Interoperable Application Enables Quick Decision-Making and Saves Time,

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SAN ANTONIO - Geospatial Technologies Symposium, Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, announced today that Patrick Air Force Base chose Autodesk's MapGuide(R) software to create an application that provides Web-based, base-wide access to the most current geospatial data related to its assets and facilities. The application, implemented in record time, helps Patrick Air Force Base create, manage, and share data across its organization, delivering map and design data to more people who need it. The application is compliant with United States Air Force GeoBase Enterprise Architecture guidelines, providing an interoperable, standards-based solution that leverages existing mapping IT investments.

The application, called the Base Visualization Tool, helps Patrick Air Force Base integrate its CAD and GIS data into a single spatial store and makes it available to base personnel who need immediate access to mission critical information. The application integrates data from multiple data sources and servers, including aerial photography, floor plans, as-built drawings, and real property data, enabling users to easily and conveniently access this Common Installation Picture via the base network. It can even integrate geospatial data created by ESRI GIS software and stored in an Oracle database.

"Patrick Air Force Base has proven that Autodesk software is a superior solution for maximizing the value of geospatial and CAD data by making it available to anyone who needs it," said Chris Bradshaw, vice president of Autodesk's Infrastructure Solutions Division. "The solution can be easily and rapidly implemented, is easy to maintain and customize, and delivers the cross-functional mapping capability required by defense installations for enhanced situational awareness and decision superiority."

Autodesk Consulting helped Patrick Air Force Base staff build and customize the Base Visualization Tool to include features designed to meet the specific needs of their base personnel. Features include selective map layer viewing, zoom/go to capability, tool tips, feature identification tool, report creation, feature analysis (for instance, the ability to identify buildings that lie within an anticipated hurricane flood zone), redlining capabilities, role-based security, and application administration. The application also includes the Autodesk(R) DWF(TM) Viewer, a lightweight application that enables anyone to view and print complex 2D and 3D drawings, maps, and models.

By providing its users with tools that fit their specific needs and by enabling self-service, Patrick Air Force Base believes its users will be able to perform about 900 of the 1,200 map and CAD drawing requests on their own rather than waiting for the central records group to provide the data. They anticipate creating significant benefits in both time and cost savings.

United States Air Force GeoBase Initiative

Patrick Air Force Base's Base Visualization Tool is used to support the United States Air Force (USAF) GeoBase program, an information management initiative that extends the application of geospatial intelligence and associated tools to address the challenges faced by airmen in managing complex infrastructures. One component of the USAF GeoBase architecture is to enable users to visualize their mission-critical assets in a shared, intuitive, web- enabled manner, reducing the time it takes to make informed decisions.

Autodesk MapGuide Software

Autodesk MapGuide software helps organizations get more from their investment in information, technology, and people. The software is used to disseminate information across the Internet, an intranet, or an extranet, enabling anyone, anywhere, to interact with live spatial information. Performance, flexibility, and ease of deployment distinguish Autodesk MapGuide software as the leading Internet solution for supporting geographic information systems (GIS), mapping, and digital design applications.

For more information about Autodesk MapGuide, see www.autodesk.com/mapguide.

Autodesk Subscription and Consulting Add Value to Software Investment

When combined with Autodesk(R) Subscription, Autodesk solutions deliver the easiest way to keep design tools and learning up to date. For an annual fee, users get the latest version of Autodesk solutions, web support direct from Autodesk, self-paced training options, and a broad range of other technology and business benefits. For more information, contact your Autodesk Authorized Reseller or visit www.autodesk.com/subscription.

Additionally, Autodesk Consulting offers services that can help streamline business processes and help customers get the best possible return on their investment in Autodesk technology. For more information about Autodesk Consulting, including integrated consulting and training, see www.autodesk.com/consulting.

About Autodesk

Autodesk is the world's leading design software and digital content company, offering customers progressive business solutions through powerful technology products and services. Autodesk helps customers in the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media, and wireless data services fields increase the value of their digital design data and improve efficiencies across their entire project lifecycle management processes. For more information about the company, see www.autodesk.com.

NOTE: Autodesk and Autodesk MapGuide are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

Contact: Dawn Van Osdell, 704-347-2538

Email: dawn.van.osdell@autodesk.com

SOURCE  Autodesk, Inc.
    -0-                             08/17/2004
    /CONTACT:  Dawn Van Osdell of Autodesk, Inc., +1-704-347-2538, or
dawn.van.osdell@autodesk.com/
    /Web site:  http://www.autodesk.com /
    (ADSK)

CO:  Autodesk, Inc.; Patrick Air Force Base
ST:  California
IN:  CPR MLM STW ARO
SU:  LIC TDS

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