ASEcivil

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N E W S

Notable Developments, General Information

Updated : 2014.12.06

DATE

TOPIC

DETAILS

2014.12.07

NEW UPDATE

AseCivil14_HotFix_141206.exe was removed and replaced by a completely updated program and trial version installation packages. This is a “CRITICAL UPDATE” for all ASE Civil clients using the latest program versions. See the news items below for more details.

2014.12.06

WEB LICENSE MANAGER

(UPDATE)

AseCivil14_HotFix_141206.exe is now available for download and installation. This is classified as a “CRITICAL UPDATE”.

As of December 4^th, 2014, the latest versions of ASE, which all utilize web licensing, are UNUSABLE without this hot fix.

2014.12.05

AT&T SERVER CHANGES INTERRUPT ASE WEB LICENSE MANAGER

On the evening of December 3^rd, 2014 the AT&T Web Hosting developers implemented unannounced changes to the Internet access protocols that allow clients to access its web server. This configuration change was done for security purposes. However ASE was not aware that the changes were being made. Consequently, when those changes were applied, ASE clients were no longer able to acquire licenses.

As of December 6^th, 2014, the ASE Civil licensing system has been modified to account for the configuration changes. However, in addition to making ASE’s system work with AT&T’s new requirements, a failsafe “BYPASS” system has been built into the web licensing module. The new “By-pass” capability will completely circumvent the web licensing system in the event that ASE is unable to communicate with the AT&T server or the ASE client license database.

A HotFix is currently under development and will be posted to the downloads page on Saturday, December 6^th, 2014. Installing this repair will guarantee that ASE clients experience 100% license authentication up-time, regardless of the condition of the database or the host server.

If immediate access to licenses are needed, email TechSupport@azSubdividions.com for an interim HotFix.

2014.09.26

NEW TRIAL VERSION: NO RESTRICTIONS!

The trial version has been stripped of all authorization and trial notification dialogs and prompts. There is no longer a 30-day usage limit. Web-based, floating licenses will always be available and more licenses will be added to the ASE database license pool as-needed to satisfy increases in user demand.

Anyone who ever considered trying ASE out is now encouraged to download a trial version from the website, install it and use it just like a fully-purchased license. There is no functional difference whatsoever. The trial version serial number will never expire. Usage will be monitored and access to trial licenses will be managed on a case-by-case basis according to developer discretion.

Users that download a trial version should note that there is no need to install a separate license file or a service pack. Both items are included in the trial version download. Simply download it, install it and start working.

2014.09.17

ASE LICENSES ARE NOW “CLOUD”-BASED

Due to constantly-changing, ever increasing Windows security protocols which block access to the registry as well as to the local C-drive(while also unfortunately opening the door to piracy of the software by some dishonest consultants), all ASE Civil licensing is now web-based. Floating, shared licenses are now authenticated from a MySQL database on the ASE website and controlled remotely via a PHP management program.

This change in technology to a Cloud-based license system gives clients much more freedom than in previous versions. There is no longer a need for permanent authorization of each individual computer workstation. Additionally, ASE Civil may be used anywhere an Internet connection is available as licenses are no longer restricted to use only from within the company server. There no longer a need to establish a VPN for remote users.

By default, all client licenses are now managed this way beginning with the next update. If the ASE server ever goes down due to technical problems or for maintenance, license access attempts are granted to all requests automatically to ensure clients never experience any downtime for any reason.

For additional information about the system or to request special configurations for your organization contact technical support at TechSupport@AzSubdivisions.com.

2014.09.03

TRIAL VERSION: NEW RESTRICTIONS

The trial version of ASE Civil (Serial Number: 324162569) is no longer available for downloading from the website. Additionally, ANY INSTANCE OF THE ASE CIVIL TRIAL LICENSE, REGARDLESS OF WHERE WAS ACQUIRED FROM ARE NO LONGER AUTHORIZED FOR USE BY ANYONE, ANYWHERE AT ANY TIME FOR ANY REASON.

IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY USING A TRIAL VERSION OF ASE YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY UNINSTALL IT AND DELETE ANY AND ALL COPIES OF IT.

THE ONLY TRIAL VERSIONS OF ASE CIVIL AUTHORIZED FOR USE MUST BE OBTAINED VIA DIRECT REQUEST FROM THE DEVELOPER. THE INSTALLATION PACKAGE MUST BE DELIVERED DIRECTLY BY THE DEVELOPER. THIS CHANGE IS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, AS OF THE DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT; SEPTEMBER 3, 2014.

To obtain a legal, authorized trial version installation of ASE Civil, email your request (Specify your desired version year, 2012-2014) to TechSupport@AzSubdivisions.com.

