Microstation
Encyclopedia
MicroStation is a CAD
software
product for 2- and 3-dimension
al design and drafting, developed and sold by Bentley Systems
. The latest versions of the software are released solely for Microsoft Windows
operating system
s, but historically MicroStation was available for Macintosh platforms and a number of Unix-like
operating systems. MicroStation is the platform architectural and engineering software package developed by Bentley Systems, Incorporated. Among a number of things, it generates 2D/3D vector graphic
objects and elements. Current version is MicroStation V8i.
in the 1980s.
From its inception MicroStation was designed as an IGDS (Interactive Graphics Design System) file editor for the PC
. Its initial development was a result of Bentley Systems's experience developing PseudoStation released in 1984, a program designed to replace the use of proprietary Intergraph graphic workstations to edit DGN
files by substituting the much less expensive Tektronix
compatible graphics terminals. PseudoStation as well as Intergraph's IGDS program ran on a modified version of Digital Equipment Corporation
's VAX
super-mini computer.
In 1985, MicroStation 1.0 was released as a DGN
file read-only and plot program designed to run exclusively on the IBM
PC-AT personal computer.
In 1987, MicroStation 2.0 was released, and was the first version of MicroStation to read and write DGN
files.
Almost two years later, MicroStation 3.0 was released, which took advantage of the increasing processing power of the PC, particularly with respect to dynamics.
Intergraph MicroStation 4.0 was released in late 1990 and added many features: reference file clipping & masking, a DWG translator, fence modes, the ability to name levels, and GUI
enhancements to name a few. The 1992 release of version 4 introduced the ability to write applications using the MicroStation Development Language (MDL).
In 1993, MicroStation 5.0 was released and brought with it more capabilities. Among these were binary raster support, custom line styles, settings manager, and dimension driven design. This was the last version to be supported in Linux
This version was branded both Intergraph (on CLIX
) and Bentley Microstation (on PC). Later versions were all branded Bentley. This was the last version to run on Intergraph CLIX
. All platforms other than the PC used 32-bit processors.
In 1995, Windows 95
was released. Bentley soon followed with a release of MicroStation for that operating system. Aside from being the first version of MicroStation to not include the version number in its name (MicroStation 95 was actually MicroStation v5.5), MicroStation 95 was a groundbreaking release that included the ability to be mostly graphic button icon driven. This version introduced a host of new features: Accudraw, dockable dialogs, Smartline, revised view controls, movie generation, and the ability to use two application windows (similar to previous Linux driven Intergraph terminals that were dubbed the "Double-Headed Monster"). Many of these features are among the most popular used today. MicroStation 95 was the first version of MicroStation for a PC platform to use 32-bit hardware.
The last multi-platform release, MicroStation SE (SE standing for special edition, but it was actually MicroStation 5.7) was released late in 1997, and was the first MicroStation release to include button icons that were in color. These icons could also be made borderless, just like in Office 97
. This version of MicroStation also included several features to enable more work over the internet. This version also introduced enhanced precision and a very commonly used tool in MicroStation - PowerSelector.
MicroStation/J (aka MicroStation 7.0, aka MicroStation V7) was released almost a year after SE. The J in the software title stood for Java, as this version introduced a Java
-enhanced version of MDL, called JMDL. Other features included QuickvisionGL and a revised help system. MicroStation J was the last version to be based upon the IGDS file format; since MicroStation J was actually Version 7, the file format became known as "V7 DGN". That file format had been used for about 20 years.
However, with the advent of MicroStation V8 in 2001 came a new IEEE-754 based 64-bit
file format, referred to as V8 DGN
. MicroStation V8 is noted by most users as the most groundbreaking release in Bentley's history. Along with the new file format came many new enhancements, including unlimited levels, a nearly limitless design plane and no limits on filesize. Other features that were added were: Accusnap, Design History, models, unlimited undo, VBA
programming, .Net
interoperability, True Scale, and standard definitions for working units (as the new file format stored everything internally in meters, but can recognize rational unit conversions so that it can know the size of geometry)(some of these features were also available in Microstation 95 to Microstation J). But the most anticipated feature was the ability to work natively with DWG
files, an ability perhaps lauded more than any other.
