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| New Autodesk software directed at GIS market |
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| Tuesday, 09 February 1999 00:00 | ||||||||
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Source: Computimes, The New Straits Times (page 30) Autodesk Inc, the developer of AutoCAD, is penetrating the geographic information system (GIS) market with its latest software called Autodesk World version 2.0.Autodesk World is designed to manage geographical data in a Windows environment. It allows users to capture, edit, integrate, analyse and present spatial data more effiently. Lo Sze Kee, general manager of Terradesic Sdn Bhd, the master reseller of Autodesk World, said the product integrates DWG AutoCAD file format drawings, databases, attributes, raster images and various spatial GIS data in a single environment. The software reads and writes in its native file format, DWG. Therefore, existing AutoCAD-based maps that have already been created can be instantly and accurately accessed. This is aimed at shortening the learning curve and reducing the cost of implementation for users. "Map makers often convert DWG drawings format to custom GIS software formats to enable GIS analysis and data manipulations. This process is time-consuming and complicated," said Lo. "To minimise this problem, Autodesk World reads DWG format directly without any conversion." The main features found in Autodesk World include RSO and Cassini projection system. RSO is a mathematical formula that translates the curve of the earth to a two-dimensional (2-D) form, for a particular country such as Malaysia. Cassini is a projection system that can be performed on individual states. The software can also be connected to global positioning system (GPS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), a software that monitors the ground level such as water and temperature. Besides creating and editing drawings, the software incorporates built-in topological functions - the foundation blocks of a true GIS software. Users also have a wider variety of image formats to insert and rectify raster data when using Autodesk World. Presentations with thematic maps, reports and graphs can also be generated should the need arise. Autodesk World also incorporates Jet database engine which is used in Microsoft Access and BackOffice. With the software, users can create custom applications using tools such as Visual Basic, C++ and Delphi. This software is targeted at planning agencies, municipalities, agencies dealing in water resources, transportation and utility companies. This software can also fit into the data conversion niche market. According to Autodesk, this is because there are users converting DWG data into various GIS formats and with Autodesk World, reading DWG format from AutoCAD in its generic format, will be minimised. Lo said current users of this software include local municipalities and Government agencies. "As for the present market, Autodesk World suits GIS users who are concerned with GIS industry standards, data integrity and quality," he said. With Autodesk World's projection system, the data being used are reliable for both planners and engineers. "For example, a town planner might like to determine the plot ratio, size of the land and built-up area of a given property from the GIS at a mouse click," Lo said during the product demonstration. The company, he added, expects in one or two year's time, more users will feel and experience flaws in their existing GIS software. This is because the software is either too simple and lacks GIS functions or too complex for the users to use. "The existing users may find the GIS software not meeting their long-term requirements and needs because it's too simple in its functionalities. Therefore, it is not a true GIS system," said Lo. According to him, a true GIS system should satisfy the criteria of RSO and Cassini projection system. In addition, the system should incorporate built-in topology functions which are the foundation blocks of a true GIS system. Autodesk World is priced at RM8,100.
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