This class begins with educating your bosses or decision-makers about GIS technology with a focus on the benefits of using Autodesk® products with Feature Data Objects (FDO) technology to connect with many GIS and raster data sources. We show how current Autodesk products can use the technology without the need for additional expensive software and contracts. We also show how other electrical utilities use AutoCAD® even with GIS from other vendors. Convince the Power of the facts! We also discuss a real-world upgrade from AutoCAD® Map 3D Enterprise 2012 with Autodesk® MapGuide® 6.5 to Map 3D 2013 and Autodesk® Infrastructure Map Server (AIMS) 2013. The class covers moving the system into full production, using the current process workflow of the utility while retaining the basic look and feel of the application. This class is co-presented with a technical consultant from the Autodesk Global Services Utilities and Telecom Consulting group.

Southern California Edison (SCE) uses light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-equipped aircraft to identify overhead lines with clearances that don't comply with local and federal requirements. This involves many utilities, including transmission, distribution, and telecommunications. In this class we will discuss how infractions are solved using a 4-step approach: identify, evaluate, design, and remediation. The LiDAR results show opportunities where man-made encroachments occur, as well as revealing environmental encroachments that involve vegetation management. We will look back at lessons learned to date, and we'll take a look forward at the future of advanced surveying and design systems. This all happens within the framework of SCE's enterprise level workflow management system.

The Grand Paris Express (GPE) is a major automated metro infrastructure project in Paris, with a new 200-kilometer tunnel line. The maintenance site (depot) is a key structure in a limited space inserted into a dense urban environment. This situation leads to numerous challenging conflicts between the rail and building design. In this class, we will share Systra’s experience on project Building Information Modeling (BIM) implementation, and show how BIM can be used for rail infrastructure design. You will also discover how BIM can be effective for track alignment, utilities, hydrology, catenary, and telecom when interfacing with architecture, structure, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) services. BIM has been used on this project to facilitate data exchange—especially between a civil design with AutoCAD Civil 3D software and architectural design with Revit software—but also to improve 3D coordination and design review. This session features AutoCAD Civil 3D and Revit.

Navigating the imminent growth in the renewable energy market presents challenges around skills and project data quality. Autodesk tools enable customers to overcome these challenges by investing in upskilling and ensuring high-quality data for their projects. AutoCAD files are critical in this, providing the precision needed, especially with the shift toward 3D designs for energy yield modeling. Well-optimized and structured preconstruction stage designs in AutoCAD can make or break a potential project's funding and eventual construction, thus driving customer value. This panel will explore how Autodesk software can empower customers to unlock the renewable energy sector's potential, overcome bottlenecks, and mitigate risks. By addressing these challenges, users can contribute significantly to achieving the ambitious Net Zero emissions targets and combat climate change, driving positive outcomes for their businesses and the world.

There is increased focus on how Digital will disrupt the E&C sector. Most executives now understand that soon, engineers will not design, they will develop the algorithms that automate the design of solutions. According to the 2023 Deltek Clarity survey, ¾ of E&C participants worry that they will lose market share within 2 years if they fail to transform. Also, CAPEX is increasing in most sectors, therefore successful transformation is not only seen as a necessary mean to remain profitable, but also to increase capacity and gain market share. However, it is common for E&C firms to struggle in transforming leveraging Technologies. Usual "ways of working" such as focus on utilization rate, risk aversion and silos can impede a successful transformation. There would be merit in conducting a panel discussion with leaders from different horizons to discuss the above, focusing on the why, potential solutions and how they made meaningful progress happen while addressing these challenges.

The development level of hydraulic modeling applications enables their use in various everyday situations in the water industry throughout the entire lifecycle of assets, not only in the design and specification stages. The development of information flows in each phase of asset life enables integration and interoperability between design applications (Civil 3D or InfraWorks software), geographic information systems (ArcGIS), and hydraulic modeling software (InfoWorks WS PRO software). This new dynamic enhances the use of these tools together, extracting the best result as quickly and accurately as possible, both in the design phase and also during operations and maintenance. In this session, we'll go through studies of network pathways, sizing, depth, clash detection, documentation, calibration, operational rules, and more, using the best application for each step with the smoothest interoperability.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the operation and management of public water systems, improving efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. However, there is uncertainty about the value it can bring. By understanding these dimensions, participants will be better equipped to navigate the complex landscape of AI in water, fostering responsible and sustainable practices for the benefit of communities and the environment. We will discuss a multi-tier approach to using AI-enabled technology, such as that developed by Autodesk, to equip users to proceed with use of the technology. Each of the four tiers—cost-focused AI, performance-driven AI, human-centered AI, and socially responsible AI—has business goals and stakeholder values connected to it. For example, cost-focused AI results in efficiency gain or increased profits, whereas performance-driven AI would result in improved customer service or reliability, and socially responsible AI provides equitable infrastructure.

Become an adopted member of our design team for the session. Encounter a hands-on experience of the different stages of our transition from AutoCAD software to Revit software, and discover the benefits and potential pitfalls along the way. SSEN Transmission projects play a leading role in reducing carbon emissions through infrastructure investment. We're embracing technology to help deliver the large-scale infrastructure growth required to make a decarbonized electricity network a reality. For the design teams, this involves growing our digital design and collaboration capabilities using the Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection and Autodesk Construction Cloud. This workshop will focus on our design process for high-voltage substations across a portfolio of live projects. The SSEN Transmission team will demonstrate steps taken to grow a more traditional 2D AutoCAD design process into a collaborative design approach using Revit and Autodesk Construction Cloud. There will be opportunities to interact with models using various applications and hardware.

This presentation will dive into a groundbreaking case study of BRK Ambiental, Brazil's second-largest water utility, which implemented advanced automation techniques in the design of water and wastewater treatment facilities. We will explore how the use of generative design software not only streamlined the utility's infrastructure design processes, but also significantly reduced project timelines and costs, while enhancing compliance with stringent environmental regulations. Attendees will learn about the specific challenges BRK Ambiental faced, including the need for rapid design of wastewater infrastructure to meet increasing demand and compliance pressures. The session will highlight how automated design tools facilitated innovative solutions and accelerated project delivery, setting a new standard for efficiency in the water utility sector.

This case study will explore the first-ever commercial drone operations permitted within the rim of the Grand Canyon, and how the imagery captured was used to inform a critical water infrastructure project. Grand Canyon National Park, in Northern Arizona, is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It encompasses an impressive 278 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands and averages more than 10 miles wide. To support work to modernize the Grand Canyon Water System—which serves thousands of residents and millions of annual visitors—we used drones, surveying, and LiDAR technology to acquire high-resolution orthomosaic images and point clouds. In this digital transformation success story, we also employed Autodesk tools such as AutoCAD Civil, ReCap, Revit, and other Autodesk products.