MicroStation V8 2004 Edition (V8.5) followed nearly three years later with support for newer DWG
releases, Multi-snaps, PDF creation, the Standards Checker and Feature modeling.
MicroStation V8 XM Edition (V8.9) was released in May 2006. It builds upon the changes made by V8. The XM edition includes a completely revised Direct3d-based graphics subsystem, PDF References, task navigation, element templates, color books, support for PANTONE
and RAL
color systems and keyboard mapping. Curiously enough, according to Bentley, "XM" doesn't stand for anything.
The newest version of MicroStation is V8i (V8.11). The task navigation was overhauled and the newest DWG format is supported. MicroStation now contains a module for GPS
data.
format, though it can also read and write a variety of standard CAD
formats including DWG
and DXF
as producing media output in such forms as rendered images (JPEG
and BMP), animations (AVI
), 3D web pages in Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML
, and Adobe Systems
PDF).
At its inception, MicroStation was used in the engineering
and architecture
fields primarily for creating construction drawings; however, it has evolved through its various versions to include advanced modeling and rendering
features, including boolean solids, raytracing, and keyframe animation. It can provide specialized environments for architecture
, civil engineering
, mapping
, or plant design, among others.
In 2000, Bentley made revisions to the DGN
file format
in V8 to add additional features like Digital Rights and Design History - a revision control ability that allows to reinstate previous revisions either globally or by selection, and to better support import/export of Autodesk
's DWG
Format. Additionally, the V8 file format removed many data restrictions from earlier releases such as limited design levels and drawing area.
Bentley Systems also provide several extensions for the Microstation to add certain functionalities related to specific sectors:
Extensions can be created using:
Computer-aided design
Computer-aided design , also known as computer-aided design and drafting , is the use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation. Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer...
software
Computer software
Computer software, or just software, is a collection of computer programs and related data that provide the instructions for telling a computer what to do and how to do it....
product for 2- and 3-dimension
Dimension
In physics and mathematics, the dimension of a space or object is informally defined as the minimum number of coordinates needed to specify any point within it. Thus a line has a dimension of one because only one coordinate is needed to specify a point on it...
al design and drafting, developed and sold by Bentley Systems
Bentley Systems
Bentley Systems, Incorporated is a software company that produces solutions for the design, construction and operation of infrastructure. The company’s software serves the building, plant, civil, and geospatial vertical markets in the areas of architecture, engineering, construction and operations...
. The latest versions of the software are released solely for Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
operating system
Operating system
An operating system is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system...
s, but historically MicroStation was available for Macintosh platforms and a number of Unix-like
Unix-like
A Unix-like operating system is one that behaves in a manner similar to a Unix system, while not necessarily conforming to or being certified to any version of the Single UNIX Specification....
operating systems. MicroStation is the platform architectural and engineering software package developed by Bentley Systems, Incorporated. Among a number of things, it generates 2D/3D vector graphic
Vector graphics
Vector graphics is the use of geometrical primitives such as points, lines, curves, and shapes or polygon, which are all based on mathematical expressions, to represent images in computer graphics...
objects and elements. Current version is MicroStation V8i.
History
MicroStation was initially developed by Bentley Systems and sold and supported by IntergraphIntergraph
Intergraph Corporation is an American software development and services company. It provides enterprise engineering and geospatially powered software to businesses, governments, and organizations around the world. Intergraph operates through two divisions: Process, Power & Marine and Security,...
in the 1980s.
