Microstation DGN Viewer

[Anonymous]

We're an A2K shop, but I need a good Microstation DGN viewing/plotting
program. Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Hi Ron,

MicroStation evaluation software can be obtained on CD from Bentley (and
they're glad to provide it). The evaluation is real MicroStation that runs
only 15 minutes at a time. That is enough time to view, translate, resave,
or print several large DWG or DGN files. We own MicroStation but we use it
this way between times that we have live software subscriptions.

Shawn Pike
CA DWR

"Ron" wrote in message
news:6AA18B7A5133C03748E21719A546BCAB@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> We're an A2K shop, but I need a good Microstation DGN viewing/plotting
> program. Any suggestions?
>
>

[Anonymous]

Might want to try asking or looking on THAT application's manufacturer's
site.... doncha think?

Or...

http://www.google.com and use some pertinent keywords.

**************************************************************
Please, DO NOT send technical requests to me via private e-mail
**************************************************************

Tracy W. Lincoln
Assistant Moderator - Autodesk Discussion Forums

Discussion Group Links:
-----------------------
Index: http://discussion.autodesk.com
Rules: http://discussion.autodesk.com/webx?groundrules

[Anonymous]

Tracy,

Couldn't help responding to your post... it sounds from the tone of
your message that you're teetering on whether a microstation message
is appropriate on an autodesk newsgroup?

Please consider the following regarding this or similar posts. There
are needs and requirements for collaboration / interoperability /
translation, etc that cad managers and users of autocad software
platforms have to deal with quite often and regularly. Because this
particular message came from someone that said they were an autocad
shop, he is looking for advice from someone using autocad for a
microstation viewer that may have run into this before.

Your suggestion to "look on THAT application's manufacturer's site" is
OK as well, but am I also hearing that between the lines you're saying
don't ask it here?

In my case, I posted a message regarding translation from Autocad to
Microstation 8. Note that I looked at their website and learned a few
things but it was not directly relevant to my question. I also
searched using google and copernic and left a voice mail for tech
support for the other mfr's application software. And... best of all,
I posted here in the Autodesk Cad Manager's newsgroup... because this
is typically where I get excellant responses from peers that are using
Autodesk software and may have already solved some of the
collaboration / translation issues involved.

Sorry if I mis-read the tone of your message!

Tom

Thomas E. Momeyer, AIA, CCS


On Thu, 10 Jul 2003 08:30:08 -0700, "Tracy W. Lincoln"
wrote:

>Might want to try asking or looking on THAT application's manufacturer's
>site.... doncha think?
>
>Or...
>
>http://www.google.com and use some pertinent keywords.
>
>**************************************************************
>Please, DO NOT send technical requests to me via private e-mail
>**************************************************************
>
>Tracy W. Lincoln
>Assistant Moderator - Autodesk Discussion Forums
>
>Discussion Group Links:
>-----------------------
>Index: http://discussion.autodesk.com
>Rules: http://discussion.autodesk.com/webx?groundrules
>

[Anonymous]

> ...it sounds from the tone of your message that you're teetering on whether
> a microstation message is appropriate on an autodesk newsgroup?

Please reread the original post... not teetering at all.

The original message mentions nothing about having to collaborate (although
that can be assumed).

I too am a software user and my employer has a wide variety of products some
of which are competitors of Autodesk products.
If I need help I would rely on that vendor or it's reseller to help me or use
what search tools available to find that help... BUT I would not post here.


> Please consider the following regarding this or similar posts.

I understand completely...

Now reread the original post again... You are now making the assumption I
mentioned above and reading into the post more than it is asking. (not trying
to argue...)


> Your suggestion to "look on THAT application's manufacturer's site" is OK
> as well, but am I also hearing that between the lines you're saying don't
> ask it here?

If I thought it were completely in appropriate I would have simply deleted
the post.

If you need help with viewing a DGN file, then a better place to find help
for that would be on whatever that product's maker offers for a support
method, their reseller or third party developer, etc...

