The Earth Imaging Journal writes that as a result of the fusion of LiDAR 3D features and elevation data with geospatial imagery, users are able to experience the benefits of more powerful and accurate mapping applications.  With LiDAR 3D data, users can identify specific points such as building footprints, trees, power poles, power lines and roadways with exact detail. Users can create various digital surface models, all of which require less on site visitation and data verification saving critical time and resources.  In addition to being able to gather more information about images viewed, they can use this information to produce end products that include accurate building elevation, roof slope and building size information.  In other words, it’s all about effective data fusion; the combining of available data sources to enhance imagery analysis.

And for user convenience, the point cloud, which is a collection of data points, is also being used to utilize the LiDAR 3D application with imagery analysis which makes it easier to access the data needed to perform the image extraction process. This fusion adds critical depth to analysis. Of course, any application that can be incorporated into the great and powerful cloud is going to be hailed as forward thinking in the technology world.

You can read more about this information in the Earth Imaging Journal.

Learn more about the about what LiDAR is and how it can benefit your agency – Download this free LiDAR for Dummies e-book.

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In fact, Washington, D.C. had more than 31 square feet of LEED-certified space per person in 2011.

“This is a great accomplishment for the D.C. metropolitan region and a testament to the drive, commitment and leadership of all those who live, work and play in our community,” said Mike Babcock, board chair of the National Capital Region Chapter of USGBC. “We also realize there is still more to do and hope to effectively guide the effort by engaging, educating and encouraging the dialogue around the value of sustainability.”

Who else is on the List?

Since D.C. is technically a “district” and not a state, Colorado takes the top spot as the leading state with 2.74 square feet of LEED buildings per person in 2011, with Illinois following behind with 2.69 square feet per person.

USGBC cited notable newly certified projects in these states including the Treasury Building in Washington, D.C., which is distinguished as the oldest LEED-certified project in the world; the LEED-Platinum Casey Middle School in Boulder, Colorado; and the iconic Wrigley Building in Chicago, Illinois.

Other states on the list were Virginia, Washington, Maryland, Massachusetts, Texas, California, New York, and Minnesota.

Facts about LEED

LEED is the internationally recognized mark of green building excellence, with more than 44,000 projects commercial projects participating in the certification system, comprising over 8 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 120 countries. And here’s another statistic –LEED-certified existing buildings outpaced their newly built counterparts by 15 million square feet on a cumulative basis in 2011.

Learn more about LEED at www.usgbc.org.

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Wow!  I’m guessing this would be considered a hot commodity.

Features and Specs

Does the app live up to the hype? It has several features that appeal to its user community. Users can view, edit, and share DWG files on the go, open drawings from email attachments, sync files from the web, or upload drawings from the AutoCAD software. You can also save your drawings on your device and use the app offline.

Availability

If you are interested in taking your design experience to another level, you will find the app in the extensive and highly utilized Amazon App Store. Also, check out the AutoCAD WS Facebook page for customer stories and uploads. If you have the Nook Color or Nook Tablet, you may have to wait a while to download this design masterpiece. In the meantime, check out all of the sites that feature this new product and customer reviews.

Happy designing!

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Google Street View launched for five U.S. cities in May 2007 and now their 360-degree panoramic views include locations on all seven continents.  Google currently uses cars, trikes, snowmobiles, and trolleys to collect imagery. (Cars, Trikes & More)

Monroe County’s GIS division had recognized that they needed to own a mobile vehicle.  The snow from November through March covers a lot of the isolated ponds and marshes, which makes it hazardous for emergency vehicles to reach people in danger or law enforcement to chase in pursuit. (Mobile GIS Vehicle Puts Monroe County, N.Y., on the Map)

Check out what the GIS mobile vehicle looks like below!

Photo courtesy of Monroe County (Mobile GIS Vehicle Puts Monroe County, N.Y., on the Map)

Read the full article below!

• Mobile GIS Vehicle Puts Monroe County, N.Y., on the Map

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With a portfolio valued at over $6 billion and a staff of almost 1,200, the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is the city’s primary capital construction and infrastructure project manager.

DDC is also an innovator in the use of GIS and building information modeling (BIM) for which it was awarded runner-up status in the first ever [acronym] Magazine Public Sector CAD Awards, held last November in Washington, D.C.

DDC employs a variety of Autodesk digital design tools to minimize errors in the design process, improve collaboration across stakeholders and reduce project complexity, while making more effective use of public funds. Included in its design arsenal are Revit Architecture, Revit Structure and AutoCAD MEP for design coordination, documentation and visualization. While Navisworks and Solibri Model Checker are also used for coordination and model conflict resolution and serve other uses as well.

Combining best practices with design technology, DDC has improved project delivery while being asked to achieve more on a tighter budget.

