MicroStation

It's so easy to learn and use

MicroStation has always been a popular choice with discerning users who enjoy a blend of easy-to-use and full-on-power for 2D/3D modeling and visualization. And yet MicroStation V8 XM Edition still surprises with its mix of accessible power. An intuitive new interface leads the way by placing powerful new features within easy reach of every user - new and old. New keyboard position mapping increases user performance and productivity by up to 300%.

Native DWG support

Microsoft SharePoint collaboration

ProjectWise StartPoint is an entry-level collaboration tool, based on Microsoft Office SharePoint technologies. Its core capabilities allow users to manage, find, and share CAD and geospatial content, project data and Office documents. ProjectWise StartPoint technology is delivered with MicroStation V8 XM Edition and is enabled in the presence of a ProjectWise Passport. Ideal for small teams working on small projects, ProjectWise StartPoint provides a low-cost entry-level solution for teams residing in the same office most of the time.

Advanced surface / solid modeling tools

MicroStation delivers a range of 3D modeling options. Tools for creating and manipulating complex surface and mesh models with mapped textures. Advanced modeling tools for easy-to-use solids modeling and easy-to-change parametric feature-based solids modeling.

MicroStation now also includes the much-acclaimed GenerativeComponents Extension - an associative parametric modeling system used by architects + engineers to automate design processes & accelerate design iterations.

In addition 2D/3D Geometry can be published from MicroStation to the Google Earth™ 2D/3D environment and SketchUp models can also be imported directly from the Google 3DWarehouse into the MicroStation V8 XM Edition.

PDF publishing and integration

PDF Publishing and Integration within MicroStation enables users to share 2D and 3D designs in the world’s most widely accepted file format. Indeed Bentley was ahead of the AEC-vendor curve when it implemented its support for 2D PDF creation. Then a year later MicroStation gained its 3D PDF publishing tools. This impressive and essential interoperability functionality was improved upon yet again with the launch of the V8 XM Edition. Now MicroStation users can also attach a PDF file as a reference to existing DGN and DWG files. Thus closing the loop on design and review cycles.

DirectX Graphics by Microsoft

For visualization MicroStation gains a new graphics system powered by Microsoft DirectX. The result is new found power for dynamic manipulation of models in wireframe or shaded views. This new power also drives new functionality in the form of support for element transparency and PANTONE® and RAL® Color Systems for richer visualization. In addition, significant advances in photorealistic rendering, a brand new animation system and available plug-ins for tools such as Maxwell Render crown the impressive new visualization capabilities.

Design History: Managing Change

Design History provides a complete revision control system, enabling users to track and view incremental changes and to validate those changes using Digital Signatures to confirm the status of a document. With Design History enabled in a DGN file every addition, deletion, manipulation or edit is recorded for future tracking. Design iterations can be compared at key stages and graphical differencing performed. After using Design History you will wonder how you ever managed change without it.

Work consistently: Create consistent work

For consistency we have introduced new task-based tools with element templates, which together enable teams to work consistently and create consistent work. Tasks also provide a consistent way of grouping functions across vertical applications making it easy for a user to transfer their learning and knowledge of one product to another. This powerful innovation by MicroStation provides consistency across the comprehensive portfolio of Bentley point solutions when developed on the MicroStation V8 XM Edition platform.

Unchanged DGN file format

An unchanged DGN file format with continued V8 CAD standards' support makes updates easy for existing MicroStation users. Providing file and content stability across distributed enterprises. Full and continued team interoperability is preserved between MicroStation and AutoCAD. The unchanged file format continues to extend data to reach all relevant team participants, and provides a critical and necessary level of consistency, on large, long-lasting, infrastructure projects, where file format changes are a disruptive and unwelcome addition.