MicroStation Visualization Video Series


The MicroStation Visualization Video Series is an ongoing series of videos showing visualization techniques and best practices in the MicroStation CONNECT Edition.

Various visualization videos that are marked with this text, apply not only to core MicroStation but any Power Platform product as well. This includes products such as OpenRoads, OpenBuildings, etc.

Power Platform is the MicroStation core application that underlies the CONNECT Edition products that are based on MicroStation.

The dataset used in this series of videos is available on the Bentley LEARNserver.

Installing the Dataset

In this video we show you how to install the visualization dataset that is used in this series of videos.

https://youtu.be/1NObG4F__4I

https://youtu.be/lt6e806StqY

Setting Up the Camera

Camera setup is an essential part of creating exceptional visualization. In this video we will explore how to set up a camera view, or perspective, to view the exterior of the transit station in the visualization project.

The setup of the camera is very important when visualizing the interior of a 3D design project. The camera view is typically framed by the floor, ceiling, and walls of the interior space. Achieving the proper perspective is critical in creating a natural view of the space being modeled.

Setting an Interior Camera

In this video we will explore how to set up an interior camera view, or perspective, to view the interior of the transit station model.

https://youtu.be/6p8YPB44Spo

https://youtu.be/xekJZ-zAfpQ

Edit the Camera: The Define Camera Tool

Being able to edit a camera once it is placed is an essential skill in visualization workflows in MicroStation. In this video you will learn how to adjust the camera placement using the Define Camera tool.

Element handles provide an easy method for manipulating and modifying elements in a more interactive and visual manner. This type of editing is also avail for a camera view. Once placed, the camera can easily be manipulated visually in the view window(s).

Edit the Camera: Camera Handles

In this video you will learn how to edit the camera graphically using the camera view cone handles.

https://youtu.be/HAHEiltzjjw

https://youtu.be/_J0RIPSUPLk

Working with Materials

Materials add depth and realism to your visualization project. In this video we will look at materials, material palettes, and local materials.

Realistic renderings require material assignments. Materials are stored in material palettes. MicroStation is delivered with many material palettes ranging from wood and concrete to glass and fabric. Many users will want to create custom material palettes as well, allowing them to store and organize their materials as desired.

Loading and Creating a Material Palette

In this video we will look at how to load and create material palettes.

https://youtu.be/L5CJ9CYEzeE

https://youtu.be/jWQTTeDNhm4

Create a Material

Custom materials add an increased sense of depth and realism to 3D design projects. Creating a custom material is easier than you think. This can be accomplished by simply using an image to create the material definition.
In this video we will look at how to easily create a custom material for use in a project.

Edit a Material

Not all material definitions will meet the specific needs of a project. At times it may be necessary to modify a material definition to match project specific conditions. In this video we will look at how to edit a material.

https://youtu.be/Wi4l9w67vDM

https://youtu.be/W1tOkCBoGL4

Assigning a Material

There are multiple way to add materials to your visualization project. In this video we will look at how to assign materials in the transit station model by the level and color the elements.

Materials can be attached to individual elements, or even individual faces of elements, independent of the element level and color. This method of adding materials to your design can provide more flexibility and finesse to the visualization process.

Attaching a Material

In this video we will look at attaching materials to the planter in the transit station model.

https://youtu.be/McDmjb76MPA

https://youtu.be/1h1iMsiLjOQ

New Eco Systems and Glass Materials

Take advantage of new Eco Systems and glass materials! Due to some changes in the rendering environment, some new materials for the MicroStation CONNECT Edition have been made available.

This insightful video discusses these updates and how to install them. These updates can be downloaded using this link.

Set Solar Lighting by Time and Location

In this video we will look at how to set solar lighting by establishing the sun position using the time of day, day of the year, and the geographic location of the transit station model.

https://youtu.be/TKEibonvFug

Solar lighting helps provide realistic shadows within a model. The position of the sun controls these shadows. With the "Modify Time and Date Graphically" command, it is possible to manually establish the sun's position.

https://youtu.be/ogmboYv2R3U

Set Solar Lighting Graphically

In this video we will look at how to set solar lighting graphically by manually setting the sun’s position within the model.

Source lighting is any type of lighting that may be added to a 3D model other than sunlight. MicroStation offers various types of source lighting including Directional, Point, Spot, Area, and Sky Openings.

Basics of Source Lighting

In this video you will learn about the various types of source lighting and what they are used for.

https://youtu.be/ams4Lkgq4Oo

Source lighting is used to add realism to a 3D model. There are several types of source lighting, including the Point Light. A point light is a light source that radiates light in all directions from the origin of the light source. It is primarily used to mimic the light that emanates from a light bulb.

https://youtu.be/GHnUHvI6_0E

Creating a Point Light

In this video we will learn how to place a point light in a light fixture.

Creating a Spot Light

Spot lights are a type of source lighting that is available in MicroStation. A spot light is a directional light source that is focused in a specific direction and has a conical beam. This is like the light from a flashlight (or torch). In this video you will learn how to place spot lights in a light fixture.

https://youtu.be/Bvkw5FHZ-rQ

Create stunning renderings by matching your design with a background photograph.
Photomatch provides the ability to adjust the camera within a view window to match the perspective of a background photograph. This in essence "warps" the design to match the image. This is accomplished by matching known points in 3D space to corresponding points in the photograph.

https://youtu.be/9DBqLBjD7ok

Photomatch: Civil

In this video, you will learn how to photomatch a civil design with a site photo.

Lighting is what makes a rendering stand out and helps to add realism and appeal to the rendered scene. Adjusting lighting and re-rendering takes time. Adding the relighting option to your rendering allows the lighting to easily be adjusted after the rendering is complete by using a simple set of lighting controls.

Relighting Your Rendering

In this video you will learn how to add Relighting to your rendering.

https://youtu.be/vGV5A_i367E

NPR is an abbreviation for Non-Photorealistic Rendering. This is a post rendering setting that, if enabled when the rendering is generated, allows you to apply NPR settings to the rendering.

https://youtu.be/3vgz1oDh38M

Creating an NPR Rendering

In this video you will learn how to apply NPR effects to a rendering created in the MicroStation CONNECT Edition.

Parent topic: Render and Visualization