DDC’s projects have included everything from roadway construction, storm water systems, building and renovation, and resurfacing of streets damaged by heavy vehicle traffic during removal of debris from the World Trade Center.

Here are just some of the highlights of project successes:

Going for LEED Silver – Glen Oaks Library, Queens (Architect: Marble Fairbanks)

Intended to replace a drab two-story brick building housing the current Glen Oaks library, this modern $13-million glass structure was designed to respect the low-rise character of the surrounding neighborhood while maximizing natural light and allowing the interior to be visible from the street. The Art Commission of the City of New York honored this project with an Excellence in Design award in 2007, and the library is seeking a LEED Silver rating. Read more.

Replacing Streets Damaged by Removal of World Trade Center Debris – Pine Street, Manhattan

Running parallel to Wall Street, Pine Street was a major artery route for heavy transportation used to remove debris from the World Trade Center site after September, 11, 2011.  Having received funds from the Emergency Relief program established to rehabilitate the streets surrounding lower Manhattan, DDC project managed the resurfacing and complete replacement of water mains along Pine Street. Read more.

Reconstructing a Historic New York Landmark – Columbus Circle, Manhattan

A major New York landmark, Columbus Circle is situated at the southwest corner of Central Park and intersects several major thoroughfares including Broadway and West 59^th Street. The reconstruction project involved the total rehabilitation of the roadway around the circle to improve traffic flow and pedestrian access to the circular plaza and fountain area. The project occurred while approximately 60,000 cars used the traffic circle daily.

Work at the historic site also included installation of a new fountain, installation of granite curbs and sidewalks, distinctive wooden benches and plantings. This project is the recipient of several awards including New York Construction magazine’s 2005 Project of the Year award. Read more.

View more examples of DDC’s featured projects here.

All images are courtesy of the NY DDC website.

Speaking recently in Kansas, President Obama said, “I believe that this country succeeds when everyone gets a fair shot”. Hearing the President talk about the US facing “a make or break moment for the middle class”: I recalled from high school history class that middle class growth was at its greatest starting in the 50’s and throughout the 70’s.

So, I got on the “Google Machine” and started searching for any information that would satisfy my curiosity about middle class growth during that 30 year period and its contributors. One of the biggest contributors to job growth and the rise of the US middle class was Infrastructure expansion. Two years ago the President signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law giving $46 billion for transportation projects, including $27 billion for highway and bridge construction and repair and $11.5 billion for mass transit and rail projects. Wow, I thought, this ought to create jobs and alleviate the congestion that causes me so much aggravation; that was 2 years ago!! What happened?

When the bill was signed into law February 17, 2009, the general consensus among the bill’s supporters was the large projects were “shovel ready”. No, sir; at the Council on Jobs and Competitiveness in Durham, N.C. on June 13, 2011, President Obama joked “Shovel-ready was not as shovel-ready as we expected.”  I wondered, “Is the shoveling working?”

According to Infrastructurist.com, Permits for the “Shovel Ready” Projects are slowing down the process considerably:

“The fact is that our current requirements for permitting weigh America’s building process down like a boulder. Taking on a major project such as a bridge means an automatic 5 years of environmental reviews, nonstop treks through permitting regulations, and other delays presented by all levels of government. All this hassle is a big reason why we squeezed so few new projects out of the 2009 stimulus — repaving roads that already exist is much easier to get past permitting rules and Congressional constituencies than building something big and new.”

Addressing this issue at a press conference, November 17, 2011, House Speaker John Boehner spoke on the delayed job creation and the slowdown of “Shovel Ready” infrastructure projects. The American Energy Production & Infrastructure Jobs Bill he is proposing to Congress is designed to make the process much less complicated.

“These bills show that there can be common ground here in Washington when it comes to removing these barriers to job growth. But I think there’s a lot more that we can do. We can also eliminate more obstacles to jobs –find more common ground – especially in the areas of energy production and infrastructure. We don’t need more short-term ‘stimulus’ gimmicks. We don’t need more red tape. And we surely don’t need higher taxes. What we need to do is get Washington out of the way, and free job creators from the shackles of a government that is always meddling and micromanaging our economy.”

Having both, the President and the Speaker of the House focused on job creation through infrastructure projects is a true relief for me and all the other poor saps trapped in gridlock traffic.

Highlights from Sin City

There’s so much to talk about in relation to Autodesk University in Sin City but, I will highlight the ones that stuck out to me the most.

1. Space Bound Robots

I was pleasantly surprised to see how Autodesk was utilizing the talents of young individuals to create robots that would go into outer space. The kids and young adults seemed equally thrilled to be a part of such an important mission. They actually had one of the inventors present during the opening ceremonies to speak about his role in this mission. He was confident and excited to be sharing his thoughts and experiences with the masses. I think we all shared a certain sense of pride for what this young man had accomplished using CAD software. Autodesk is really pushing to have the software utilized in schools across the country. If they are trying to ensure that they are relevant with the adults of tomorrow, then they are headed in the right direction.

