MicroStation

Enhancing Design Efficiency: A Review of MicroStation's Versatile Tools

주석: MicroStation, a powerful CAD software, provides effective solutions to design and modelling challenges in architecture, engineering, and construction. With its versatile suite of tools, users can streamline infrastructure planning, create accurate designs for roads and bridges, and efficiently annotate drawings. The software's interoperability facilitates seamless data exchange and collaboration. Parametric modelling enables quick design modifications while preserving intent, increasing productivity. MicroStation's visualisation tools offer realistic representations for effective communication and decision-making. These benefits, including increased productivity, enhanced accuracy, improved collaboration, and immersive visualisation, make MicroStation a valuable asset in achieving successful project outcomes.

장점:

MicroStation's CAD tools, such as drawing, editing, and modelling features, have a significant impact on design workflows, ensuring precision and productivity. For example, civil engineers can leverage MicroStation's road design tools to create accurate alignments, profiles, and cross-sections, optimising road infrastructure planning. While the software may have a learning curve, users often find it intuitive and easy to use once they become familiar with its interface. Integration with existing business processes is made easier due to MicroStation's compatibility with various file formats, facilitating seamless collaboration and data exchange.

단점:

MicroStation, like any software, has areas that users find challenging or would like to see improved. Some users have encountered a learning curve when initially navigating the interface, but many find it intuitive and user-friendly once they become familiar with it. While MicroStation offers a wide range of features, some users have expressed a desire for additional advanced functionalities and enhancements to tools like rendering and parametric modelling. Integrating MicroStation with existing business processes can sometimes be complex, especially when dealing with intricate workflows or specific software requirements. However, with proper planning and support, effective integration can be achieved. It's important to note that these challenges are not universal, and MicroStation continues to evolve with updates and support, addressing user concerns and enhancing the overall user experience.

Must have software if you work with DOT

주석: MicroStation has been a lifesaver for me for Road Projects. I had used AutoCAD for Raod Design and it was very tedious work. MicroStation is easy with Complex Road Alignment, Vertical and Horizontal alignment, cross-section development, Profile Design, and quantity survey. Your single model design can all of it. It reduces the use of other software and programs.

장점:

Integration of MicroStation with State Departments' rules and regulations is one of the best features that it has. I have been using MicroStation for Road design for different state DOTs. MicroStation provides you the ability for Parametric modeling of infrastructure projects. It helps to reduce repetitive work and make it efficient for designers and engineers. Microstation has helped me to design and deliver projects according to DOT's requirements.

단점:

MicroStation is expensive software to have for a single person to design infrastructure projects. It is difficult to get training in the software as you can get it only if you are going to use it for state projects. The ability to understand and make it work the way you want is very limited.

v8i - An archaic drafting software

주석: MicroStation is one of the most frustrating drafting softwares I have had to work with. If you plan on implementing it and have many new users, be sure to provide adequate training and budget for time wasted on the steep learning curve.

장점:

The geographic projects settings are very useful in comparison to competitor software. Microstation v8i has a feature that lets you project coordinate systems. This is extremely useful when dealing with different client coordinate systems.

단점:

The layout and commands of this software are very old fashioned and not intuitive at all. Commands consist of number and letter, although there is an option for allowing key-ins. Remembering the corresponding numbers and letters for commands can be challenging when in a rush and working at fast pace. If you can't remember the commands, then you can use the toolbars. By end of one hour, your right hand and shoulder using the mouse has undergone an intense workout. Your fingers will become very powerful. Using key-ins instead requires long commands. There is a separate save button for saving settings like display and view options. If you forget to press save AND save settings, you'll have to redo your setup when you reopen the drawing. Obvious settings are hidden. Simple commands like the selection tools are random letters like yuihjkl;. If you then try to work with Microstation Connect edition, commands are completely different. This is not a beginner friendly software. There is a lack of training resources and it's only learnable if someone holds your hand and walks you through.

Good to use . Printing quality is good. Software system is quite good.

주석: Especially for utilities drawing , level overwrite , line weight can easily work with microstation. After print out , can see very clearly.
Coordinate system i like.
Mostly for government project , we need to work with so many reference file. Microstation only can solve for reference file problem

장점:

Model View( Model view, Design View, Sheet View) Coordinate system, Easy to use and easy to understand , can attach so many references file, Level Overwrite

단점:

Software can work well with so many references files.

Functionality and User frieindly

주석: visualizing and modeling point cloud data and reality meshes.
microstation have separete module for each and lots or fundtion that can extract data. also reads several formats of point cloud which means i dont have to use another application and allow point cloud classifications with alot of features and specs

장점:

what i like most about microstation it have alot of operations can be done through microstation drawing, 3d modeling, making charts and work sheets. without haaving to close and open another appliation. also i can visualize my work, hide, display or clip my design without deleting or removing any item. also microstation dynamic reference makes it easy to update all my drawings and sheets (3D&2D) with only updating design model. most of all it is Auto-save CAD application. and i can record each change i do on me my design and recall this changes.

