is Navigator Mobile (iPad/Android) dead?

Latest versions of Bentley Desktop applications lost capability to export .imodel v.1.6 files - only v.2.0 is available in Publish i-model function. However the "most recent" Navigator Mobile versions for iPad and Android (which were last updated in 2017-2017) can only open imodel v.1.6. QUESTION #1: does it mean that Navigator Mobile is dead project, and it is not going to be further developed/supported? QUESTION #2: what application to use on mobile tablets for reviewing Bentley models in the field? 

  • Hi Arūnas,

    because I am not from Bentley, I cannot say anything about plans, but there are a few my comments:

    Latest versions of Bentley Desktop applications lost capability to export .imodel v.1.6 files

    I think the option to export is not lost completely. It should be possible to still publish older i-model version, when the publishing engine is installed already at the time of e.g. MicroStation installation. But it's true, that when I check it now in MicroStation and OpenCities Map, it seems older versions are not available in selection menu anymore.

    But because the publishing engine(s) are independent from MicroStation, even when they cannot be started from MicroStation, they can be used e.g. from command line (which is not very user friendly, but not extremely complicated). See whether folders like "ItgDgnDbImporter 1.5" or "DgnV8Converter 1.6" exist in your Bentley folder.

    QUESTION #1: does it mean that Navigator Mobile is dead project

    Good question ;-) I even think it was discussed in the past already, but I was not able find such discussion.

    In my opinion, the answer is both yes and no. Probably yes when talking about Navigator Mobile as it is now, in longer perspective. And no, because I think the same or similar product will be available in future.

    QUESTION #2: what application to use on mobile tablets for reviewing Bentley models in the field?

    It depends: When you are looking for off-line usage, Navigator is the right product I guess (but it should be confirmed by somebody else, because I am not expert in this area). It would required to become more familiar with using publishing tools from command line (fortunately it can be automated using batch files).

    When online access is available, iTwin Design Review service can be the best solution.

    With regards,

      Jan