EDI collects and logs the identifying information of each user who installs and operates a trial version of the software. The information is collected for the purpose of copyright asset protections and as an anti-piracy measure.

2014.08.31

RETIRED VERSIONS

“On the heals” of commencement of development of the 2015 version of ASE Civil, the System Development Life Cycle has ended for several legacy versions. In sync’ with the updates published on the “Downloads” page and the “Revision History” page, the 2010 & 2011 versions of ASE have officially been retired. As a result, the associated installation packages are no longer available for downloading. Additionally, product support will no longer be provided for any existing client installations related to these versions.

As of August 2014, the download, support and development matrix is as shown below:

VERSION	AVAILABLE	SUPPORTED	DEVELOPED
2012	√	√	X
2013	√	√	√
2014
2015	X	X	√

2014.08.22

ASE 2015 DEVELOPMENT COMMENCES

Development has now begun on the 2015 version of ASE Civil. The 2014 version will still be actively developed and those enhancements will be carried over to 2015, since most clients are still using Civil 3D 2014. However most of the significant enhancements will be developed in the 2015 version, which will focus on the following systems:

· Completely overhauled Design Markers & Paving Features Mgt. systems

· Profile Display performance enhancements

· 3D Road Modeling assembly images

· Enterprise layering capabilities

· Profile Generator improvements

· Pad design system overhaul

· Refinements to the ASE basins systems

· Addition of user-designed, custom grading objects such as:

o Sidewalks

o Channels

o Ditches

o Retaining walls and more…

· Daylighting capabilities (finally!)

· Completion of the ASE Ribbon

· Utilities design and production automation

o Automated services, location, stationing, dimensioning

o Site-based & lot-based preferences

· Enhanced plan labeling capabilities

· Integration of web technologies for:

o Application security

o Client self-authorization

o Application leasing options

· Design profile editing capabilities

· The introduction of “SID”©, the world’s first “Synthetic Interactive Design” system that will create preliminary grading and paving designs automatically using the project’s preset design parameters and user-specified preferences as a guide. Look for more information about this exciting new innovative solution in the coming months.

Not all of these enhancements will become available immediately. However, the new 2015 version of ASE Civil will lay the groundwork for an amazing application that will mature into a dramatic extension of ASE’s current capabilities. Over the course of the next year, ASE developers will eventually deliver to its subscribers, subdivision & commercial design and production capabilities that few software development companies ever dreamed of creating.

2014.08.22

DAILY WEBCASTS STARTING SOON

This has been a long time coming and has suffered from various delays, but daily webcasts will begin on October 1^st. The sessions will be frequent and short, lasting about 20-30 minutes per day. This will allow easier comprehension for ASE users and increase the likelihood of attendance. The topics will cycle on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. Periodically, special topics will be covered, lasting about an hour once every week or two.

Look for a schedule to be posted on the website soon and you’re encouraged to submit suggestions for topics that you’d like to see covered. Your input is always welcome via Info@AzSubdivisions.com

2014.08.22

SERVICE PACK “P” PUBLISHED

ASE Civil Service Pack “P” eliminates conflicts that were reported between ASE commands and shortcuts that were being used by some clients. Some clients were not able to access ASE’s storm drain pipe editing tools dialog via the mouse double-click, which happened to be the only way to edit ASE’s pipes. A new ribbon command was added to allow manual selection of a pipe for editing. A complete list of changes can be found on the revision history page.

2014.08.01

CRITICAL PROGRAM UPDATE

The publish of ASE Civil Service Pack “L” introduced a program logic error that prevented the service pack itself from actually loading. This basically meant that all changes, repairs, enhancements, removals, optimizations, etc. that had become a part of the program since Service Packs were first introduced, were no longer being applied. Downloading and installing Service Pack “N” will resolve this issue.

2014.08.01

REVISION HISTORY COLOR CODING

After publishing Service Pack “N”, there appeared to be a need to establish some noticeable distinction between the relative importance of the individual service packs. Due to the fact that some Service Packs may be skipped by end-users, installation and application of each should therefore be identified by some classified level of importance. The current need dictates the creation of two levels of importance thus far. Those inherent priority levels have been translated into color codes, displayed below:

“OPTIONAL”

“CRITICAL”

2014.05.30

REVISED SUPPORT PAGES

The support pages have been completely reorganized to make it easier for ASE users to find what they’re looking for. Three fundamental changes were made to the previous layout: Creation of a Support “Home Page”: The first page that visitors land on contains a listing of links to all of the subsequent support pages accessible from the home page. Each link contains a general description of the contents that will be found in the pages under that link.

Addition of a “Quick-Start” reference: The new link and its associated pages provide a dedicated reference to guide users through the development of a sample ASE project for the purpose of learning the fundamental concepts of the system quickly and easily.