단점:

workspace, worksets configurations and design file settings needs to be more easy to understand

Useful but requires a lot of training

장점:

I've been using MicroStation as my primary CADD software for my job for the past year and a half. The functions and features are numerous and extremely helpful.

단점:

While it is extremely useful and I have gained a pretty good command over its functions and features, it is difficult and time consuming to learn. I had to sit through hours of tutorials just to learn how to use the interface. Any time I have to learn something new, I often have to search for instructions online or in the help manual. It just isn't extremely intuitive.

Best CAD software

주석: I have loved it. The customer support is also very easy.

장점:

It's very easy to use. I came from AutoCAD and don't want to go back again.

단점:

Nothing that I can think of, sometimes it will hang.

MicroStation usage

장점:

I loved the ease of use and setup\deployment to our end users

단점:

Didn't really see anything specifically not to like.

I have been using Microstation to design Highways and complete construction drawings since 1994.

주석: Microstation with GEOPAK is a COMPLETE Highway Design and Construction Plans Production Package. All needed tools are included from Survey Data Reduction to As-Build Plans Preparation. I would never switch from Microstation to AutoCAD!

장점:

The command set and menu has not changed dramatically in last 20 years. So as improved versions are released, there is never a completely new interface to learn. The existing drawing command still work in the new releases. New functionality is added on top of existing tools. Complete tools for design drawing standardization and detailed construction quantity takeoff are unique to Microstation with GEOPAK. The Autodesk Civil3D do not have the same capabilities for quantity measurement, takeoff, and tabulation.

단점:

The high cost of each design seat to use the software license. The competition has an LT version for less cost. But you get what you pay for. Microstation with GEOPAK is the MOST complete and advance highway design software available.

Microstation - Connect Edition

주석: Overall it is good experience, quite logical.
Wish many options from V8i could be shown with the same logic for Connect Edition (that we use now)

장점:

Like the feature of the referencing (vs. AutoCAD - it is much easier and quicker)

단점:

When referencing AutoCAD files (what we need quite often) - sometimes it does not work, needs transfer AutoCAD files into Microstation

Excellent CAD software platform for 2D & 3D design and drafting

주석: Businesses use MicroStation to reduce costs, speed up processes, and increase productivity. Benefits include faster delivery of design and construction drawings, better document management, improved accuracy, augmented collaboration capabilities, increased ability to visualize projects through 3D modeling, and improved project performance.

장점:

The most impactful features of MicroStation include its powerful 3D modeling capabilities, its versatile customization options, its advanced rendering features, and its easy-to-navigate user interface.MicroStation is easy to use once you become familiar with its features and interface. Additionally, MicroStation includes helpful documentation and tutorials to help users get comfortable with the software. Integration with existing business processes is generally straightforward with MicroStation. The software allows users to open and interact with 3rd party solutions.

단점:

Features that may be missing or could be improved in MicroStation include, Improved 3D visualization and manipulation capabilities, Improved collaboration tools, such as dedicated chatrooms, Improved support for scripting and custom application development, Additional customization options for user interfaces, The ability to natively read and export industry-standard file formats. Certain aspects of the product can be challenging to use, primarily due to the complexity of the software. There is a steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with powerful CAD software. Integration with existing business processes can depend on how the organization is structured and how much of a hardware/software foundation is in place.

Microstation review

주석: Again I believe MicroStation is the best software out there for Highway design that I have used. I have tied AutoCad but have not been impressed.

장점:

I am in the Highway design industry which is where MicroStation excels when accompanied with GeoPak. I have been using MicroStation/GeoPak for 23+ years now and it has always been easy to use. Lately there has been some growing pains as it transitions to a new format call OpenRoads Designer Connect edition.

단점:

Lately, as mentioned above, Microstation has been transitioning over to OpenRoads Designer Connect edition which is been difficult at times to work with. Although the format has changed they have been pretty good at trying to set it up similarly to what we are used to. Still there are issues though some may be caused with Ohio DOT trying to setup functionality as well. it has been a struggle as of late but from past experience i believe the bugs will all be worked out.

User friendly Engineering software

주석: Coming from a background of using AutoCad, it was a little bit of a learning curve. This program is necessary for state/city projects in our location.

장점:

3 years ago I made a switch to a new company that solely used MicroStation and I have an AutoCAD background. Once I was acquainted with the general layout and set up my toolbars, it's been very easy to learn the program. I love the autosave feature, that it accepts AutoCAD files, and the way the select function works.

