SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Feb 12, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Instructors at several civil engineering schools around the country are teaching civil engineering software from Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK) to educate their students in surveying, design, and modeling. Students also gain the skills to produce real-world plans for large-scale land development projects. The schools -- the University of Dayton, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, and the Oregon Institute of Technology -- selected Autodesk(R) Land Desktop software because, according to representatives from these schools, the majority of the engineering organizations in their regions use the solution, making knowledge of this tool a necessity for success in the civil engineering field.

"In a survey of our advisory board members -- who are professionals in civil engineering -- the vast majority told us that they are using Autodesk solutions," said Dr. Joe Saliba, chair of the Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Mechanics department at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. "So, in order to prepare our students properly for the positions they will seek after graduation, we must ensure they are proficient with the tools adopted by the industry."

Autodesk Land Desktop is the core of Autodesk's land development suite, delivering specialized features such as COGO and map creation, terrain modeling, alignments, and parcels. An easy-to-use interface and a centralized project data management feature help design teams share large amounts of drawing and project data accurately and efficiently. Designed for civil engineers, planners, or surveyors, Autodesk Land Desktop provides powerful, automated drafting and analysis tools; optimized Microsoft(R) Windows(R) interfaces; logical menus; 3D terrain models; robust TIN, contour, and point processing; and style-based controls that help users meet submittal requirements. Autodesk provides Land Desktop, plus all of its comprehensive Civil engineering design and mapping software tools to over 4,000 colleges, universities, and secondary schools as a part of the Autodesk(R) Comprehensive Education Solution (ACES) program. To find out more about the ACES program go to www.autodesk.com/education.

Autodesk Land Desktop Training Gives Students Marketable Skills

At the University of Dayton, engineering students are trained on the Autodesk solutions during their junior and senior years, using the tools to study surveying and transportation design. As part of a capstone design class, students use Land Desktop to work with outside firms in creating complete designs and drawings for such projects as an arts center and a parking garage.

At Cincinnati State Technical and Community College in Cincinnati, Ohio, students in the school's Engineering Technologies Division work on various projects during every term with Autodesk solutions as their foundation. Students focusing on civil engineering technology learn how to create and label COGO points, and create and analyze terrain models. In two of the school's capstone courses, students use Autodesk Land Desktop extensively to design a subdivision from start to finish.

James Decker, an instructor in the school's civil engineering technology department, said that the civil engineering department selected the Autodesk solution because of its widespread use in the professional engineering setting.

Professors at Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, Ore., have implemented Autodesk Land Desktop, as well as AutoCAD(R) and Autodesk Map(TM) software products, to train students in civil engineering and geomatics classes.

"We made a conscious decision to go with Autodesk solutions for classroom training in project development, because we know that Autodesk sets a standard in civil engineering," said Harriet Cornachione, associate professor in the school's Civil Engineering and Geomatics department. "Proficiency in Land Desktop gives our students a clear advantage when competing for jobs in the engineering sector."

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.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, and Autodesk Map 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.
                  Brian Baker, 415/507-6411
                  brian.baker@autodesk.com

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