From its inception MicroStation was designed as an IGDS (Interactive Graphics Design System) file editor for the PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
. Its initial development was a result of Bentley Systems's experience developing PseudoStation released in 1984, a program designed to replace the use of proprietary Intergraph graphic workstations to edit DGN
DGN
DGN is the name used for CAD file formats supported by Bentley Systems' MicroStation and Intergraph's Interactive Graphics Design System CAD programs.There are two versions of DGN:...
files by substituting the much less expensive Tektronix
Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc. is an American company best known for its test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and video and mobile test protocol equipment. In November 2007, Tektronix became a subsidiary of Danaher Corporation....
compatible graphics terminals. PseudoStation as well as Intergraph's IGDS program ran on a modified version of Digital Equipment Corporation
Digital Equipment Corporation
Digital Equipment Corporation was a major American company in the computer industry and a leading vendor of computer systems, software and peripherals from the 1960s to the 1990s...
's VAX
VAX
VAX was an instruction set architecture developed by Digital Equipment Corporation in the mid-1970s. A 32-bit complex instruction set computer ISA, it was designed to extend or replace DEC's various Programmed Data Processor ISAs...
super-mini computer.
In 1985, MicroStation 1.0 was released as a DGN
DGN
DGN is the name used for CAD file formats supported by Bentley Systems' MicroStation and Intergraph's Interactive Graphics Design System CAD programs.There are two versions of DGN:...
file read-only and plot program designed to run exclusively on the IBM
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
PC-AT personal computer.
In 1987, MicroStation 2.0 was released, and was the first version of MicroStation to read and write DGN
DGN
DGN is the name used for CAD file formats supported by Bentley Systems' MicroStation and Intergraph's Interactive Graphics Design System CAD programs.There are two versions of DGN:...
files.
Almost two years later, MicroStation 3.0 was released, which took advantage of the increasing processing power of the PC, particularly with respect to dynamics.
Intergraph MicroStation 4.0 was released in late 1990 and added many features: reference file clipping & masking, a DWG translator, fence modes, the ability to name levels, and GUI
Gui
Gui or guee is a generic term to refer to grilled dishes in Korean cuisine. These most commonly have meat or fish as their primary ingredient, but may in some cases also comprise grilled vegetables or other vegetarian ingredients. The term derives from the verb, "gupda" in Korean, which literally...
enhancements to name a few. The 1992 release of version 4 introduced the ability to write applications using the MicroStation Development Language (MDL).
In 1993, MicroStation 5.0 was released and brought with it more capabilities. Among these were binary raster support, custom line styles, settings manager, and dimension driven design. This was the last version to be supported in Linux
Linux
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
This version was branded both Intergraph (on CLIX
Clix
Clix can be:* CLIX , a version of UNIX developed by Intergraph* Clix , a Portuguese triple play brand* Axe Clix, a deodorant* iriver clix, rebrand of the iriver U10, a multimedia player...
) and Bentley Microstation (on PC). Later versions were all branded Bentley. This was the last version to run on Intergraph CLIX
Clix
Clix can be:* CLIX , a version of UNIX developed by Intergraph* Clix , a Portuguese triple play brand* Axe Clix, a deodorant* iriver clix, rebrand of the iriver U10, a multimedia player...
. All platforms other than the PC used 32-bit processors.
In 1995, Windows 95
Windows 95
Windows 95 is a consumer-oriented graphical user interface-based operating system. It was released on August 24, 1995 by Microsoft, and was a significant progression from the company's previous Windows products...
was released. Bentley soon followed with a release of MicroStation for that operating system. Aside from being the first version of MicroStation to not include the version number in its name (MicroStation 95 was actually MicroStation v5.5), MicroStation 95 was a groundbreaking release that included the ability to be mostly graphic button icon driven. This version introduced a host of new features: Accudraw, dockable dialogs, Smartline, revised view controls, movie generation, and the ability to use two application windows (similar to previous Linux driven Intergraph terminals that were dubbed the "Double-Headed Monster"). Many of these features are among the most popular used today. MicroStation 95 was the first version of MicroStation for a PC platform to use 32-bit hardware.
