Autodesk buys MEP software vendor to expand BIM suites

MAP Software Ltd. supports fabrication and construction of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing building systems.

Autodesk is beefing up its AEC product portfolio with the acquisition of UK-based Micro Application Packages Limited (MAP Software), a provider of CAD, CAM and estimating software that supports fabrication and construction for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) industry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Sample MAP image — MAP Software Ltd. creates products for the fabrication and construction of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing building systems. (Source: MAP Software Ltd.)

Autodesk says acquiring MAP Software will help it continue “the evolution to model-based design workflows among MEP contractors, engineers, designers and fabricators.” The software compliments existing Autodesk products AutoCAD, AutoCAD MEP and Autodesk Revit MEP.

So many tasks, so little communication

Former managing director of MAP Software Peter Barcock explains, “By combining our resources we can further enable MEP contractors and engineers to seamlessly extend design information through to fabrication and on to construction within a BIM workflow.” ‘Seamless’ is the key. Bringing MEP fully into the BIM model is an important goal, because architects tend to refer to MEP engineers and contractors as “the guys who cut holes in our designs.”