Revised “General Reference”: In previous versions of ASE Civil’s primary help reference pages, the contents were not organized very well. This made finding needed information difficult. This new layout is much easier to navigate and should enhance the visitors’ experience and quickly lead them to the directions they’re looking for. The contents are laid out in a project management-style, task/sub-task sequence that generally follows the recommended order of development for a typical residential project. Each task represents a milestone of the development process and each sub-task further defines the steps required to complete the milestone. The sub-tasks also provide links to additional supporting information, such as dedicated web pages, videos and images.

2014.05.16

FIRST WEBCAST

The first in a series of webcasts to support ASE training for current and prospective clients was conducted today. Originally it was scheduled to be a distance learning session for the newest ASE client. However, shortly before the scheduled start-time, I decided to invite anyone that wanted join the webcast, since the topics that were to be demonstrated could potentially benefit anyone using the software. Webcasts will be performed on at least a weekly basis, with the possibility of two sessions per week. Normally the topics will be focused and every effort will be made to keep the duration of each session at approximately 30 minutes.

If you have a topic that you’d like to see presented in a tutorial webcast, you are welcome to submit your idea via email to Development@AzSubdivisions.com

2014.05.05

SAMPLE PROJECT DATA SET

A sample project is now available for download from the support link. This is great material for helping new users get up-to-speed with ASE as quickly as possible. Both empty and completed drawing files and data folders are included in the project to give trainees a model they can learn from and a safe design and production environment in which they can practice their skills. The new (& developing) “Quick Start” page of the support section of the website contains step-by-step directions for downloading, installing and working with the sample project data set. The package will be updated on a regular basis to stay synchronized with the latest changes to ASE as well as to provide enhanced project data and files.

2014.05.01

PRICE INCREASE

Due to investor-driven requirements, the retail license price of ASE Civil has been increased to $2999. Additionally, all discounts for expired license reactivation or volume purchases have been permanently discontinued. The workstation platform has also been discontinued.

2014.05.01

SERVICE PACK 14B

This service pack includes fixes that are in …14A and also adds a repair to the ASE >> Autodesk alignment translation command. Previously, arcs were being translated using the complimentary angle, causing bulges to the new Civil 3D alignment definitions that came from ASE. This has been repaired. The service pack may be downloaded and installed from the ASE Downloads page. The service pack is only usable on the 2014 version of ASE, Build N2A22.1627

2014.04.25

NEWS LETTER

ASE’s first newsletter was distributed to all current clients and prospects. If you didn’t receive a copy, feel free to view it online.

2014.04.24

PROGRAM UPDATE

The 2014 version of ASE was updated. Build N2A22.1627/SP14A was published to the website for download. Some highlights of the update include:

· Integration of “Service Pack” system - This will allow repairs and enhancements to the current installation without the need to uninstall and re-install the program

· TIN Surface Name Control – The user may now control the naming of the surfaces created with ASE. The top or datum output surface setting of ASE’s 3D Road Modeling system controls which naming format is used in the surface management.

· The “Administration” system was removed.

· 100% Dynamic Paving Labels – “GRIP’ing” now triggers elevation updates in plan labels.

· Paving Features Management Help – A hyperlinked button was added to the ribbon to provide quick access to an online document which offers detailed reference for designers creating paving features with ASE Civil.

· Enhanced Surface Mgt. Toolbar – Additional reference information was added to the toolbar, including a button to call the surface naming control dialog

· Batch Pad Definition – Designers no longer need to manually select two curb reference points when defining Pads. One button-click to select a Polyline on a specific layer automatically defines and labels all pads on the site. The designer simply needs only to attach the pads to their associated alignments.

2014.03.11

C3D ’13 COMPATIBILITY

The currently-available download of ASE Civil 2014 is now completely compatible with both the 2014 AND the 2013 version of Civil 3D!

2014.02.15

DEV’T STATUS PAGE

The progress of the development of new features or repairs to previously reported issues, can now be viewed on the website. The status for each activity is displayed graphically on this page, depicting an estimated percentage of completion for each listed item. Development activity is not limited only to what is found on this new page however. There are usually more development actions in-progress than are publicly visible to website visitors. This new page may also be accessed from the support page.

2014.03.07

CLIENT WEB PAGES

All clients will soon receive their own web page on the AzSubdivisions.com website. This will prove useful when a license file has been overwritten or misplaced and a fresh new one needs to be installed. When each client's page has been prepared, they will be notified individually and the link to their page will be provided.

2014.01.31

AUTHORIZATION PAGE

Permanent license authorization number requests must now be submitted from the AzSubdivisions.com website. Browse to this page or access the Google Authorization Request form from the link on the "Support" page.

2014.01.24

WISH LIST PAGE

A new page has been added to the website that clients to submit their wish list requests for future versions of ASE Civil. Browse to this page or access the wish list Google form from the link on the "Support" page.

