VANCOUVER, B.C., Sep 23, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Enables Mobile Internet Access, 24/7 availability, and Real-Time Updates To Help Improve City Infrastructure Management and Business Processes

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, announced today that it is working with eleven British Columbia (B.C.) municipalities to help improve service delivery of government services to residents and city workers through its Internet/Intranet mapping technology. Municipalities utilizing the benefits of this new technology include the City of Nanaimo, City of New Westminster, City of Vancouver, District of North Saanich, City of Victoria, City of Penticton, City of Vernon, Corporation of Delta, City of Prince George, City of Castlegar, and the Township of Esquimalt.

With the implementation of Autodesk MapGuide web-based mapping software, which uses geographic information systems (GIS), the municipalities receive up-to-date geographic data such as city maps and land zoning information quickly -- via a centralized Internet/Intranet portal. Autodesk MapGuide allows municipal workers to enter information that can be queried and displayed into a map format that users can access simply by logging onto the Internet/Intranet. Whereas paper maps were time-consuming and quickly outdated, the use of electronic maps ensures that if one portion of the map changes it can be immediately altered with a few keystrokes and applied to every map affected by the change.

    Easy Internet Access

With Autodesk GIS, residents may now have 24/7 access to a range of useful government services and information. B.C. municipalities can now publish city maps for municipal zoning requests and provide information about public facilities such as schools, libraries, halls, and recreation areas for users to access, including business hours and services provided. Future applications of the service identified by the municipalities include information on waste/recycling collection, garbage collection, speed limits, parking information, and street cleaning times.

For city employees, the use of the GIS software has streamlined information sharing procedures between departments, with the creation of a centralized web-based community that can be updated in real time. It also allows municipal workers to create specialized mapping applications such as monitoring traffic patterns, property tax assessment, municipal elections and infrastructure management.

"The ability to provide quick and easy access to information over the Internet has helped all levels of government respond to the needs of their constituents in an efficient and cost-effective manner," said Al Steel, General Manager, Canada. "We're excited to see the high adoption rates of GIS technology among B.C. municipalities and look forward to helping them maximize their investment."

Ed Kennedy, President of the Geomatics Industry Association of Canada (GIAC) added: "The use of satellite and mapping technologies in Canada isn't a new phenomenon, however bringing the benefits right down to the consumer, or in this case municipal residents, is an exciting development. We've just begun to exploit the endless possibilities this technology can provide, and with the proliferation of mobile devices it promises to become an integral part of our daily living in the very near future."

    About GIAC

The Geomatics Industry Association of Canada (GIAC) is the only national business association dedicated to serving the geomatics industry in Canada. Originally formed in 1961 under the name Canadian Association of Aerial Surveyors, GIAC now encompasses the entire range of geomatics disciplines. Our members include almost 100 of Canada's leading geomatics service and technology firms, and approximately 80% of the active exporters in this sector.

    About Autodesk

Founded in 1982, Autodesk, Inc., is the world's leading design and digital media creation, management, and distribution company. The company serves a diverse portfolio of markets, including building design, geographic information systems, manufacturing, digital media, and wireless data services. By delivering tools that foster innovation and creativity, Autodesk helps customers throughout the value chain leverage digital design data to work better, faster, and smarter. For more information about the company, see www.autodesk.com.

Note to Editors: Autodesk and Autodesk MapGuide are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the United States and 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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