The last multi-platform release, MicroStation SE (SE standing for special edition, but it was actually MicroStation 5.7) was released late in 1997, and was the first MicroStation release to include button icons that were in color. These icons could also be made borderless, just like in Office 97
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is a non-free commercial office suite of inter-related desktop applications, servers and services for the Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems, introduced by Microsoft in August 1, 1989. Initially a marketing term for a bundled set of applications, the first version of...
. This version of MicroStation also included several features to enable more work over the internet. This version also introduced enhanced precision and a very commonly used tool in MicroStation - PowerSelector.
MicroStation/J (aka MicroStation 7.0, aka MicroStation V7) was released almost a year after SE. The J in the software title stood for Java, as this version introduced a Java
Java (programming language)
Java is a programming language originally developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems and released in 1995 as a core component of Sun Microsystems' Java platform. The language derives much of its syntax from C and C++ but has a simpler object model and fewer low-level facilities...
-enhanced version of MDL, called JMDL. Other features included QuickvisionGL and a revised help system. MicroStation J was the last version to be based upon the IGDS file format; since MicroStation J was actually Version 7, the file format became known as "V7 DGN". That file format had been used for about 20 years.
However, with the advent of MicroStation V8 in 2001 came a new IEEE-754 based 64-bit
64-bit
64-bit is a word size that defines certain classes of computer architecture, buses, memory and CPUs, and by extension the software that runs on them. 64-bit CPUs have existed in supercomputers since the 1970s and in RISC-based workstations and servers since the early 1990s...
file format, referred to as V8 DGN
DGN
DGN is the name used for CAD file formats supported by Bentley Systems' MicroStation and Intergraph's Interactive Graphics Design System CAD programs.There are two versions of DGN:...
. MicroStation V8 is noted by most users as the most groundbreaking release in Bentley's history. Along with the new file format came many new enhancements, including unlimited levels, a nearly limitless design plane and no limits on filesize. Other features that were added were: Accusnap, Design History, models, unlimited undo, VBA
Visual Basic for Applications
Visual Basic for Applications is an implementation of Microsoft's event-driven programming language Visual Basic 6 and its associated integrated development environment , which are built into most Microsoft Office applications...
programming, .Net
.NET Framework
The .NET Framework is a software framework that runs primarily on Microsoft Windows. It includes a large library and supports several programming languages which allows language interoperability...
interoperability, True Scale, and standard definitions for working units (as the new file format stored everything internally in meters, but can recognize rational unit conversions so that it can know the size of geometry)(some of these features were also available in Microstation 95 to Microstation J). But the most anticipated feature was the ability to work natively with DWG
.dwg
DWG is a binary file format used for storing two and three dimensional design data and metadata. It is the native format for several CAD packages including AutoCAD, IntelliCAD and Caddie. In addition, DWG is supported non-natively by many other CAD applications...
files, an ability perhaps lauded more than any other.
MicroStation V8 2004 Edition (V8.5) followed nearly three years later with support for newer DWG
.dwg
DWG is a binary file format used for storing two and three dimensional design data and metadata. It is the native format for several CAD packages including AutoCAD, IntelliCAD and Caddie. In addition, DWG is supported non-natively by many other CAD applications...
releases, Multi-snaps, PDF creation, the Standards Checker and Feature modeling.
MicroStation V8 XM Edition (V8.9) was released in May 2006. It builds upon the changes made by V8. The XM edition includes a completely revised Direct3d-based graphics subsystem, PDF References, task navigation, element templates, color books, support for PANTONE
Pantone
Pantone Inc. is a corporation headquartered in Carlstadt, New Jersey, USA. The company is best known for its Pantone Matching System , a proprietary color space...
and RAL
RAL (color space system)
RAL is a color matching system used in Europe. In colloquial speech RAL refers to the RAL CLASSIC system, mainly used for varnish and powder coating.- RAL CLASSIC:...
color systems and keyboard mapping. Curiously enough, according to Bentley, "XM" doesn't stand for anything.
