Autodesk GIS Software Helps Australian City Workers and Residents Easily Access Information and Services from the Internet.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

Mobile Capabilities Enable City Workers to Access Data

in the Field to Improve Infrastructure Management

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, today announced that the Darebin City Council is using its GIS (Geographic Information System) software to provide easier access to information and services to city residents and merchants via the Internet. With fast access to data using Autodesk GIS software, council employees are able to more efficiently manage the city's drainage infrastructure systems saving time, money, resulting in improved service.

The GIS solution was developed for Darebin City Council by Geomatic Technologies, an Autodesk System Center, and went live in Q1 of 2002. The solution uses Autodesk Map for creation and maintenance of map data, Autodesk MapGuide for data access and distribution, and Autodesk OnSite View for mobile viewing and editing of data by council employees on a handheld device.

Easy Internet Access 

Using a browser, residents now have 24/7 access to a range of useful government services and information including waste/recycling collection, garbage collection details, speed limits, parking information, and street cleaning times. In addition, residents are now able to access city maps for finding public facilities such as schools, libraries, halls, and recreation areas including information on business hours and services provided. Local businesses benefit as well with real-time access to zoning information for building and development purposes.

"Over the past five years, the Internet has transformed many segments of our society including how businesses operate, the ways in which people communicate, and how services are delivered," said Dino Marino, GIS/Asset Systems Coordinator for Darebin City Council. "It is important for governments to keep pace with residents' changing needs by bringing more services online and more efficiently managing operations. Autodesk's software gives council employees powerful design tools and residents an easy-to-use interface to more readily access government information and services in more meaningful ways."

In addition to providing residents with online access, council employees are using the system to manage and maintain the city's drainage infrastructure. Using a centralized spatial database connected to Autodesk MapGuide, city employees are able to view maps from their desktop of the entire drainage system including drainage outlets and fixtures, helping to identify, prevent, and manage maintenance problems. Using Autodesk OnSite View, council workers are able to capture data in the field and securely input it into the database helping ensure accurate and useful information.

About Darebin

With over 130,000 residents and 55,000 properties, the City of Darebin is home to one of the largest and most diverse municipalities anywhere in Victoria. Located within 20 minutes of Melbourne Airport, the Melbourne CBD and Melbourne Port, the City of Darebin owns, controls, manages or maintains an extensive range of physical assets. These include over 370 miles of roads, 1,240 miles of drains, 300 buildings, 1,100 acres of parkland, and over 45,000 street trees. Traditionally dominated by blue collar industrial employment, Darebin's two major employers include the manufacturing industry and the retail sector.

About Autodesk

Founded in 1982, Autodesk, Inc., is the world's leading design and digital media creation, management, and distribution company. The company serves a diverse portfolio of markets, including building design, geographic information systems, manufacturing, digital media, and wireless data services. By delivering tools that foster innovation and creativity, Autodesk helps customers throughout the value chain leverage digital design data to work better, faster, and smarter. For more information about the company, see www.autodesk.com.

Note to Editors: Autodesk, Autodesk Map, Autodesk MapGuide, and Autodesk OnSite View are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the United States and other countries. Oracle is a registered trademark and Oracle9i is a trademark or registered trademark of Oracle Corporation. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.