New generation of water management software

Catalyst to more sustainable and smart water management

Climate change and increasing urbanization make sustainable water management more important than ever. Heavy rainfall, flooding and pressure on existing infrastructure are forcing engineers and municipalities to design drainage and drainage systems in a smarter, more efficient and nature-friendly way. InfoDrainage, Autodesk's latest generation of drainage design software, plays a key role in this effort. 

Introduced five years ago as a successor to the older MicroDrainage, InfoDrainage is today considered a "teenager" with big ambitions, according to Roi Otero, water strategy manager at Autodesk: user-friendly, scalable and ready to be applied worldwide.

Sustainable solutions

Whereas previously the main focus was on "gray" infrastructure such as pipes, pumps and concrete basins, today's times call for green, climate-adaptive solutions, says Otero. "InfoDrainage supports designers in integrating nature-based measures such as wadis, green roofs and infiltration facilities. The result: systems that not only drain rainwater, but also retain, treat and infiltrate it locally. This creates a robust and resilient urban water system with fewer concrete surfaces and more space for nature."

Efficiency and accuracy through automation

One of InfoDrainage's greatest strengths is its focus on speed, precision and ease of use. "Thanks to a modern interface and a relatively short learning curve, designers can get started quickly," says Otero. "Complex hydraulic calculations are largely automated, reducing the likelihood of human error. Compared to traditional, spreadsheet-based methods, this results in time savings as well as more reliable results." 

InfoDrainage is fully integrated with other Autodesk solutions, such as Civil 3D and InfraWorks. "This allows drainage designs to fit directly into a broader BIM or infrastructure workflow. This creates a streamlined process in which data exchange and collaboration between disciplines are central," Otero explains.

From urban neighborhoods to coastal protection

The power of InfoDrainage is evident in a variety of projects. Otero: "In the United States, for example, the software was used in a coastal protection project where a historic waterfront zone was reinforced against sea level rise and storm surges. In New Zealand and Europe, the tool is already regularly used in urban redevelopments, where rainwater is infiltrated locally and green structures make the living environment more attractive. These projects show that water safety, sustainability and quality of life can be excellently combined."

The future of drainage design

Over the next five to 10 years, drainage design will increasingly rely on automation, real-time data and smart infrastructure, notes Otero. "Think IoT sensors that monitor rainfall and water levels, or AI models that automatically generate alternative designs based on climate and scenario analysis. InfoDrainage is actively developing in this direction with features for flexible reporting, AI-assisted design and continuous updates of rainfall methods. This makes the system future-proof and able to respond to both more stringent regulations and society's growing demand for sustainable urban development."

Support and implementation

For organizations that want to get started with InfoDrainage, Autodesk, along with partners such as ARKANCE, offers extensive support. "From 30-day trial versions and data links to customized training sessions, we help users fit the software optimally into their existing workflows," says Symine Henkens, aquatic scientist at ARKANCE. "In doing so, we always advise starting small, for example with a single project or a simple scenario, and exploring the possibilities step by step from there." ARKANCE is in close contact with Autodesk's water team. "For every situation, we offer a tailor-made solution."     

InfoDrainage is more than a design tool: it is a catalyst for the transition to more sustainable and smart water management. By combining nature-based solutions with powerful automation and integration into BIM workflows, the software allows water professionals to work more efficiently while making a positive impact on climate adaptation and quality of life. In a world where water is both a vulnerable threat and a vital source of life, InfoDrainage helps us find the balance between technology and nature.