The newest version of MicroStation is V8i (V8.11). The task navigation was overhauled and the newest DWG format is supported. MicroStation now contains a module for GPS
Global Positioning System
The Global Positioning System is a space-based global navigation satellite system that provides location and time information in all weather, anywhere on or near the Earth, where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites...
data.
| Name | Version | Date | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| MicroStation 1.0 | 1.0 | 1985 | Initial release |
| MicroStation 2.0 | 2.0 | Feb, 1987 | First version to read–write to DGN DGN DGN is the name used for CAD file formats supported by Bentley Systems' MicroStation and Intergraph's Interactive Graphics Design System CAD programs.There are two versions of DGN:... files |
| MicroStation 3.0 | 3.0 | Dec, 1988 | |
| MicroStation Mac 3.4 | 3.4 | Dec, 1989 | Set baseline for Motif Motif (widget toolkit) In computing, Motif refers to both a graphical user interface specification and the widget toolkit for building applications that follow that specification under the X Window System on Unix and other POSIX-compliant systems. It emerged in the 1980s as Unix workstations were on the rise, as a... in PC and UNIX Unix Unix is a multitasking, multi-user computer operating system originally developed in 1969 by a group of AT&T employees at Bell Labs, including Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, Brian Kernighan, Douglas McIlroy, and Joe Ossanna... versions in 1990 |
| MicroStation V4 | 4.0 | Dec, 1990 | First version with MDL and Motif Motif (widget toolkit) In computing, Motif refers to both a graphical user interface specification and the widget toolkit for building applications that follow that specification under the X Window System on Unix and other POSIX-compliant systems. It emerged in the 1980s as Unix workstations were on the rise, as a... GUI Gui Gui or guee is a generic term to refer to grilled dishes in Korean cuisine. These most commonly have meat or fish as their primary ingredient, but may in some cases also comprise grilled vegetables or other vegetarian ingredients. The term derives from the verb, "gupda" in Korean, which literally... |
| MicroStation V5 | 5.0 | Oct, 1993 | Photo realistic rendering Rendering (computer graphics) Rendering is the process of generating an image from a model , by means of computer programs. A scene file contains objects in a strictly defined language or data structure; it would contain geometry, viewpoint, texture, lighting, and shading information as a description of the virtual scene... . |
| MicroStation 95 | 5.5 | Nov, 1995 | Introduction of AccuDraw and SmartLine - 32-bit |
| MicroStation SE | 5.7 | Nov, 1997 | Rolled Image Manager and MicroStation MasterPiece - last multi-platform release |
| MicroStation/J | 7.0 | Dec, 1998 | Solids modeling (SmartSolid/SmartSurface), Java Java (programming language) Java is a programming language originally developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems and released in 1995 as a core component of Sun Microsystems' Java platform. The language derives much of its syntax from C and C++ but has a simpler object model and fewer low-level facilities... |
| MicroStation/J V7.1 | 7.1 | Dec, 1998 | Spell checker, ProjectBank client, Windows 2000 Windows 2000 Windows 2000 is a line of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, business desktops, laptops, and servers. Windows 2000 was released to manufacturing on 15 December 1999 and launched to retail on 17 February 2000. It is the successor to Windows NT 4.0, and is the... support |
| MicroStation V8 | 8.0 | Oct, 2001 | Read/write DWG .dwg DWG is a binary file format used for storing two and three dimensional design data and metadata. It is the native format for several CAD packages including AutoCAD, IntelliCAD and Caddie. In addition, DWG is supported non-natively by many other CAD applications... without translation, unlimited levels, history |
| MicroStation V8.1 | 8.1 | Feb, 2003 | Digital signatures, file protection, named groups, quicksets, displaysets |
| MicroStation V8 2004 Edition | 8.5 | Apr, 2004 | Print to PDF, 3D in PDF, export to U3D, ADT objects |
| MicroStation V8 XM Edition | 8.9 | May, 2006 | Structured Workflows, New DirectX DirectX Microsoft DirectX is a collection of application programming interfaces for handling tasks related to multimedia, especially game programming and video, on Microsoft platforms. Originally, the names of these APIs all began with Direct, such as Direct3D, DirectDraw, DirectMusic, DirectPlay,... -based display subsystem, Structured Content, updated GUI Graphical user interface In computing, a graphical user interface is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices with images rather than text commands. GUIs can be used in computers, hand-held devices such as MP3 players, portable media players or gaming devices, household appliances and... |
| MicroStation V8i | 8.11 | Oct, 2008 | GPS Global Positioning System The Global Positioning System is a space-based global navigation satellite system that provides location and time information in all weather, anywhere on or near the Earth, where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites... module, Auxiliary Coordinates per view, dynamic views |
| MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 1) | 8.11.07.171 | Nov, 2009 | Introduction of Autodesk® RealDWG TM 2010 |
| MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 2) | 8.11.07.443 | Jul, 2010 | Introduction of Clash Detection and Point Clouds |
File format support
Its native format is the DGNDGN
DGN is the name used for CAD file formats supported by Bentley Systems' MicroStation and Intergraph's Interactive Graphics Design System CAD programs.There are two versions of DGN:...