2014.01.15

REVISION HISTORY

A new page has been added to the website that displays all of the changes made to the latest downloadable version of ASE. Browse to this page or access a description of the latest program changes from the link on the "Support" page.

2014.01.01

NEW CLIENT DATA FORM

New clients may now use an online form to provide client-specific information to support requests for new licenses of ASE Civil.

2014.01.01

ASE 'SENTINEL' DETAILED

In response to requests by new clients, detailed information referencing the internal license management system used by ASE Civil, the 'Sentinel' system, has been provided on the website. A link to the literal description can be found in the 'Features' page. Within that page, a link to a flowchart gives a visual description of the logic involved in managing licenses for ASE Civil.

2013.12.09

AUTO’ PAD DEFINITION

Finished pads in ASE have previously required the individual selection of each Polyline and the use of 'APPARENT INTERSECTION' 'OSNAP's of both curb reference points. However, new geometric analysis algorithms have recently been developed and integrated that give ASE Civil the ability to calculate the intersections between two lines, two arcs or between a line and an arc. This can be done even if the objects are not present in the drawing and even if the geometry does not intersect explicitly. The new functionality references the data contained in the Base Map Control file. This new geometric analysis engine will pave the way for many new functional capabilities for future versions of ASE Civil. Development and testing of some of these new features are already well under way and will be integrated in January 2014, such as automated water and sewer services creation and stationing.

Alpha testing of the new feature yielded definition and labeling of 364 ASE Pads in 90 seconds! Soon ASE will provide the capability of actually creating the Polyline objects used for pad definition, based on user-specified lot setback parameters. This will accelerate ASE's design productivity far beyond that of any subdivision automation available anywhere in the world.

2013.11.18

ASE CIVIL 2014 FINAL

The 2014 version of ASE Civil has completed testing. It has been uploaded to the website and is now available for production use. The application and installation instructions are now available from the "Download" page or from the client web page.

2013.11.12

ASE ‘14 (BETA) BUILT

The updated (Beta) version has now resumed testing again. The build errors have been resolved and all errors reported by clients in the 2012 version have now been addressed and reflected in the 2014 version. A list of repairs and enhancements can be found at this link.

The latest update of ASE Civil 2014 (Beta) and installation instructions are now available from the "" page.

2013.11.11

ASE ‘14 (BETA) BUILD FAILS?

A message from the Developer:

Virtually all of the pre-release issues found in ASE Civil 2014 during final beta testing have now been addressed, but these repairs have not yet been uploaded to the website for download and installation. Despite the apparent stability of the 2014 version currently available for download, it still contains the issues that were recently addressed.

The .NET assemblies were successfully repaired and re-compiled.

However, after finishing all the repairs and updates that were required to elevate ASE 2014 to production status then re-compiling all the Visual Lisp source code, during testing I discovered that AutoCAD is generating error after the compile process, resulting in virtually empty executable files. Consequently, none of the re-compiled functions are defined.

This anomaly is something I've never seen before. However, I'm confident the problem will be resolved quickly and testing will resume for ASE Civil 2014 very soon. Unfortunately for the time being, I'm currently unable to continue updating or distribution of this latest version of the software.

Please accept my apology for this brief delay.

2013.11.04

ASE ‘12 FINAL UPDATE

Build M4B04.1628 marks the final published version of ASE Civil 2012. Assuming there are no reports of critical errors which create system instability or render AutoCAD, Civil 3D or ASE Civil unusable, there will be no further repairs or enhancements to this annual version of the application. All future development efforts will now be focused on ASE Civil 2014 and ASE Civil 2015

2013.07.04

NEW WEBSITE

The latest webpage for ASE Civil Design Software has a new look. Please bear with us as we redevelop renew the image and integration of a proven subdivision specialty application.

2013.06.25

ASE ‘14 COMPATIBILITY TESTING COMPLETE!

ASE Civil is now compatible with Civil 3D 2014. The new version will be available soon.

2013.06.25

UPDATED RIBBON FOR 2012

The ribbon for 2012 now includes a finished Profile Generator tab as well as enhancements to the existing tabs and panels. Look for a new ribbon update in a week that will include finished tabs for ASE Design and Profile Displays.

2013.06.25

UPDATE FOR 2012

The latest version of ASE Civil 2012 has been uploaded. It includes various bug fixes and enhancements, including an updated ribbon. This update also contains a "Client" license for the trial version. If you are a current client, please overwrite the Client.vlx file with your own file. NOTE: All ASE Civil executable and support files are now located in the "C:\Program Files\" in the "AseCivil12" folder. Please change the AutoCAD Startup Suite to load "AseCivil12" from that location. This applies to network licenses as well.