Direct access to Spatial Data using FDO-technology

Direct access to Spatial Data in an open structures stored by other software or processes in files and databases is very important for a flexible organization.

For example AutoCAD Map can combine design drawings from AutoCAD or AutoCAD Civil 3D with available data from other systems.

FDO overviewAutoCAD Map can connect to Oracle Spatial, ESRI ArcSDE, Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL databases. There are also FDO-providers to connect to file based datasource, like SDF, ESRI Shape and several raster-formats. And also FDO-providers that enables Map to connect to OGC-webservices.

Some FDO-provincers are developed by Autodesk, some by the opensource community.
Goto http://fdo.osgeo.org for more info about the opensource FDO-technology.

AutoCAD® Map 3D 2010 – what’s new

AutoCAD® 2010 software
AutoCAD Map 3D 2010 software is built on the latest release of AutoCAD platform.

User friendly Ribbon Interface
The new ribbon-style user interface ( UI ) can advance the productivity, because it reduces the number of clicks. This interface presents the different functions in a concise visual format and let you select the desired functions quickly. The ribbon is customizable and can be tailor made for every user.

Improved functionality for importing Survey data
Improved functionality for importing Survey dataAutoCAD Map 3D survey functionality focuses on asset data collection and mapping. This feature allows you to organize, manage, and effectively use data collected in the field within the AutoCAD Map 3D environment. The functionality includes:
– ASCII point and LandXML data import
– Survey datastore and schema
– Point groups
– Creation of FDO features from survey features

New Data Analyse functionality
New Data Analyse functionalityA couple of new overlay functions have been added, that substantially enhances the data analysis functionlity in AutoCAD Map:
– Intersect
– Union
– Erase
– Identity
– Clip
– Paste
– Symmetric difference
Note: these functions work only with FDO-features

New Workflow Framework
New Workflow FrameworkUsing the Windows® WorkflowTM Foundation, AutoCAD Map 3D makes it easy to automate repetitive tasks with a new and powerful workflow framework and user interface.
With this framework, you can build, save, and share simple and complex workflows with a visual editor. Workflows can include logic and initiate calls to other workflows—all with a single mouse click, improving efficiency and consistency in results.

New FDO-providers

New FDO-providersAutoCAD Map 3D 2010 supports now Microsoft SQL Server 2008 with the new Spatial functionality.
And there is an Autodesk FDO-Provider for GE Smallworld available in the Subscription Center for users with an Autodesk® Subscription contract.

Autodesk Developer Network ( ADN ) membership

Today I’ve applied for the Autodesk Developer Network ( ADN ) membership again.

Before I joined Autodesk, the DevTech engineers where an important source of information for me as application developer. Also in my time at Autodesk, they where ( together with Product Mngt and Product Support ) the first point of contact for technical questions.

announcement

Starting april 1st 2009 I’m working as self-employed consultant. From my new company ‘van der Pol-Consulting’ I will support governments and companies to optimize the Autodesk products.

After my employer Autodesk decided end 2008 to shut down several activities because of the crisis, I’ve decided to startup my own business.
I am confident to continue active in this branche, based on my knowledge and experience.

Meanwhile there are discussions with Autodesk and others in the GIS/Mapping world. These discussions will lead into a permanent co-operation and guarantee support to existing and new customers. There will be more lines open into Autodesk.

On my website/weblog I will keep you posted.

with regards,
Henny van der Pol
van der Pol-Consulting