1Spatial to target UK and Ireland Utilities

17 March 2009, 9:33am

16th March 2009, Cambridge, UK. 1Spatial has announced that it is extending its already successful partner relationship with software giant, Autodesk, to become the first value-added reseller in the UK and Ireland of Autodesk's infrastructure asset management tool, Topobase. This infrastructure design and management solution has already been installed at around 500 sites worldwide and, because of its proven success and impressive ROI record, interest from the UK and Ireland Utility Sector is expected to be strong.

Built on AutoCAD Map3D, Autodesk MapGuide, and sitting on an Oracle Spatial database, Topobase software integrates infrastructure design and management, providing easy access to accurate design, GIS, and asset information across an entire organisation. This addresses the current need for utilities to centralise and integrate data, providing a totally updated and reliable single source of information bringing together design engineers, GIS practitioners, and asset managers. This builds intelligence into the design process and leverages that same data across the entire asset lifecycle which ultimately leads to more efficient reporting, better-informed decision-making, faster response times and improved customer service.

Graham Stickler, Business Development Director at 1Spatial explains that 1Spatial has recently been working with Autodesk in Australia on moving a customer from a legacy system to Topobase. "As a result, both Autodesk and 1Spatial realised there would be a tremendous strength in joining forces, enabling 1Spatial to help implement Topobase in the most cost-effective manner possible across the UK and Ireland Utility sector."

He also points out the timeliness of this move: "Utilities are currently under pressure from all angles; from government, regulatory authorities and from customers themselves, to streamline processes and become more efficient. More flexible and agile business systems are obvious goals at such a time, and the integration of CAD and GIS into the key business processes can provide real and immediate benefit. With an impressive and already proven ROI, we believe it is, therefore, a very appropriate time to launch Topobase into the UK and Ireland market.

"1Spatial's main focus as a business is on the integration and quality control of geospatial data and we have extensive Oracle and Autodesk expertise. We therefore see the Topobase software as a relevant extension to our portfolio and an excellent tool to help customers in the Utility sector address the difficult challenges they currently face. In addition we have already proven that through our expertise with geospatial data migration, transformation, and integration, 1Spatial can help reduce the risk and save cost in the implementation of such systems."

Tracey Stone, Sales Manager Autodesk Infrastructure Modelling, Northern Europe says she believes 1Spatial can add even further value to Topobase, because of its extensive expertise in the geospatial sector, in particular working with its existing customers in the utilities sector. "1Spatial already has years of experience in integrating CAD and GIS and working with AutoCAD Map 3D and MapGuide, helping customers reduce costs and increase efficiencies.

"This new move further strengthens our partnership with 1Spatial and reflects Autodesk's policy of extending the specialist knowledge and value-added services available to customers in this area."

1Spatial