TAMPA, Fla., Oct 17, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Transportation Group for Autodesk, Inc.'s (Nasdaq:ADSK) GIS Solutions Division today announced that the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has selected CAiCE(R) Visual Survey(R) as its standard survey software solution. Using Visual Survey, the ODOT will now be able to efficiently produce more accurate surveys and capture raw survey data from the department's other topography systems -- helping to minimize the possibility of data loss.

The ODOT, which manages over 7,500 miles of highway and employs approximately 120 surveyors and support staff across five regions, needed a software solution that could read, translate, and accurately reduce data collected via Leica Total Stations and Digital Levels. By selecting Visual Survey, ODOT survey engineers will be able to collect topography utilizing RTK (Real-Time-Kinematic) data through direct import of Leica's CAiCE (SDMS) format available on their Leica GPS 500 Series receivers. In addition, they can avoid modifying its existing field collection procedures, since survey engineers can continue to use the tools they're most comfortable with and re-use data for archived or ongoing projects.

"We are impressed with CAiCE Visual Survey's customization capabilities and responsive technical support," said Ron Singh, Geometronics Manager / Chief of Surveys at the Oregon Department of Transportation. "Visual Survey's 3D survey data editing and audit trail capabilities will be extremely useful for error-checking. The accurate translation of custom line styles and cells into MicroStation's native DGN format will also eliminate manual editing, and will provide our surveyors with a greater level of project productivity."

The Visual Survey program's use of feature tables and cell files will aid in standardization of survey data and will help ODOT engineers save time by reducing the need for manual editing of MicroStation DGN files. Engineers will also be able to seamlessly transfer profiles, alignments, superelevation, survey points and chains, cross-sections, contours, boundaries, and intelligent DTM data to and from their existing design software solutions, thanks to the recent Visual Survey implementation of LandXML import and export capabilities. This capability will save engineers time, minimize data loss during data transfer, and help ensure data integrity.

    CAiCE Visual Survey

Visual Survey software, a high-performance 3D survey data import and analysis tool, bridges the gap between topographic data collection and the production of accurate topographic maps and digital terrain models. Visual Survey automates the entire survey process -- including importing raw data from any major data collector, processing electronic survey data, and defining existing topographic and terrain data -- thus producing fast and accurate digital terrain models for delivery to the design engineer.

The Visual Survey software application includes 3D error-checking and double precision processing, which helps increase the speed and accuracy of a surveying project. The automation tools provided by Visual Survey are used for many survey-related application areas, including survey mapping, design surveys, right-of-way surveys and boundary surveys. The Visual Survey software works as a standalone product running under the Windows operating system or can be used with an organization's chosen CAD system, and is compatible with AutoCAD(R) 2002, Autodesk Map, Autodesk Land Desktop, and MicroStation V8 software programs.

    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. CAiCE is part of the Transportation Group within Autodesk's GIS Solutions Division. The division develops civil software automation tools that deliver advanced engineering and decision-making solutions to today's survey, civil design, and drainage engineers. The division's offerings of products are complemented by related consulting, custom development, training, and technical services. To find more information about CAiCE and Autodesk's civil engineering and transportation solutions, call 800/452-2423 or visit http://www.caice.com.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, CAiCE, and Visual Survey are registered 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
                  Eric Sutphin, 415/507-8390
                  eric.sutphin@autodesk.com

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