Microstation
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MicroStation is the platform architectural and engineering software package developed by Bentley Systems, Incorporated. Among a number of things, it generates 2D/3D vector graphic objects and elements.
Its native format is the .DGN (DesiGN file) format, though it can also read and write a variety of standard CAD formats including AutoCAD's .DWG and DXF as well as producing media output in such forms as rendered images (JPEG and BMP), animations (AVI), and 3D web pages in Virtual Reality Modeling Language.
At its inception, it was used in the engineering and architecture fields primarily for creating construction drawings; however, it has evolved through its various versions to include advanced modeling and rendering features, including boolean solids, raytracing, and keyframe animation. It can provide specialized environments for architecture, civil engineering, mapping, or plant design, among others.
Various MicroStation extensions enhance the usefulness of the 3D model beyond mere drawing generation and 3D presentation. They can provide accurate materials lists for every item included in the design, a sequenced schedule for construction, check for interferences between objects, publish all drawings automatically on a public website, or provide a client/owner a detailed model of their entire plant including its virtual operation for training and testing.
MicroStation was originally developed by Bentley Systems in the 1980s. In 2000, Bentley made revisions to the DGN file format in V8 that made it a superset of Autodesk's DWG format (including various things that DWG can not support, like Digital Rights).
External links
- http://www.bentley.com/
- http://microstation.bentley.com/
- http://selectservices.bentley.com/
- http://discussion.bentley.com/
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