Waterways to Highways: The Digitalization of Infrastructure

Roads and highways. Communication networks. Bridges. Power plants. Infrastructure is the stuff we don’t always think about, but we sure miss it if it’s not there. Some parts are old, like our waterways—many of them need an upgrade. Other parts are relatively new, like our data pipelines—they need to be extended to new areas.

Whether the systems were built last century or last year, the ways that we design, build, and retrofit infrastructure are changing as new technologies come along, enabling us to provide better services for more people with less impact on the environment.

Check out the resources below to stay ahead as the industry continues to experience rapid digital transformation.

Water management

March 22 marks World Water Day. The goal is to raise awareness around the issues of water availability and inspire action that brings clean water and sanitation to all. Quality water infrastructure plays a major part in ensuring access to clean water, and protecting this precious resource is going to be one of the top priorities for the infrastructure of the future. As Autodesk Executive Vice President Amy Bunszel says in a recent piece, “the digitalization of infrastructure extends the life of public assets and maximizes the use of the world’s most precious resource.”

• As water infrastructure systems age, major problems become more frequent. But new processes are providing new ways to tackle the problems. David Totman of Innovyze discusses the latest in water management capabilities—from risk modeling to asset performance, and everything in between.
• InfoDrainage for Civil 3D is software designed to support the requirements of delivering BIM compliance with optimized drainage design workflows. Jessica Jefferys explores easy ways to gain confidence in the validity and accuracy of your design information.
• Water scarcity problems loom on the horizon, but deeper data insights can help improve sustainability and efficiency. Cheryl Goldberg discusses “digital water.”
   

Automation

By automating design, simulation, and key aspects of construction, we can build more efficiently and sustainably. Adopting the right digital tools and making them work in your organization is the first step.

• Moving to BIM is essential, but it does require your team to approach the design process differently. Marek Suchocki demystifies the process for selecting technologies and setting standards for BIM infrastructure projects.
• Once you’ve made the move to BIM, you can begin to use data to meet the goals of your business or organization. Learn how Build Change used Dynamo to automate the design process for resilient infrastructure and housing.
• Automation enabled global engineering services company Sweco to deliver projects with fewer errors in less time. The team explains how they scaled adoption across the company, shared scripts, and established metrics.
   

BIM and GIS integration

The integration between BIM and GIS (geographic information system) is rapidly improving, bringing exciting new possibilities.

• Discover how ArcGIS GeoBIM brings together data, personnel, and workflows, making digital twins for infrastructure possible.
• Check out four benefits of integrating BIM and GIS solutions for rail and highway projects, simplifying digital delivery and boosting productivity.
• Learn how to map electrical utility GIS data to new Civil 3D pipe network designs using Dynamo.
   

Infrastructure is the foundation for our modern world. It’s always been important, and the more advances we make, the more important it becomes. Learn more at Autodesk University anytime.