format, though it can also read and write a variety of standard CAD
Computer-aided design
Computer-aided design , also known as computer-aided design and drafting , is the use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation. Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer...
formats including DWG
.dwg
DWG is a binary file format used for storing two and three dimensional design data and metadata. It is the native format for several CAD packages including AutoCAD, IntelliCAD and Caddie. In addition, DWG is supported non-natively by many other CAD applications...
and DXF
AutoCAD DXF
AutoCAD DXF is a CAD data file format developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs....
as producing media output in such forms as rendered images (JPEG
JPEG
In computing, JPEG . The degree of compression can be adjusted, allowing a selectable tradeoff between storage size and image quality. JPEG typically achieves 10:1 compression with little perceptible loss in image quality....
and BMP), animations (AVI
Audio Video Interleave
Audio Video Interleave , known by its acronym AVI, is a multimedia container format introduced by Microsoft in November 1992 as part of its Video for Windows technology. AVI files can contain both audio and video data in a file container that allows synchronous audio-with-video playback...
), 3D web pages in Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML
VRML
VRML is a standard file format for representing 3-dimensional interactive vector graphics, designed particularly with the World Wide Web in mind...
, and Adobe Systems
Adobe Systems
Adobe Systems Incorporated is an American computer software company founded in 1982 and headquartered in San Jose, California, United States...
PDF).
At its inception, MicroStation was used in the engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
and architecture
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
fields primarily for creating construction drawings; however, it has evolved through its various versions to include advanced modeling and rendering
Rendering (computer graphics)
Rendering is the process of generating an image from a model , by means of computer programs. A scene file contains objects in a strictly defined language or data structure; it would contain geometry, viewpoint, texture, lighting, and shading information as a description of the virtual scene...
features, including boolean solids, raytracing, and keyframe animation. It can provide specialized environments for architecture
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
, civil engineering
Civil engineering
Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings...
, mapping
Cartography
Cartography is the study and practice of making maps. Combining science, aesthetics, and technique, cartography builds on the premise that reality can be modeled in ways that communicate spatial information effectively.The fundamental problems of traditional cartography are to:*Set the map's...
, or plant design, among others.
In 2000, Bentley made revisions to the DGN
DGN
DGN is the name used for CAD file formats supported by Bentley Systems' MicroStation and Intergraph's Interactive Graphics Design System CAD programs.There are two versions of DGN:...
file format
File format
A file format is a particular way that information is encoded for storage in a computer file.Since a disk drive, or indeed any computer storage, can store only bits, the computer must have some way of converting information to 0s and 1s and vice-versa. There are different kinds of formats for...
in V8 to add additional features like Digital Rights and Design History - a revision control ability that allows to reinstate previous revisions either globally or by selection, and to better support import/export of Autodesk
Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is an American multinational corporation that focuses on 3D design software for use in the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media and entertainment industries. The company was founded in 1982 by John Walker, a coauthor of the first versions of the company's...
