SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Oct 2, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Companies Maximize Their Investment in Design and Spatial Data to Gain a Competitive Advantage

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, today announced Autodesk OnSite Desktop 7 for surveying, mapping, planning, civil engineering, and facilities/infrastructure management projects. Autodesk OnSite Desktop 7 is an easy-to-use tool that gives professionals the power to visualize in 2D and 3D, analyze, and communicate live raster and vector data in basic or complex scenarios for the planning, approval, execution, and management of projects. The application works standalone on the desktop or over the Internet and is also included in both the Autodesk Civil Series and Autodesk Map Series.

Built on Microsoft's .NET technology, OnSite Desktop 7 helps organizations extend the value of their investment in design and spatial data. The application makes it possible for a wider range of users, including branch managers, project assistants, and data analysts, to use and re-use the data in new ways. With OnSite Desktop 7 users can explore conceptual design scenarios; share data and design intent; integrate diverse data types from multiple sources; interactively visualize varied information related to a project; and analyze map, design, or database features.

"Many companies have invested heavily in spatial data and are now looking for ways to get more value from this data by getting it into the hands of the business user," said Ernesto Diaz, senior marketing manager for Autodesk's GIS Solutions Division. "Autodesk OnSite Desktop gives a wider range of users easy access to spatial data, which helps them in their day-to-day decision making for more efficiency and productivity. This gives an organization a competitive advantage as well as maximize the return on its investment in design and spatial data."

Following are key new features and benefits of Autodesk OnSite Desktop 7:

    --  Workflow Enhancements -- Share project data more easily,
        customize the user interface, and edit markup objects after
        they are written onto the map or design document
    --  3D Visualization -- View 3D terrain data with LandXML or drape
        raster data over images or in animation to clearly demonstrate
        the impact of a proposed design with animation
    --  Data Formats -- Support for LandXML and Digital Elevation
        Model (DEM) data to accurately and efficiently pass data
        between various phases of a project
    --  Reporting -- Utility that uses style sheets for easy report
        creation on roads, parcels, points, surface models, and pipes
    --  Application Programming Interface (API) -- Based on .NET
        technology, the API enables developers to customize the
        software to meet specific needs
    Availability
    Autodesk OnSite Desktop 7 is expected to be available in October.
    About Autodesk

Founded in 1982, Autodesk, Inc., is the world's leading design software and digital content company. Autodesk offers solutions for professionals in building design, geographic information systems, manufacturing, digital media, and wireless data services. By delivering progressive products and services, Autodesk helps customers create, manage, use and maximize the value of their digital data throughout the lifecycle of their projects. For more information about the company, see www.autodesk.com.

Note to Editors: Autodesk, Autodesk OnSite Desktop, Autodesk MapGuide, and Discreet are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

CONTACT:          Autodesk, Inc.
                  Eric Sutphin, 415/507-8390
                  eric.sutphin@autodesk.com

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