Web-based mapping system allows utility workers, engineers, and residents to access key information on-the-go

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) today announced that the City of Portsmouth, Ohio, has implemented a web-based geographic information system (GIS) portal to quickly and easily share city maps and utility information in order to manage infrastructure more efficiently and effectively. Using Autodesk geospatial solutions software, city workers and engineers can remotely access online maps while in the field that feature detailed water and sewer lines, streets, waterways, and land parcel information.

"Portsmouth has a population of just over 20,000 people, but we have many of the same infrastructure challenges as much larger cities," said Michael Penn, GIS director of Portsmouth. "Using Autodesk solutions lets our users analyze and pinpoint data and information more accurately, more simply, and more productively. We had critical city information stored in various formats in separate locations, with most of it located on paper maps and large databases. With Autodesk geospatial solutions, we took all of this complex information from paper, transferred it digitally, and gave our users quicker access to data -- what used to take hours to retrieve manually, now takes only seconds online."

Using AutoCAD Map 3D and Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise software, along with Oracle Spatial database technology, Portsmouth leverages the city's existing digital design data and displays it in an easily accessible way. Autodesk's Map 3D and MapGuide software support a wide range of computer aided design (CAD) and GIS file formats, and data servers, including DWG, ESRI shapefiles, Oracle9i, and industry-standard raster formats. The seamless integration of the data helped the Portsmouth GIS Department rapidly merge new aerial photos and vector data with existing CAD and GIS data to create a unified and user- friendly mapping solution optimized for the Internet.

"The City of Portsmouth had a problem that many cities today face: how to put essential city data into a format that was both easy-to-understand and easy-to-use," said Bill Goodson, vice president, Autodesk Government. "Autodesk geospatial solutions help streamline the process of integrating digital design data in a user-friendly format so city workers can maintain the focus on managing infrastructure safely and efficiently."

AutoCAD Map 3D software is a leading engineering GIS platform for creating and managing spatial data while Autodesk MapGuide software allows government departments to develop, manage, and distribute GIS and design applications on the Internet or local intranets.

About Autodesk Government

Autodesk Government is a dedicated organization within Autodesk that has served the needs of federal and state/local government agencies for more than 20 years. Autodesk Government delivers software solutions that integrate geospatial, manufacturing, design and engineering data with other critical information to reduce the time it takes to make informed decisions. In roles that include emergency response management, physical infrastructure design and protection, mission rehearsal, simulation and training, and asset tracking, Autodesk Government is a trusted partner to help agencies ensure mission success.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit http://www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Autodesk MapGuide, and DWG are 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. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

(C) 2008 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Contact: Brett Smith, 415-547-2405
Email: Brett.smith@autodesk.com

Contact: Jennifer Tumminio, 202-828-9707
Email: jen.tumminio@fleishman.com

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

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