Project Kameleon is our free technology preview where you can try our new infrastructure model content authoring tools that are compatible with InfraWorks and AutoCAD Civil 3D.

• The technology preview includes a stand-alone .exe Parts Editor that enables authoring Inlets, Manholes, and Culverts.
• You can author Inlet Frames, Grates, and Underground Structures as separate part families and combine them to create Inlet Structure Assemblies.
• You can also author Culvert Barrels and End Treatments and combine them to create Culvert Assemblies.
• The part authoring workflow is tightly integrated with InfraWorks and includes the ability to post new part catalogs to InfraWorks models. Catalog conversion enables Inlet and Manhole Structure content to be used in AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• A built-in shape library allows you to author parts using an existing set of parametric shapes and supports extending the shape library using a stand-alone .exe Part Shape Modeler to author new Inventor IPT shape files that can be imported by the Parts Editor.

JOIN the project

On Wednesday, I got a new build from the team and posted it to the Autodesk Labs site for download. Senior Content Engineering Manager, Craig Storms, let me know that based on your feedback so far, previous releases supported Drainage Model Content for AutoCAD Civil 3D and InfraWorks, but the build now has:

• Pressure Piping Content authoring for AutoCAD Civil 3D Pressure Pipe Networks
  • Pipes
  • Fittings: Elbows, Tees, Reducers, etc.
  • Valves and Hydrants
• Bridge Structure Content authoring for InfraWorks
  • Girders
  • Abutments
  • Piers
• Miscellaneous bug fixes

Existing project participants can get the new build now. If you have a previous build already installed, you will need to Uninstall it, and we recommend cleaning out any of the files created or modified during previous editing sessions. Please rename the following folders, so Kameleon can populate fresh files:

• C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Kameleon\
• C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\Kameleon
• C:\Users\username\Documents\Autodesk\Kameleon\

This last folder contains Draft Catalogs, which is where any previous work can be found. Draft catalogs (.ICBT files + matching catalog subfolder) are stored there.

For people who have yet to join, you have plenty of time to work with the technology as the free preview has been extended to March 15, 2016. Please try it and share your successes/failures/suggestions by emailing us at labs.kameleon@autodesk.com or posting to the dedicated forum on the Autodesk Labs project.

Drainage design is alive in the lab.