Which program?

Both softwares offer features that would allow you to complete the types of designs you mention.

 Having worked with both programs and because I also worked on similar type projects as you outlined, I would suggest GEOPAK Site. If you did not need the full capabilities of Microstation, you could also use PowerCivil. Both use the complete site Modeler application.

 Site modeler allows for the design of sites in a 2D workmode but creates a full 3D model. In other words you can design (CAD) in 2D and allow modeler to attach the Z component to the 2D graphics. This is a powerful way to work, unmatched by our competitors. (The link below is a model created in less than 4 hrs using Site Modeler)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Hc3drZexgg

Additionally with site Modeler- the surfaces created give you instantanious feedback, so you see changes to the contouring as you modify the surface. the surface objects dynamically tie back into the ground at slopes ou control.

Wizards are available for ponds, channels and building pads. For roads a Road Network tool is also available that automatically creates cul-de-sacs and intersections.

On the drainage side GEOPAK Drainage (inc. in site and PowerCivil) allows for storm water layout and base hydraulic functions (SCS and Rational).

Best of luck with either that you decide on!

Mike Barkasi

Bentley Civil, Professional Services

Having used GEOPAK for about 11 years and working with InRoads for the last year, I would lean towards the GEOPAK product. With the Site Modeler tools and the dynamic grading capabilities, it offers a very flexible platform to do site development work. The Site Modeler also ties in with the Drainage, Water/Sewer tools to give dynamic feedback on doing your utility design. The Site Modeler tools also give you great feedback when doing detention ponds and channels, as well as a full compliment of tools for Roadway design as well. Both products would work, but the GEOPAK line would better suit you needs.

HTH

Corey Johnson

Regional Engineer

Bentley Systems

Will the future Civil Platform have "site modeler"? I currently use InRoads but on some projects the tools of Geopak and/or Powercivil would be nice.

I would concur with my Benley colleagues that the GEOPAK Site Modeler functionality is ideal for just that, Site Modeling. It contains associativity within "features" and autoclipping and automerging for the overall site dtm. it is similar in behavoir to the Roadway Designer's target aliasing and surface clipping. I am using InRoads terminology since I am pretty sure that Brian uses (used) InRoads at on point in time.

It contains, automatic contour and triangle/surface updating and instant design feedback illustrations of the site design. This is just a couple of the benefits.

As to the future, I am not making any predictions. That is above my pay grade LOL. However, as we have put the InRoads Roadway Designer into the GEOPAK product line and the GEOPAK Quantity Manager into the InRoads Product line, I can foresee further integration along these lines. Taking the best of the best and merging them together.

This minimizes the interruption of current knowledge and workflows and gives the option to the user to transition into new functionality.

I am sure we will keep you posted on any developments as they occur. 

HTH

Thomas Taylor