MicroStation

GISBox is a one-stop 3D GIS data editing, conversion and publishing platform that supports editing in multiple GIS formats such as OSGB/GEOTIFF/RVT, converting to 3DTiles/Terrain and publishing.

Introduction

MicroStation is a high-performance CAD (Computer Aided Design) software developed by Bentley Systems in the United States. It is widely used for design, modeling, and drawing creation in the fields of infrastructure, civil engineering, architecture, energy, and transportation, and supports both 2D and 3D drawing and visualization. MicroStation has a strong track record, especially in government agencies and large-scale infrastructure development projects, and is well-known as a professional tool with precision design and high compatibility.

Data Format Overview

**DGN (.dgn): **MicroStation’s native format, storing highly accurate 2D and 3D design information.
**DWG (.dwg): **An AutoCAD format that MicroStation can read and write, making it highly compatible.
DXF (.dxf): An AutoCAD compatible format like DWG, used for data exchange.
**Shapefile (.shp): **For linking with GIS software, allowing the exchange of spatial information.
**IFC (.ifc): **Supports linking with BIM data, used for data exchange in the architectural and structural fields.
Raster formats (.tif, .jpg, etc.): Can be loaded as background maps or scanned images.
LandXML (.xml): An XML-based format used for surveying and topographical data exchange.

Pros

Advanced 2D/3D design functions: Allows for precise drawing and modeling, making it ideal for the infrastructure field.
Stability and performance: Stable operation even with large files and complex structures.
Compatibility with international standards and public works projects: Widely adopted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and local governments.
**Compatibility with other software: **Can be linked with AutoCAD, GIS software, and BIM platforms.
**Scalability: **Supports automation scripts (VBA, Python, etc.) and external linkage APIs.

Cons

It takes time to learn how to use it: The UI and operating system are different from AutoCAD, so the learning costs are high.
Expensive license fees: The cost burden is high for small to medium-sized projects and individual users.
It is somewhat less well known in Japan than AutoCAD: There are few cases of it being adopted by some design offices.

Application Scenario

MicroStation is particularly strong in the fields of civil engineering and infrastructure development. Typical applications include highway linear design, bridge structural modeling, railway wiring diagram creation, and dam and river planning and design. National and local government bidding requirements often require “submission in DGN format,” making it highly reliable in the field of public infrastructure. In addition, collaboration with BIM is also progressing, and digital workflows from design to construction and maintenance can be realized through collaboration with Bentley products such as OpenBuildings and OpenRoads Designer. In addition, data integration with GIS and support for CIM (Construction Information Modeling) are also progressing, and it is expected to be a foundation that supports future infrastructure DX (digital transformation).