CAD & GIS News for Govies 7/24

CAD News for Govies is a weekly feature on Acronym that scans thousands of industry articles to present you with a regular source of CAD and GIS news, information and ideas that impact the public sector.

Here’s the latest round-up:

Webinar - BIM without Buildings? Yes, It’s Possible!

Transportation planners and engineers are increasingly adopting BIM to help address common needs and challenges. If you’re interested in what BIM can do for your highway designs and projects, join CADD Microsystems on July 31, 11.00 a.m. EST for an informative webinar on how BIM can tackle these issues head-on. Register here.

Google is Reunited with Civil 3D

Missing the ability to import Google Maps into the latest versions of Civil 3D? Civil 3D 2012 was the last version of Civil 3D that allowed importing imagery and terrain information from Google. However, thanks to a new utility from IMAGINiT Technologies users can now import both Google Maps imagery and/or terrain information into Civil 3D 2014.  Read more on the IMAGINiT Civil blog.

Ergonomic Mouse-Alternative Promises Increased Precision and Less Muscle Strain

If all the hours you spend doing CAD has resulted in a bad case of carpal tunnel or a stiff neck, then you might be interested in the latest in the ergonomic input device from Contour Design. Not only does the slick RollerMouse Re:d claim to deliver precise cursor control that increases your productivity it also reduces stress on the neck, shoulders, elbows and wrists. This slick device sits in front of your keyboard, much like a traditional keyboard gel pad, but that’s where the similarities end. Read more on Cadalyst about what the new generation of mice-alternatives promises to deliver!

Facilities Managers – How to Make your Next Software Acquisition an Easy One

If you’re a public sector facilities manager and are searching for the best price for the acquisition of facilities management (FM) software (such as BIM or other FM solutions), then you may be interested in joining an upcoming webinar from DLT Solutions. Taking place on August 20 at 2.00 p.m EST, the webinar will provide tips on how to minimize the research process involved in navigating current mandates and the elongated processes now required by government agencies when they’re searching for the best price. Learn more and register here.

A New Twist on 3D Printing – Liquid Metal!

3D printing is booming. And, while most 3-D printers thread spools of plastic filament onto a heated nozzle, which then drops liquid plastic onto a surface one layer at a time until an object is formed, researchers at North Carolina State University in Raleigh have spent the last four years researching how to do the same with liquid metals. While the process has its limitations, the opportunities may soon start opening up. Read more from Government Technology.