The AutoCAD Raster Design toolset is one of those modules for AutoCAD software and industry-specific AutoCAD-based applications that doesn't get much attention. Many AutoCAD users, even experienced ones, are often unaware of the power and capabilities of AutoCAD Raster Design. Let's walk through this set of tools and see what it can do for you.

Working with raster images presents a unique set of challenges. Oftentimes a raster image may be so degraded that it will benefit from a vector redraw. At other times, adding vector to just part of the drawing may meet your requirements. In either case, working with raster images can be frustrating, but fortunately AutoCAD Raster Design software has integrated tools that make the process less painful. Couple these tools with the power of AutoLISP® programming, and your process just got a whole lot easier, faster, and more accurate. This class covers the thought process behind enhancing raster commands, shows you the fastest ways to get the job done, and helps you take the first steps toward a smarter way to use AutoCAD Raster Design, no matter which version you currently use.

Good old-fashioned paper drawings have a wealth of information that can complement the lifecycle of a design, and when they are scanned into a digital format, they offer potentially more than any modern data capture method. Image data is pervasive and is more often than not a prerequisite for a project, but how can you make sense of a dirty, warped scanned document? Is it the correct location, and does it have the correct geography? How can you extract intelligence from the image, thus extending the value of this existing information? AutoCAD® Raster Design software helps you to easily clean, edit, enhance, and maintain scanned drawings and plans in a familiar AutoCAD® environment. This class explores the tools that are available with AutoCAD Raster Design and how to get the most from your imagery using powerful raster editing and raster-to-vector conversion tools.

This class will show you how to use AutoCAD® Raster Design 2013 on AutoCAD® 2013 to convert poor quality scanned images to intelligent AutoCAD entities. You will learn to insert, optimize, and convert raster images to vector data using AutoCAD 2013.

Explore the functionality in AutoCAD® Raster Design, and AutoCAD® Map 3D software for working with aerial imagery, viewing Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data, editing scanned maps and photos, and converting raster data into vector. Learn how to accurately insert georeferenced images. Insert and correlate non-referenced images. Access and manage imagery using image manipulation tools. Improve image display with nonlinear tonal adjustment and palette controls. Create slope and elevation maps from DEM data. The class will also look at draping images on surface models and the raster capabilities of the AutoCAD Map 3D Feature Data Objects (FDO) functions.

The latest release of AutoCAD software is here—don’t miss your chance to check out the new features firsthand. Join Lynn Allen, Autodesk technical evangelist and Cadalyst columnist, as she takes you through a tour of the latest features and puts you on the road to instant productivity. Robust model documentation tools, Autodesk® 360 cloud connectivity, and a modernized user interface are just a few of the new features in AutoCAD 2013 that you’re going to want to learn all about. Knowing Lynn, she’s sure to throw in some tips and tricks you can use regardless of the AutoCAD release you are using. She will also introduce you to the new automated workflows with the other products in AutoCAD® Design Suite including its newest member, AutoCAD® Raster Design software.

This class covers a typical utility workflow using Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite, highlighting its top new features and benefits. The workflow uses AutoCAD® Raster Design and AutoCAD® Map 3D software to gather and edit base data, such as aerial images, CAD drawings, and GIS data, including electric industry models. Analysis tools help identify potential areas and corridors for electric assets. Autodesk® Infrastructure Modeler software uses the data for a large-scale 3D model that combines the "What is" situation with "What could be" proposals. Conceptual designs of 3D overhead distribution networks, windmills or solar panels, buildings, and vegetation provide sophisticated visualizations for decision makers. A precise, model-based electric network is designed with AutoCAD® Utility Design based on these proposals. Standards-driven workflows and rules-based analysis tools ensure a network design with consistency and reliability.

Autodesk Raster Design is one of those modules for AutoCAD and AutoCAD verticals that doesn't get much attention. I find that many AutoCAD users are not aware of the power and capabilities of Raster Design. Let's walk through some of these tools and see what it can do for you.

Intended for intermediate to advanced users of InfraWorks 360 software and AutoCAD Civil 3D software, this class is designed to show the civil industry professionals techniques for creating renderings and depicting custom models utilizing multiple Autodesk, Inc., tools. Using tools provided in Infrastructure Design Suite civil engineering software (AutoCAD Civil 3D software, InfraWorks software, Revit software, and 3ds Max software), this class will consist of a live demo showing how to create and use grading, site geometry, and custom Filmbox (FBX) models that you can use in your InfraWorks models. This session features InfraWorks 360 and AutoCAD Raster Design. AIA Approved

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.

This class will cover the development of an InfraWorks software model from a wide variety of data sources. We will examine the various subjects, including the importation of geographic information system (GIS) raster and vector data, 3D models, civil 3D surfaces and alignments, creation of custom 3D models in 3ds Max software, and use of storyboard and export to create compelling project videos. We will examine workflows of an actual project and we'll focus on the process used to develop an InfraWorks software model for the modernization of a generating facility in Tempe, Arizona. This model has been used in the public outreach process.