2. Revolutionizing the Medical Community

We attended the Innovation Forum that showcased what they are doing in the medical community. It was amazing to see how these individuals are making a serious impact on how people will use science and medicine to educate the public and make the lives of the less fortunate better. There was a young man who gave a presentation about how he and his team were creating prosthetic limbs for amputees in third world countries. They were able to help this older gentleman regain mobility in his arm so that he could provide for his family. It was a very touching story. The next presenter showed us how he created an interactive educational video, using the musical talents of Bjork, to demonstrate how DNA is reproduced at the cellular level. It definitely gives students a new way to look at the processes that would normally be viewed under a super powerful microscope. The creation process takes a lot of time and patience but, the end result is absolutely amazing. I think we’ll see more kids getting A’s in their biology classes.

3. Entertain and Educate me Online First!

On the more technical side, there were plenty of forums about how to use CAD software in advertising and building design. The presenters were pushing the idea that customers are seeking to be entertained and educated through their online inquiries. For example, they showed how a customer looking to buy a car should be able to do everything online but test drive and sign the paperwork. This makes an interesting point because who likes spending hours at the dealership anyway.

I look forward to attending AU in the future not because they host this event at one of the best hotels and resorts on the strip but, because I can’t wait to see what’s new in the world of Autodesk.

Alongside AU, Autodesk also hosted AU virtual, where users who weren’t able to make it to Las Vegas could join online courses. These are all archived online here http://au.autodesk.com/

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report on Goa illegal mining “has substantiated some of its findings by relying on Google Earth Satellite Imagery.”. (Google Earth shows Goa illegal mining: PAC)

At a convention at Dona Paula, Indian environmentalist Madhav Gadgil explained “You get to spot all the mines very clearly on Google Earth software.  Everybody can see and find out how many of them are illegal.”. (Google Earth can detect illegal mining in Goa: Ecologist)

Read the full article below!

• Google Earth shows Goa illegal mining: PAC
• Google Earth can detect illegal mining in Goa: Ecologist

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If you’re looking for more visualization in your civil or infrastructure projects, Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite is worth considering. You can learn more here, or if you’re a more visual person, you can view this on-demand webcast from Autodesk Technical Specialist, Michael Schlosser (P.Eng, GISP.)  It provides an overview of the suite configurations and shows how the various software options work together cohesively from project start to finish.

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If you are an Autodesk Subscription customer you can now extend your desktop and many of your CAD-based tools into the cloud thanks to the newly launched Autodesk Cloud.

Launched in September, 2011, Autodesk Cloud strengthens and extends many of the collaboration tools that Autodesk has launched in the last decade including Buzzsaw and AutoCAD WS (which allows users to perform CAD design with a browser or with a mobile iOS or Android device).

So what does Autodesk Cloud have to offer and who can take advantage of it?

Basic Cloud Services for all Subscription Customers

Using Autodesk Cloud, all subscription customers can now access the basic features of the service as part of their existing subscription license.

These services enable users to share their designs with others (even if they don’t have the design software used to create the files). Even better, whether you’re in the field or at your local Starbucks, you’ll be able to view and edit your design files from any mobile device or via the web. Autodesk Cloud also provides up to 3GB worth of storage for files hosted in the cloud.

Autodesk’s Cloud has been developed in partnership with multiple companies including Amazon and Citrix. In fact, the relationship with Amazon Web Services has extended over three years to provide a cloud platform that is secure and scalable.

Greater Benefits for Select Subscription Customers

While the above features are available to all subscription customers (learn more about them from Autodesk here) if you happen to be a subscriber to a certain set of Autodesk products and suites, then you get lots more.

For example, if you have an existing Autodesk subscription license to these select products you can also enjoy the following:

• Autodesk Cloud rendering – Produce photorealistic visualizations in the cloud without clogging up your desktop or needing special hardware.
• Autodesk Inventor optimization – Test the performance of design options via cloud-based simulation.
• Autodesk Buzzsaw – Centralize and improve team collaboration with this cloud-based document, data and design management solutions for AEC teams.
• Green Building Studio – Perform faster, more accurate energy analysis, optimize energy efficiency, and improve the carbon footprint of multiple design options by accessing the Autodesk Green Building Studio service, powered by Autodesk Cloud.
• Conceptual Energy Analysis – Use cloud-based energy analysis to determine energy consumption and building energy costs of early design concepts from within the design application.

How to Get Started

If you are a subscription customer you can quickly get started with the cloud, or check which features are available to you via Autodesk’s Getting Started with Autodesk Cloud guide. Autodesk resellers (such as DLT Solutions, Autodesk’s Master Government Reseller) can also provide more information about the new service.

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