Hello all.
I'm trying to figure out what Bentley offering will best fit my needs for grading so I figured I'd ask the experts. It looks as though Bentley now offers an overwelming selection of product that do the same thing so I would appricate any comments.
I currently use MicroStation V8i. In the past I used TDP (VAX) and InRoads up to Version 5.
What I will be doing.
What I won't be doing.
Thanks,
DavidG
You may want to look at PowerCivil...
However if you like the functionality you have with Inroads Site You may opt to stay with something you know. Depending on when you last used it you may see some new features in the current and future releases.
Basicaly any of our software that holds the complete Site Modeler will provide the most dynamic workflow. Additionally if you need some drainage and utility functionality PowerCivil includes GEOPAK Drainage and Water Sewer.
It is not intended to be used on large scale road design where a tool like Roadway designer dominates.
Check out the site http://www.powercivil.com/ and the YouTube links below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Hc3drZexgg
Mike Barkasi
Bentley Civil
Professional Services
Michael Barkasi
Application Engineer
Reality Modeling
Do not forget the learning curve and setup times. Sometimes you can grab a DOT preference file (or GEOPAK D&C Manager file) to avoid some setup times. But you will need to get comfortable. Your old InRoads experience will help, but the new Roadway Designer will be just that - new. However, it allows you to build one composite surface within it from many roads or corridors. A corridor can be along an alignment or a feature, so you can grade ponds and parking lots as well as subdivision streets. I've been beating on it for over a year and am still learning new things. InRoads Site only includes the template editor and the ability to run a template along a feature. You would have to build up your own surface manually with it.
One thing to look at is the Civil Extensions - they can run in a GEOPAK mode or InRoads mode. You can check a little of their workflows, even though most design tools are missing from them.
I'm also pretty sure either package can export and import LandXML files to work with Autodesk civil products.
Charles (Chuck) Rheault CADD Manager
MDOT State Highway Administration Maryland DOT - State Highway Administration User Communities Page
Ok..
Since noone else from Bentley has responded...
There are basically 3 major Civil design solutions inside Bentley Systems, Inroads, GEOPAK and MX Road.
I am mostly familiar with Inroads and GEOPAK (PowerCivil in America is an offshoot of GEOPAK Site).
If you are on Select and using the latest versions of these products you will see new tools that are common in all 3 , such as Round a bout design, Civil Accudraw, Civil GPS. Roadway designer is now in both Inroads and GEOPAK (not sure about MX).
I clear roadmap for these products has been laid out at various Bentley conferences. Your best bet would be to contact Bentley Sales 1-800-BENTLEY and speak with an account rep.
Currently only GEOPAK Site and PowerCivil contain Site Modeler. This is not to say site design cannot be done using the other software Bentley offers. It is however the most dynamic modeling tool specific to site design currently offered.
Feel free to email directly if you would like to see a brief demonstration. mike.barkasi@bentley.com