's DWG
.dwg
DWG is a binary file format used for storing two and three dimensional design data and metadata. It is the native format for several CAD packages including AutoCAD, IntelliCAD and Caddie. In addition, DWG is supported non-natively by many other CAD applications...
Format. Additionally, the V8 file format removed many data restrictions from earlier releases such as limited design levels and drawing area.
Extensions
Extensions can be used with MicroStation to add to its functionality. Example extensions include the following:- Provide accurate materials lists for every item included in the design
- Sequenced schedule for construction
- Check for interferences between objects
- Publish all drawings automatically on a public websiteWebsiteA website, also written as Web site, web site, or simply site, is a collection of related web pages containing images, videos or other digital assets. A website is hosted on at least one web server, accessible via a network such as the Internet or a private local area network through an Internet...
- Provide a client/owner a detailed model of their entire plant including its virtual operation for training and testing.
Bentley Systems also provide several extensions for the Microstation to add certain functionalities related to specific sectors:
- Bentley Architecture: extension enabling Microstation to generate smart 3D BIMBimBim is a 1974 Trinidad and Tobago film written by Raoul Pantin and directed by Hugh A. Robertson. It was described by Bruce Paddington as "one of the most important films to be produced in Trinidad and Tobago".-Plot:...
models, where parameters can be specified for each architectural element. - Bentley Building Mechanical Systems: extenstion for Microstation for the modelling of mechanical components within a BIMBimBim is a 1974 Trinidad and Tobago film written by Raoul Pantin and directed by Hugh A. Robertson. It was described by Bruce Paddington as "one of the most important films to be produced in Trinidad and Tobago".-Plot:...
design. - Bentley Building Electrical Systems: extension for Microstation facilitating the creation of automated electrical design within AEC electrical projects - which also can be used in conjunction with Bentley Architecture or Bentley Mechanical Systems.
- Bentley InRoads: digital terrain and road design extension for Microstation, with integrated tools for super-elevation, bridges, drainage and storm and sanitary networks.
- Bentley Map: geospatial extension for Microstation giving the CAD tools GIS-like capabilities like querrying for information within a database within a certain geographical area, or creating and publishing maps.
- Bentley MXRoads is an extension giving Microstation an advanced, string-based modeling tool for new design of all road type.
Extensions can be created using:
- The MicroStation Development Language (MDL) which is a 'C' like programming language.
- User Command Macros (UCMs). Once very popular, support for these is no longer guaranteed in V8.
- Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).
- C/C++.
- .NET.
See also
- DGNDGNDGN is the name used for CAD file formats supported by Bentley Systems' MicroStation and Intergraph's Interactive Graphics Design System CAD programs.There are two versions of DGN:...
- ProjectWiseProjectWiseProjectWise is a suite of engineering project collaboration software from Bentley Systems designed for the architecture, engineering, construction industries. It helps project teams manage, share and distribute engineering project content and review in a single platform...
- GenerativeComponentsGenerativeComponentsGenerativeComponents is parametric CAD software developed by Bentley Systems, was first introduced in 2003, became increasingly used in practice by early 2005, and was commercially released in November 2007. GenerativeComponents has a strong traditional base of users in academia and at...
- CAD
- Comparison of CAD SoftwareComparison of CAD softwareThis page compares computer-aided design software that engineers and architects use to create drawings for the fields of architecture, engineering and construction in terms of aspects that can be directly compared...
External links
- MicroStation home page at Bentley
- MicroStation Forums at BE Communities by Bentley
- MicroStation: More information in Portuguese at ProEng Tecnologia
- MicroStation BLOG in Portuguese at ProEng Tecnologia
- Publications & Technical Articles
Free Viewer
- Bentley View by Bentley, 58.2 Mb.
- Bentley View Alternative Download Page in Portuguese at ProEng Tecnologia