RobiNZ CAD Blog

Autodesk Labs

Laboratory \Lab"o*ra*to*ry\, n.; pl. Laboratories. [Shortened fr. elaboratory; cf. OF. elaboratoire, F. laboratoire. See Elaborate, Labor.] [Formerly written also elaboratory.] The workroom of a chemist; also, a place devoted to experiments.

Autodesk have launched Autodesk Labs, a new “semi-beta” site for customers to try new technologies, prototypes, maybe future products. I say “semi-beta” as they are offered with the usual alpha/beta cautions (don’t install on production machines, use with mission critical data or seek support via dealer/subscription channels) yet are not subject to the non-disclosure provisions that apply to the My Feedback full product betas.

The idea is you can have a play, tell Autodesk what you think, and maybe improve what could become future release products/features. There are two products ready to try:

• AutoCAD to DGN Translator – AutoCAD DWG to Bentley MicroStation 2D V8 DGN files
• AutoCAD Google Earth Extension – Publish 3D dwg data to Google Earth.

Autodesk Labs - http://labs.autodesk.com/ or http://www.autodesk.com/labs

Between the Lines: Autodesk Labs!
This is the new and in process public betas and R&D projects site….

An overview of AEC BIM solutions

If you want a nice overview of the technology being offered for Building Information Modelling (BIM) check out H. Edward Goldberg’s recent Cadalyst article. It covers a range of BIM related solutions from VectorWorks, Autodesk, Bentley Systems, Graphisoft, Gehry Technologies, & 1ST Pricing.

There are concise descriptions of the applications each is offering and how they fit into the BIM process. Given that BIM is a process, more than just an application, it’s good to be aware of the alternatives that are out there! 

State of the AEC Industry 2006 - BIM solutions are changing the AEC landscape. - Cadalyst AEC

“Major AEC software companies recognize that BIM, which I'll use to refer to building information modeling, affects the entire building lifecycle, and they are responding.”

Bentley who?

Randall Newton comments on Why Bentley Seems Invisible to AutoCAD Users. It’s an interesting view of a company I know little about. Is that because I’m an AutoCAD/ADT user?

Bentley Systems sheds its low profile (Philadelphia Business Journal)

Via AEC news.com