanced data quality for more sustainable utilities.
The Autodesk Utility Design tool contains purpose-built tools for designing, engineering, cost estimation and materials ordering for distribution networks. The solution contains built-in analysis tools to handle voltage drop and cable pull analysis. These tools, along with automated workflows, are nicely positioned for a greening utility workforce. With many engineers being replaced due to retirement, the domain expertise built into the software helps a utility transition with assurances that design standards are being met.
Autodesk Topobase software is build on AutoCAD Map 3D and Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise, with workflows for infrastructure design and management for water, wastewater, gas and electric utilities. The integrated tools for designers, engineers, GIS personnel and field operations teams makes this product ideal for enterprise integration.
There are 50 new utility features in this update of Topobase, including wastewater inspection workflows, schematic diagrams and visualization tools for seeing inside transformer stations. The new version runs on many levels of the Oracle database, including the standard Oracle Locator.
Both tools follow Autodesk’s strategy to democratize software, making it simpler to use and administer. The Topobase product is sold for one price with full functionality, eliminating the need to carefully manage licensing in a distributed environment.
Autodesk has their eye on intelligent grid technologies, with tools to optimize network reliability and accommodate distributed power generation (such as solar or wind inputs from customers).