Since Autodesk doesn't make a DGN viewer, this is not the place to ask,
regardless of how intelligent the users here are. 🙂

**************************************************************
Please, DO NOT send technical requests to me via private e-mail
**************************************************************

Tracy W. Lincoln
Assistant Moderator - Autodesk Discussion Forums

Discussion Group Links:
-----------------------
Index: http://discussion.autodesk.com
Rules: http://discussion.autodesk.com/webx?groundrules

[Anonymous]

try this..i havent used it but it views .dwg's, .dgn's and office
files...they got a free trial cerison too


www.autovue.com



"Ron" wrote in message
news:6AA18B7A5133C03748E21719A546BCAB@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> We're an A2K shop, but I need a good Microstation DGN viewing/plotting
> program. Any suggestions?
>
>

[Anonymous]

Tracy,

>If you need help with viewing a DGN file, then a better place to find help
>for that would be on whatever that product's maker offers for a support
>method, their reseller or third party developer, etc...
>
>Since Autodesk doesn't make a DGN viewer, this is not the place to ask,
>regardless of how intelligent the users here are. 🙂

FYI, Autodesk has built-in conversion to dgn format in Map! Various
flavors of Autodesk software have export to IFC formats for purposes
of collaboration and translation! Voloview views dwg's... is it also
remotely possible that autodesk may have built-in dgn viewing or
translation capability (not... vbg)... however, if it did, someone
from the autodesk newsgroup community could have responded!

It is my opinion (that's $0.02) that collaboration and
interoperability are facts of daily life for autodesk and other
software manufacturer's and that in this spirit the question was
asked! Looking at it from a purely newsgroup rules technicallity
issue the question did not promote the other software manufacturer's
product and did not flame autodesk! If autodesk map supports direct
output to dgn format that is done because of a need for collaboration
and translation and the question dealing with a viewer for dgn format
from an autocad shop makes perfect sense to post here and does not
promote that product... it's purely a technical question to other
autodesk cad managers or users.

Again, sorry for the rant and just my $0.02!

Tom

Thomas E. Momeyer, AIA, CCS

[Anonymous]

Try Columbus Document Manager

http://www.oasys-software.com/

'tis free, and very capable, plus has a hundred other features you might
find helpful.

Poor Autdesk - their volunteers can't see past their noses how important
intreoperability is these days, so they have to rag on a guy for asking an
honest question in what *used* to be the best place to go for information.
The answers are on the dark side now...

Tom B

[old-cadaver]

Interoperability is only a problem for single-platform users of competing software. I, for one, don't see that as an AutoDESK concern. I, personally, would rather see ADESK expend resources making their product better, than on interoperability with other products.

We are a multi-platform shop, whatever output the client requires is the the program used to produce the project. interoperability is never a concern.

[Anonymous]

> FYI, Autodesk has built-in conversion to dgn format in Map! Various
> flavors of Autodesk software have export to IFC formats for purposes
> of collaboration and translation! Voloview views dwg's... is it also
> remotely possible that autodesk may have built-in dgn viewing or
> translation capability (not... vbg)... however, if it did, someone
> from the autodesk newsgroup community could have responded!

FYI please tell the original poster.

And since the message is still here, in tact why not make that plea... or
better yet use the Feedback facilities and make that request of VoloView... or
Go to AUGI's Wishlist site and throw it in the mix and get others to vote for
it.... THAT IS HOW YOU WILL GET HEARD.


> It is my opinion (that's $0.02) that collaboration and
> interoperability are facts of daily life for autodesk and other
> software manufacturer's and that in this spirit the question was
> asked!

And, as you can see I have not axed it... fire away.


> Looking at it from a purely newsgroup rules technicallity
> issue the question did not promote the other software manufacturer's
> product and did not flame autodesk!

I will repeat myself for you "And, as you can see I have not axed it... fire
away."


> Again, sorry for the rant and just my $0.02!

How's about this, the person almost had enough sense by throwing in the token
"We're an A2K shop, but..." (and that is why it is still here) now why didn't
they ask for a viewer that could handle both DWG or DGN? You read it your way,
I read it mine... now stop wasting time and give the person some answers.

**************************************************************
Please, DO NOT send technical requests to me via private e-mail
**************************************************************

Tracy W. Lincoln
Assistant Moderator - Autodesk Discussion Forums

[Anonymous]

> We are a multi-platform shop, whatever output the client requires is the
the program
> used to produce the project. interoperability is never a concern.

