Here we are again, another New Year, another opportunity to look back and plan ahead!

We’ve published over 100 articles this year, featuring insights, tips, best practices and commentary on all aspects of public sector digital design. A big thank you goes out to our stable of guest bloggers and partners, including Line//Shape//Space, Synergis Engineering Design Systems, CADD Microsystems and CADSoft Consulting.

With all the 3D products available today, you might think that Autodesk is not investing in AutoCAD any more and that just isn’t true.  AutoCAD is the flagship product that has more users than any other because of its speed and recognizable interface. Today, with Desktop Subscription allowing purchasers to scale up or down their software needs easily, it is a great first step.

We all know that solving problems on our own isn't always practical. Sometimes you need help, or just somebody else to talk it over with. And you’ve probably also experienced the phenomenon that the best way to learn something yourself is to teach it to someone else. Put those two ideas together, and you’ve got a Revit user group. In-house discussions can be a great way to pool your team’s collective knowledge and expand your understanding through teaching.

Developed with the needs of transportation designers and engineers in mind, Autodesk Vehicle Tracking (AVT) is a relatively new addition to Autodesk’ portfolio of infrastructure solutions, but it’s getting a lot of attention.

A new book by Gregory Elmes, professor of geography at West Virginia University – “Forensic GIS: The Role of Geospatial Technologies for Investigating Crime and Providing Evidence” examines the use of location technology in preventing and fighting crime and convicting offenders.

The “Internet of Things” – it’s everywhere right now!

The “Internet of Things” or IoT, for short, refers to the next evolution of the internet when everyday objects are networked to the web and each other. Smart watches, connected cars, appliances, houses, and more – very soon every physical thing will be accessible through the internet.

In government, the uses are also equally infinite - from monitoring the building energy use (currently happening over at the General Services Administration) to tracking vehicle locations and maneuvers (being explored by the DoD).

Last week, Autodesk chose Autodesk University 2014 to showcase new services for the building and infrastructure industries that will expand the benefits of BIM-based collaboration for Revit and InfraWorks 360 through the entire project lifecycle – from planning and design to construction and management.

You’ve worked hard. The project is done and construction is complete. So, what happens to the project data? The drawings, the specifications, the OEM manuals, and all other associated data have to go somewhere.

Autodesk University starts tomorrow, but if you aren't able to make it to Vegas. Don't worry, you can view a live video stream of key sessions for free.

From December 2-4, several key classes and events will be available online, in real-time, including the keynote session, forums, and closing sessions.

According to the McKinsey Global Institute, roads are the world’s top infrastructure segment in terms of investment. Here in the U.S. increasing traffic and an aging infrastructure is making it more important than ever to build new or rehabilitate existing transportation systems. These projects are becoming increasingly larger and complex, yet funding levels have continued to drop and traditional design methods aren’t cutting it anymore.