CAD & GIS News for Govies 10/16

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:

New Construction Management Software Designed Around iPhone Usability

Looking for an app that handles all the paperwork on a jobsite, including preparing, issuing and signing off on contracts, subcontracts, change orders and billings? Look no more. A new web-based construction management platform optimized for an iPhone’s screen size and mobile ergonomics launches on November 1 (it’s also available for tablets and laptops). The “Fluid Contract Manager” is created by Nevada-based, Sparks. Sparks’ president, Don Speedie, came up with the idea when he worked as a construction manager. According to ENR, who tested the program, Fluid Contract Manager’s usability is what sets it apart. Read more.

To Rent or Buy AEC Software Tools? Vendors Add More Choices

In case you missed the latest news from Autodesk, starting in 2015 most customers won’t be able to buy software upgrades in the traditional mold. Instead, Autodesk is releasing more web-based versions of its familiar desktop tools and offering cloud-based options for renting core processors, based on project need. This shift from the perpetual license model, typified by annual upgrade fees and subscription models, will see AEC vendors offer more ways to rent desktop software – at a lower cost to the user. Read more.

Want to Learn more About BIM? Two Webcasts Not to Miss

If you think BIM might be in your future but you need some more convincing, Synergis Engineering Design Solutions is hosting two upcoming webcasts on how BIM is being used in the construction industry and the value it’s providing.

Autodesk Remote: What Is It and What Can It Do For Me?

In the last month, Autodesk released Autodesk Remote.  This new app allows you to take your designs anywhere, but how do you know if it is for you? Check out the pros and cons and find out if it’s a tool you can benefit from here.

Chicago to Invest in Green Stormwater

A new wave of annual funding in Chicago will go towards new technologies to supplement current strategies to reduce potential for flooding in homes and streets by creating 10 million gallons of stormwater storage. The $50 million investment is part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s endeavor to address basement and street flooding throughout the city and is one of the biggest voluntary investments in this type of infrastructure in America.

The $10 million in annual funds will reduce the amount of pollution that flows into the Lake Michigan and the Chicago River through proven projects, such as permeable pavements and planting of natural plants and trees. These projects will ultimately create an extra 10 million gallons of natural stormwater storage in the city, which could reduce runoff by 250 million gallons annually. Read more from Climate Action.

A Common View: Facility Managers Share Building Data with Emergency Responders

In an emergency, first responders need access to information quickly. A new emergency pre-planning database called CommandScope, now gives first responders better, faster information about a building and it occupants during emergencies. Using a simple dashboard users can view key areas of a building in real-time. Data can be viewed by building managers, and shared with police, fire and SWAT teams. The system is installed in public and private buildings – and provides schematics of the buildings, in a simple, intuitive interface. Read more about how facilities managers and emergency personnel are using this new tool at Government Technology. You can also check out how Howard County, Maryland is embracing the technology for its first responders here.