The References core technology lets users reference work being done in other files for plotting, construction, or viewing purposes. Not only can you reference any DGN file in your model, you can reference any DWG file and most (AEC) raster formats as well. MicroStation V8 accommodates DWG data to the same level as AutoCAD itself, including graphics, layers, viewports and layouts, making translations a thing of the past.
Reference functionality includes design file self-referencing, the ability to query individual graphic objects in references, and non-rectangular clip masking and bounding.
MicroStation V8 can reference heterogeneous files of virtually any format to one another (for example, different working units, 2D and 3D, DGN and DWG, etc.) without additional steps or user input.