Opening Civil 3D files in microstation - object enablers - install sequence and has anyone had any success?

I am working within a project where Civil3D is mostly being used.
However the structures team are using microstation and aecosim.
Civil 3D is 2015
Microstation SS3
Aecosim SS6

I have installed both civil 3d 2015 and 2016, and microstation.

I have also installed real dwg 2016 and the 2016 object enables from autodesk, yet i still do not get so see the Civil 3D elements.
I believe this is possible and wonder if anyone has accomplished this what their method of install was.

I am really trying to avoid multiple conversions when there shouldn't be any need its a terrible workflow.

All help appreciated.

Ben

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  • If you're sure it's a Civil3D 2015 file, then RealDWG 2015 and the 2015 Object Enabler seem like the first thing to try.
  • It's always been pretty much automatic for me. After the object enabler is installed I can see the Civil 3d objects in MicroStation. In addition to what Koert suggested I would check the DWG Open Options. There is a section for how to handle proxy graphics.

    Rod Wing
    Senior Systems Analyst

  • ok, i have requested install rights as the turn around if too long.
    it could be due to the multiple versions of software i have.
    I have checked the dwg options all is good in there, thanks for that i had completely ignored it.

    still getting the bounding boxes.
    It may be due to the last bentley software installed was Bentley Navigator (now seems to not work) so I am trying to get microstation on top and try the OE again.

    will keep you informed.
  • MicroStation must be installed prior to installing the OE. During the OE install process it will find your MicroStation installation and link the OE with MicroStation. Maybe it would be best if you uninstall both MicroStation and the OE, then reinstall MicroStation first followed by the OE.

    The other issue may be with MicroStation V8i SS3. It installs RealDWG 2013. I don't know if SS3 would recognize a newer version of RealDWG if installed. I am running MicroStation V8i SS4 with the 32-bit Civil 3D 2016 OE and have no issues.

    If all else fails you can have the Civil 3D users run the EXPORTTOAUTOCAD command, then send you the exported dwg file. This drops (explodes) all of the Civil 3D objects to base AutoCAD objects so you don't have to mess with the object enablers. Their original Civil 3D dwg file stays intact.

    Rod Wing
    Senior Systems Analyst

  • In Civil 3D, prior to Civil 3D 2013, every version was a new version of DWG where objects in one version were incompatible with any earlier version - even if you saved the file to an earlier version. As I understand it, even though new versions have been released, the Civil 3D objects are forward and backwards compatible to at least Civil 3D 2016. I am not sure if this is holding true for 2017.
    However, on the Bentlry side, each Real DWG version only works with the same version Object Enablers. So if your MicroStation is using Real DWG 2015, you must install the Civil 3D 2015 Object Enabler. In fact, any other version Object Enabler will report that it did not find a compatible software. However, since these various versions of DWG with Civil 3D objects are now forward and backwards compatible, it only matters that you find and install the appropriate OE that matches the Real DWG version.
    Be aware that some Object Enable features are not supported. A Terrain Element does not display differently when a view is rotated out of the top plane.
    On occasion, I have seen certain objects fail to display correctly. It might have been during a version upgrade. Also, if you open a DWG from a pre-2013 version and save it with the enablers working, those objects will get updated to the 2013+ version and will no longer be available in the earlier version of Civil 3D. I made the mistake of opening a 2008 Civil 3D file with the 2009 Real DWG and Civil 3D object Enablers. Needless to say, I had to scramble to upgrade all of our users from 2008 to 2009 so the data was still available to the others on the team.

    Charles (Chuck) Rheault
    CADD Manager

    MDOT State Highway Administration

    • MicroStation user since IGDS, InRoads user since TDP.
    • AutoCAD, Land Desktop and Civil 3D, off and on since 1996