단점:

That they do not have efficient quick keys. AutoCAD quick keys make the workflow easier. In MicroStation, they are not user-friendly, so I draft without. Also, beware of the way they work the network licenses if you accidentally go into a version you do not have extra seats for, it will allow you to work in it and you'll receive a HUGE bill.

Fantastic Software

주석: I personally started out on AutoCAD by Autodesk for my drafting experience and I switched to MicroStation when I started working for National Grid and I have had nothing but great things to say about MicroStation. This software is much more user friendly.

장점:

The most beneficial tool in MicroStation is the ease of finding support. Questions are easily answered by typing in what you want help on, there are plenty of quick keys and YouTube videos to assist you. Also the MicroStation support team is always willing to help with quick response time

단점:

I do not have any bad things to say about Bentley or MicroStation. I have never had a problem

A fantastic Design Software to work with!

주석: My Modeling skills are improved and Can definitely a much better modeler than, If I use AutoCAD these times.
Highly recommend this product over AutoCAD in infrastructure.

장점:

I find 3D modeling and and my integration with Civil discipline is lot more easier with this software. As a civil structural Modeler myself, I find Microstation is the best to my industry and Bentley's R&D is one of the best learni g paths one could go through.

단점:

Needs some improvements in Word editor. Its not that versatile as AutoCAD I always find that Microstation can definitely do much better Parametric Cell creation. Needs some improvements there.

Microstation is the best CAD platform

주석: Large scale infrastructure projects where some disciplines use AutoCAD & others use Microstation, the speed and advanced functionality (such as dealing with reference files) becomes clearly evident.

장점:

Speed and interoperability. Microstation supports many different file types and provides additional software for a wide range of engineering design disciplines.

단점:

Administration can seem confusing as there are so many different options.

Good alternative to Autodesk but not great

장점:

Microstation is very comparable to AutoCAD. I have been a long time user designing schools and government facilities. Many years ago states were standardized on Microstation and our firm has stayed with it.

단점:

I wish there were more support from manufactures. Most all manufacture have full cell library's for Autodesk but there is very little designed for Autodesk. Pulling cad file into Microstation that were produced in other software packages is not as great as it could be.

Great for Civil Engineering

주석: very positive

장점:

Microstation is a great CAD platform for civil engineering. When used with design software I much prefer microstation to autocad. I feel it fits civil engineering much better from everything from file structure to button assignments.

단점:

One con would be how button keyins change when design software is loaded. This can be worked around by changing your task but it seems there could be a better way

I have several copies of usta and it is very versatile.

주석: The use in a civil and structural design firm is invaluable for the daily design of projects.

장점:

The ability to interact with autocad and other cad systems directly. The system can interconnect with other programs that are available for highway design, structural design, drainage, etc.

단점:

As with any cad system, there is a learning curve. With each new version that comes out, they rearrange the location of the tools and they must be relearned.

MicroStation - an user's review

주석: I have used MicroStaion for Highway Design, Bridge Design, Railway Design, sewage treatment plant etc. Now I am using for electricity distribution and transmission industry. It is a fantastic software for all the industries.

장점:

Overall it is a fantastic software. All utilities in this software are powerful. To familiarize these applications we have to spend a little time.

단점:

I would like very much to use this software without any boring because of the powerful tools.

I have been a MicroStation evangelist since MicroStation 95 version and will continue to be...

주석: Productivity, Automation, Discipline specific implementations/services

장점:

The collaborative working platform with plethora of tools that MicroStation provides for Engineers. The advantage of several discipline specific solutions on MicroStation

단점:

Sometimes you get lost in the world of MicroStation with so many functionalities to work with. This is not really a cons, but may be for a novice user.

We Use PowerGEOPAK, and it crashes constantly

주석: We are able to work with DOT

장점:

Flexibility with AutoCAD is a plus. The referencing capability is superior to other CAD products. The administration of MicroStation over other CAD products is great.

단점:

We Use PowerGEOPAK, and it crashes constantly. The user interface is old, and needs to be updated. I will say this, OpenRoads Designer finally looks like new software.

Decent for Drafting

주석: Overall it's a decent product but I think there are better products out there.

장점:

I like that you can bring INROADS into the software to build an alignment and take section views of the road.

단점:

I wish this software was more like CAD as far as being able to type in commands instead of so much clicking.

Overall experience is very good.

장점:

No one thing I can say I like most. Generally easy to use. The the option to open menus as tool boxes or select from drop downs.

단점:

I do not like the Keyins. I much prefer the Autodesk command line & the fact you can add & modify command aliases. Too heavy mouse driven. Too much dependance once menus.

Good option for 3d CAD

장점:

Microstation is a great program for 3D CAD. The program is quick to get a hang of and has alot of features including rendering.

단점:

It only works on Windows computers making it hard to deploy in a multi OS environment.