That's a very narrow view. I also work in a multi-platform environment, and
must coordinate data between 3 design systems. Work is needed in
interoperability, and Autodesk needs to be able to answer the concerns of
all of their clients, not just the ones with the narrow "AutoCAD is the
best" viewpoint. I pay as much as you do for each license of Autodesk
products, and given the ize of the corporation I work for, I deserve to have
my questions answered just as much as the next guy.


---
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Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
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[Anonymous]

Hi Tracy.

I gave the person the answer offline, so as not to violate any newsgroup
rules. So they should be all set. I gave them a couple of otions.


Tracy W. Lincoln wrote:

>>FYI, Autodesk has built-in conversion to dgn format in Map! Various
>>flavors of Autodesk software have export to IFC formats for purposes
>>of collaboration and translation! Voloview views dwg's... is it also
>>remotely possible that autodesk may have built-in dgn viewing or
>>translation capability (not... vbg)... however, if it did, someone
>>from the autodesk newsgroup community could have responded!
>>
>
> FYI please tell the original poster.
>
> And since the message is still here, in tact why not make that plea... or
> better yet use the Feedback facilities and make that request of VoloView... or
> Go to AUGI's Wishlist site and throw it in the mix and get others to vote for
> it.... THAT IS HOW YOU WILL GET HEARD.
>
>
>
>>It is my opinion (that's $0.02) that collaboration and
>>interoperability are facts of daily life for autodesk and other
>>software manufacturer's and that in this spirit the question was
>>asked!
>>
>
> And, as you can see I have not axed it... fire away.
>
>
>
>>Looking at it from a purely newsgroup rules technicallity
>>issue the question did not promote the other software manufacturer's
>>product and did not flame autodesk!
>>
>
> I will repeat myself for you "And, as you can see I have not axed it... fire
> away."
>
>
>
>>Again, sorry for the rant and just my $0.02!
>>
>
> How's about this, the person almost had enough sense by throwing in the token
> "We're an A2K shop, but..." (and that is why it is still here) now why didn't
> they ask for a viewer that could handle both DWG or DGN? You read it your way,
> I read it mine... now stop wasting time and give the person some answers.
>
> **************************************************************
> Please, DO NOT send technical requests to me via private e-mail
> **************************************************************
>
> Tracy W. Lincoln
> Assistant Moderator - Autodesk Discussion Forums
>
>
>

[Anonymous]

Bentley Redline - I believe you qualify for a free license if you "partner"
with a Bentley SELECT customer, and they "sponsor" you for the software.

"Ron" wrote in message
news:6AA18B7A5133C03748E21719A546BCAB@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> We're an A2K shop, but I need a good Microstation DGN viewing/plotting
> program. Any suggestions?
>
>

[Anonymous]

Adam is correct. If you want to PLOT the drawings (DGN or DWG) with
lineweights and etc then you need Redline. If all you want to do is look at
the drawings and PRINT them, you can get the Bentley View software for free
without an invitation (like Volo View Express).

"Adam Wuellner" wrote in message
news:8375A2A4C4278595FD0B0BA1A12E28DE@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> Bentley Redline - I believe you qualify for a free license if you
"partner"
> with a Bentley SELECT customer, and they "sponsor" you for the software.
>
> "Ron" wrote in message
> news:6AA18B7A5133C03748E21719A546BCAB@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> > We're an A2K shop, but I need a good Microstation DGN viewing/plotting
> > program. Any suggestions?
> >
> >
>
>

[Anonymous]

Interoperability is a big concern for all cad software companies.
FYI... interoperability isn't just for translation between cad drawing
programs. It is bigger and broader meaning interoperability between
estimating, scheduling, cad, project management... ad infinitum! That
is why you can get IFC data out of Autocad and soon out of Adt and
into estimating software programs... one example.

See the mission statement for IAI (International Alliance of
Interoperability) at
http://www.iai-na.org/about/mission.php
partial quote, "Alliance members are committed to promoting effective
means of exchanging information among all software platforms and
applications serving the AEC+FM community."

See OCCS (Overall Construction Classification System) at
http://www.occsnet.org/vision.htm
partial quote, "The OCCS will be used by all industries involved with
creating and sustaining the built environment - from conception though
demolition."

