What does the new "iModel 2.0" platform mean for v1 i-models, and the i-model file format?

Hi Regan,

a few notes how I understand the situation ... but becase I am not Bentley employee, I can be wrong ;-)

Unknown said:

clarification of what the new iModel 2.0 platform means for the i-model file format.

I understand it as announcement of two different things:

• New i-model format as an evoluation of existing DgnDb format.
• New cloud platform based on this format.

Unknown said:

...means for the i-model file format.

The question is for what i-model? There are two different i-model format exists:

• .i.dgn is format based on DGN V8 specification, introduced in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 1). Because it's based on DGN format, it's not supported on other platforms than Windows.
• .imodel is completely different format, called DgnDb format. Technically it uses a serialization of EC data into SQLite database (so every .imodel is SQLite database). Because of the use of SQLite, the format can in theory supported on any platform.

The conversions between formats is done (manually or at background during i-model publishing) using DgnDb i-model Importer tool, delivered as  part of MicroStation installation.

Unknown said:

Does this mean that there will be anew version of i-model files?

It's important to mention that even now there is no one i-model version, but several. I think i.dgn has been fixed for quite long time, but .i.dgn has gone through several iterations: I remember the first version was uncompressed only, but later compressed DgnDb version was implemented and it's now used as default option. Today these versions of i-model (taken from MicroStation CONNECT Edition help) can be discussed:

• Version 1.0 with .i.dgn extension. In my opinion this format is treated as obsolete now and not developed anymore.
• Version 1.5 with .imodel extension, used in older MicroStation and mobile products. This version I guess is supported by i-model SDK.
• Version 1.6 introduced in Bentley Navigator CE Update 3 and supported (for publishing only) from MicroStation CE Update 5.

Unknown said:

Can we expect v1 i-model files to be compatible...

I am pretty sure the format will be not compatible with existing i-model formats, because it will bring plenty of new features. And even small change from 1.5 to 1.6 are not compatible.

Unknown said:

...or convertible with a potential new version?

I guess it would be possible. One from planned features for MicroStation CE Update 7 is ability to define, what i-model version will be published. I interpret this information as DgnDb Importer will be able to handle different formats. A question is whether it will be possble to convert i-model 2.0 back to more limited i-model 1.5 or 1.6.

Unknown said:

does that mean that there will be an update to the v1 i-model Desktop SDK, or another SDK, or no SDK support?

That's good question. I have had no time to watch videos and read i-model hub whitepaper yet, but Casey Mullen presented the new platform as open for 3rd party developers.

With regards,

  Jan

Hi Regan,

a few notes how I understand the situation ... but becase I am not Bentley employee, I can be wrong ;-)

Unknown said:

clarification of what the new iModel 2.0 platform means for the i-model file format.

I understand it as announcement of two different things:

• New i-model format as an evoluation of existing DgnDb format.
• New cloud platform based on this format.

Unknown said:

...means for the i-model file format.

The question is for what i-model? There are two different i-model format exists:

• .i.dgn is format based on DGN V8 specification, introduced in MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 1). Because it's based on DGN format, it's not supported on other platforms than Windows.
• .imodel is completely different format, called DgnDb format. Technically it uses a serialization of EC data into SQLite database (so every .imodel is SQLite database). Because of the use of SQLite, the format can in theory supported on any platform.

The conversions between formats is done (manually or at background during i-model publishing) using DgnDb i-model Importer tool, delivered as  part of MicroStation installation.

Unknown said:

Does this mean that there will be anew version of i-model files?

It's important to mention that even now there is no one i-model version, but several. I think i.dgn has been fixed for quite long time, but .i.dgn has gone through several iterations: I remember the first version was uncompressed only, but later compressed DgnDb version was implemented and it's now used as default option. Today these versions of i-model (taken from MicroStation CONNECT Edition help) can be discussed:

• Version 1.0 with .i.dgn extension. In my opinion this format is treated as obsolete now and not developed anymore.
• Version 1.5 with .imodel extension, used in older MicroStation and mobile products. This version I guess is supported by i-model SDK.
• Version 1.6 introduced in Bentley Navigator CE Update 3 and supported (for publishing only) from MicroStation CE Update 5.

Unknown said:

Can we expect v1 i-model files to be compatible...

I am pretty sure the format will be not compatible with existing i-model formats, because it will bring plenty of new features. And even small change from 1.5 to 1.6 are not compatible.

Unknown said:

...or convertible with a potential new version?

I guess it would be possible. One from planned features for MicroStation CE Update 7 is ability to define, what i-model version will be published. I interpret this information as DgnDb Importer will be able to handle different formats. A question is whether it will be possble to convert i-model 2.0 back to more limited i-model 1.5 or 1.6.

Unknown said:

does that mean that there will be an update to the v1 i-model Desktop SDK, or another SDK, or no SDK support?

That's good question. I have had no time to watch videos and read i-model hub whitepaper yet, but Casey Mullen presented the new platform as open for 3rd party developers.

With regards,

  Jan