AutoCAD Software Used to Document American Engineering Achievements
SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2012--
The National Park Service uses AutoCAD
software from Autodesk,
Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK), a leader in 3D
design, engineering and entertainment software, to help document
American engineering and industrial achievements as part of an
historical program started more than 40 years ago.
The Great Flight Cage at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. was built in 1963 and opened in 1965. The National Park Service used laser scanning technology from kubit to capture the Flight Cage as a point cloud that would then be imported into AutoCAD. (Photo: Business Wire)
America’s engineering and industrial achievements are stunning
accomplishments in themselves, although most Americans may not be aware
of these achievements. That is why the Historic American Engineering
Record (HAER) was established in 1969 by the National Park Service, the
American Society of Civil Engineers and the Library of Congress to
document historic sites and structures related to engineering and
industry.
Everything from bridges and boats to factories and gold mines has been
documented by HAER for historical purposes. Using laser scanning
technology from Leica Geosystems and software from kubit, an Autodesk
developer partner, HAER is able to capture “point clouds” of data that
create a 3D image of these sites. Using the powerful AutoCAD®
point-cloud rendering engine and kubit's enhanced functionality, HAER
staff works with this point cloud data to create detailed 3D models and 2D
drawings, which are then housed in the Library of Congress for
access by the general public, ensuring America’s industrial achievements
are documented and preserved for future generations.
“We’re creating a collection of documentation that tells a story about
the built environment in America,” said Tom Behrens, an architect with
HAER. “Quite simply, AutoCAD lets us work more efficiently, enabling us
to document more historic sites and structures than we could have in the
past.”
Answering the Call to Record History
Not everybody knows how many support cables are required to support the
Golden Gate Bridge, or what a steam-powered lumber mill looks like. But
they could easily find out — thanks to HAER’s efforts. Fortunately, HAER
has embraced technology to help its employees document sites more
effectively. They start by laser scanning the site to capture millions
of data points, creating a “point cloud” that provides a digital image
of the site. This data is supplemented by hand measurements and digital
photography.
HAER takes this data and works with it in AutoCAD, CAD
software, which features a powerful, built-in point cloud engine
capable of handling up to two billion data points. Additionally,
software from kubit expands their ability to analyze the point cloud
data and create accurate 3D models from within the native AutoCAD
environment.
Using AutoCAD, HAER creates 2D technical drawings from these 3D
models. By making AutoCAD a key component in its workflow, HAER is
able to complete drawings more quickly and undertake more projects.
“America benefits from HAER’s valuable work documenting the country’s
industrial and engineering processes,” said Amy Bunszel, vice president
of AutoCAD products. “It is terrific that AutoCAD plays a role in
helping produce historical material with such a wide appeal to students
of American history of all ages.”
About HAER
In 1969, the National Park Service (NPS), the American Society of Civil
Engineers, and the Library of Congress established the Historic American
Engineering Record (HAER) to create a permanent documentary record of
the nation’s engineering and industrial legacy. The NPS sets qualitative
standards, organizes and staffs recording projects. The Library of
Congress curates the records, makes them available free of charge for
study both at the library and on its Prints and Photographs website. The
engineering societies offer professional counsel through their History
and Heritage Committees and national memberships.
Individuals, engineering groups, historians and subject-matter
specialists donate formal documentation to HAER that meets or exceeds
our standards set forth in Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for
Architectural and Engineering Documentation. A major portion of the
collection is comprised of these contributions. HAER formal
documentation consists of all or any combination of measured and
interpretive drawings, historical reports, and large-format photographs.
All HAER documentation must explain and/or illustrate the site’s
significance; be accurate and verifiable; be produced on archival media
tested for a 500 year lifespan that is also reproducible; and be clear
and concise. For more information about the HAER program visit www.nps.gov/history/hdp/haer/index.htm
About kubit
Since 1999, German based firm kubit has developed field proven software
for capturing existing conditions into the AutoCAD environment. kubit
provides “reality capture” solutions and workflows for traditional
surveying, photogrammetry and laser scanning technologies. Anyone with
AutoCAD experience can master kubit software. Engineers, architects,
forensic specialists, preservationists, archeologists and more utilize
kubit software daily to solve their surveying needs. Whether a client is
looking to manipulate huge point clouds or create simple plans the kubit
team educates clients on the various measurement technologies and how to
efficiently integrate them into the design workflow. kubit’s US based
headquarters is located in Houston, Texas.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc., is a leader in 3D
design, engineering and entertainment software. Customers across the
manufacturing, architecture, building, construction, and media and
entertainment industries — including the last 16 Academy Award winners
for Best Visual Effects — use Autodesk software to design, visualize and
simulate their ideas. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in
1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of
state-of-the-art software for global markets. For additional information
about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the
authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or
policies of the U.S. Government. Mention of trade names or commercial
products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Autodesk and AutoCAD are registered trademarks or trademarks of
Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA
and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered trademark of the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other brand names,
product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk
reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and
specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not
responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in
this document.
© 2012 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Source: Autodesk, Inc.
Autodesk, Inc.
Angela Simoes, 415-547-2388
angela.simoes@autodesk.com