See BLIS (Building Lifecycle Interoperable Software)
http://www.blis-project.org/index2.html
One of the goals, "Deliver increasing levels of application
interoperability"

Tom

Thomas E. Momeyer, AIA, CCS


On Thu, 10 Jul 2003 14:25:16 -0700, OLD-CADaver
wrote:

>Interoperability is only a problem for single-platform users of competing software. I, for one, don't see that as an AutoDESK concern.

[old-cadaver]

Nice dodge.

[Anonymous]

Wow! As an AutoCAD user who never would have thought about looking to
Bentley for a conversion system, I'm overjoyed to find they have a basically
free tool.

As AutoCAD professionals, we here in Florida are noticing some AE firms are
adopting uSTN and then telling their clients, "Oh, they use AutoCAD don't
they?? Well they won't be able to help you with your facility planning
(because we converted all of your drawings to uSTN last week)" I have had
more than one "potential" client tell me this.

So I would have to say, "thank goodness MicroStation conversion was a topic
here." I now know where I can get a dgn > dwg converter to help me win some
of those prospects who think I can't work with their Bentley files!


"Tracy W. Lincoln" wrote in message
news:3F0D8680.B8A80D62@autodesk.com...
> Might want to try asking or looking on THAT application's manufacturer's
> site.... doncha think?
>
> Or...
>
> http://www.google.com and use some pertinent keywords.
>
> **************************************************************
> Please, DO NOT send technical requests to me via private e-mail
> **************************************************************
>
> Tracy W. Lincoln
> Assistant Moderator - Autodesk Discussion Forums
>
> Discussion Group Links:
> -----------------------
> Index: http://discussion.autodesk.com
> Rules: http://discussion.autodesk.com/webx?groundrules
>
>

[Anonymous]

jonesr wrote:

> As AutoCAD professionals, we here in Florida are noticing some AE firms are
> adopting uSTN and then telling their clients, "Oh, they use AutoCAD don't
> they?? Well they won't be able to help you with your facility planning
> (because we converted all of your drawings to uSTN last week)"

How about dealing with a DOT (Department of Transportation). They say
"Here is a DGN. Deal with it and if you have to give me a file back
it's going to be DGN". Since 45 out of 50 DOT's use MSTA its a common
problem.

Of course with AutoCAD supporting less of its own formats these days
(goodbye R14 on 2004) theres very little chance of AutoCAD building this
in.

Terry

[Anonymous]

On Mon, 14 Jul 2003 14:07:17 -0700, OLD-CADaver
wrote:

>Nice dodge.

OLD-CADaver,

You said, "Interoperability is only a problem for single-platform
users of competing software."

Yep... I agree it's a problem for users with one cad software program.
Yep... I disagree that it is not a problem for multi-platform cad
users, because interoperability is about translation across software
application programs that include cad, estimating, project management,
facilities management, visualization, etc.

You said, "I, personally, would rather see ADESK expend resources
making their product better, than on interoperability with other
products."

I respect your opinion. My opinion is that ADESK resources expended
on interoperability with other application software would return
ten-fold rewards to users as well as adesk. My opinion is that
expending resources on making better product without improving
interoperability is a dead end street.

You said, "We are a multi-platform shop, whatever output the client
requires is the the program used to produce the project.
interoperability is never a concern."

Again, I respect your opinion. And, that is great that your
"multi-cad-platform" shop gets the job done for your clients. Clients
that I'm familiar with are asking for greater productivity, shorter
project time, smarter documents, better coordination between project
conception to project demolition and that requires better Autodesk
software that is interoperable across multiple software applications
providing initial project programming, conceptual designs, cost
accountability, material availability and leadtime, etc.

Autodesk is already accountable for interoperability, and if it wasn't
/ isn't provided, my prediction is that it won't be around long into
the future. If that's a "dodge", then I'm sorry I don't know what
your meaning is.

Tom

Thomas E. Momeyer, AIA, CCS

[old-cadaver]

The original context of the discussion was interoperability between two specific cad softwares. The "dodge" was attempting to make it about something else after-the-fact. Nice dodge, but a dodge none the less.