Pipe infrastructure design for civil engineering
The centerpiece of the software is its unique design core that handles the data model. It is fully dynamic which supports a smooth design process and results in fewer mistakes. It is both robust and fast which enables you to design huge projects with hundreds of kilometers of pipes and thousands of nodes. Furthermore, you can review, query and annotate all data in a matter of seconds or draw more than 1000 long sections in about 30 seconds while using an average PC. Exchanging project data between users is very simple as all data is stored directly inside the DWG file.
Urbano represents a real „bridge between design and GIS" and includes many standard GIS functions, such as data import and export functions to/from various data sources (e.g. databases, SHP and MapInfo files, XML, TXT etc.). You can also create queries and thematic maps or add any kind of custom, user-defined data to the project. Urbano treats all data as equal, irrespective of its source – you can mix designed, calculated and user-defined data to customize any table view, long profile, thematic map etc.
Urbano is based on AutoCAD and is most commonly used with AutoCAD Civil 3D and AutoCAD Map 3D. It supports all Microsoft Windows compatible versions of AutoCAD 2010 or newer in both 32 bit and 64 bit environments.
Urbano consists of several modules that are combined into packages adapted to the everyday needs of civil engineers. All modules share the same look and feel and are easy to learn and master.
Designers regularly need to work on different network types. The common functions of Urbano include procedures and workflows equally used in the design of sewage, water and other pipe networks. Such an approach decreases the learning curve and therefore accelerates the use of all modules.
Urbano features a unique user interface based on the side-docking "Workspace” panel. This straightforward approach includes no additional menus, toolbars or palettes, which reduces screen clutter and improves the overall user experience. The workspace panel arranges program commands and configurations in a standard tree view. Configurations represent customized versions of basic program functions and data (e.g. "Long section Sewage 500/100”). They can be easily created for almost any function and saved for use in other projects. Once a specific configuration set is created, it is possible to save it as a system template (e.g. "Sewage”). Executing program commands often opens additional "modeless” windows with specialized settings and functions. You can have several windows open at the same time which greatly simplifies and speeds up the design process (e.g. editing in layout and refreshing a thematic map, reviewing calculation data in a table view while creating a query etc.).
Pipe network design is frequently based on predefined elements, i.e. pipes, manholes, fittings, trenches and so on. In Urbano, all these elements are stored in catalogs which share the same user interface, so it is very easy to add or edit an element or group.
Configurations, templates and catalogs can be shared through local networks or the Internet by using the network repository system.
Projects made with Urbano automatically include all used configurations and catalog elements directly in the DWG file. This means that work on the project can be resumed on any PC and by any user.
Detailed functionality description:
Network design in layout view. Interactive or by conversion from AutoCAD elements. A network is based on an intelligent topology system and consists of nodes, sections, branches, arrays and systems. Basic network elements (nodes and sections) are made of plain AutoCAD elements (blocks and lines or arcs).
Network editing. This function includes a variety of options for changing nodes and sections, such as erasing, inserting, replacing, renaming, changing type and so on. Thanks to the dynamic model, all changes are simultaneously updated in all other design parts.
Setting terrain elevations. Support for Civil 3D, Terraform and 3D face DTM. In case a DTM does not exist, terrain elevations in nodes can be determined by alternative methods such as direct input, linear interpolation, import from an external source (e.g. database) etc.
Data selection and input. Different data selection methods make operations easy and efficient. You can input all data necessary for the design for each network element individually or for several network elements at once (e.g. you can change a group of pipes with a certain diameter to a different pipe diameter all at once).