DigitalGlobe, provider of the world's highest-resolution commercial satellite imagery and geospatial information products, today announced that it has joined Autodesk's data initiative. DigitalGlobe's participation in the initiative will give Autodesk customers quick, easy and affordable access to highly-accurate world imagery solutions. Autodesk's new data initiative portal offers customers access to DigitalGlobe's online library of world imagery directly with AutoCAD Map 3D(R) software, for meeting the growing market demand for enhanced imagery in utility, telecommunications, and AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) applications. By working together, Autodesk and DigitalGlobe give users quick access to premium geospatial information at cost efficient pricing models across an enterprise.

"DigitalGlobe's world imagery solutions give people the opportunity to gain a real world perspective to improve their outlook and their business. Autodesk shares our commitment to making the best spatial information readily available to those who need it, when they need it," said Marc Tremblay, senior vice president and general manager of DigitalGlobe's commercial business unit. "The demand for quality, highly accurate earth imagery is driving many new business uses and we are looking forward to our alliance with Autodesk to grow our market share in the CAD market. The Autodesk community understands and demands precision."

With the new partnership program, Autodesk customers gain e-commerce access to DigitalGlobe's popular ImageConnect(TM) online imagery service for Map 3D through a co-branded Web site linked from the Autodesk data portal. ImageConnect is an easy to use subscription service for GIS, which allows native access from Map 3D to DigitalGlobe's vast library of current, high-resolution satellite and aerial images, the largest source of available images in the world. Additionally, AutoCAD Map 3D 2009 will include a free two-week trial of the ImageConnect service and free DigitalGlobe imagery samples of San Francisco, London, Munich, Singapore, Rio de Janeiro and Sydney.

"Our customers are constantly in need of high-quality geospatial data, and it was a logical move for Autodesk to partner with DigitalGlobe for our data initiative," stated Lisa Campbell, vice president of Autodesk's geospatial division. "DigitalGlobe's advanced, high-precision and accurate imagery is a strong value-add for our customers who want easy access to quality data."

ImageConnect is available to Autodesk Map 3D customers via e-commerce through a specially developed Web site linked from the new data portal. More information about ImageConnect for AutoCAD Map 3D can be found at the Autodesk website at http://www.autodesk.com/geodata/ and at the DigitalGlobe website at http://www.digitalglobe.com/autodesk.