Bentley Systems has brought three powerful new tools to market for those professionals who do not need the full feature set of MicroStation but who do not want to sacrifice functionality with a less comprehensive product. Bentley PowerMap provides engineers an easy-to-use, 2D editing environment to complement geospatial projects built on MicroStation and MicroStation GeoGraphics. Bentley PowerSurvey provides survey professionals with an `all-in-one' solution for survey data management and drafting. Compatible with both the GEOPAK and InRoads families of civil solutions, it includes a full complement of survey adjustment, digital terrain modelling, notation and drafting tools. Bentley PowerCivil is a multidiscipline product for survey, graphical coordinate geometry (COGO), digital terrain modelling, site grading, water and sewer, and storm drainage and street design.

Bentley PowerMap

This new release is Bentley's premier data access and decision support application for geospatial solutions and is the migration/upgrade path from MicroStation GeoOutlook for existing select subscribers.

Bentley PowerMap supports the simultaneous viewing (2D and 3D data) and plotting of vector and raster data. The tools for seamless map display, features display, thematic mapping and analysis are all equal to their counterpart found in MicroStation GeoGraphics. Geospatial information created with Bentley PowerMap can directly, without translation, be used in MicroStation and MicroStation GeoGraphics.

The software provides read/write access to ODBC-connected databases, further enhancing mapping environments. Users can also query Oracle Spatial data to support the use of enterprise data in their mapping workflows. Also supported is querying of data stored in Oracle 8i Spatial and Oracle 9i spatial/locator.

The analysis tools include polygon overlay and network analysis such as shortest path. Workflows, with focus on geospatial data distribution, can be customised with the same programming environment as MicroStation and MicroStation GeoGraphics by using MDL, VBA, JMDL and MicroStation basic.

Bentley PowerSurvey

The software processes survey data and outputs results in the two leading engineering formats - DWG and DGN. This cost-effective tool with a minimal learning curve is an excellent fit for surveying consultancies of any size.

Bentley PowerSurvey provides surveying professionals with a complete set of survey-specific tools for both Bentley's InRoads and GEOPAK product suites. It directly processes the data from a field-surveying device and automatically displays the resulting graphics onscreen. Users can then manipulate the data using the editing, reduction and adjustment tools.

The software communicates with all industry-leading data collectors. Connect a data collector directly to a personal computer, laptop or tablet PC and use PowerSurvey to manage the survey data. PowerSurvey can also upload GEOPAK or InRoads data to the data collector for field stakeout procedures.

Bentley PowerSurvey supports extensive feature databases that detail the representation of each survey shot or feature, including symbolisation, labelling, DTM control, and more. The feature database is completely user-definable and ensures standardisation from the field surveyor to designer.

Bentley PowerCivil

The software is a low-cost solution for land development and site modelling. Bentley PowerCivil provides comprehensive design capabilities and offers civil engineers a flexible 2D/3D tool without requiring a CAD software platform.

PowerCivil is unique, offering a comprehensive civil engineering workflow solution that includes relationship modelling. The modelling capabilities enable rapid, dynamic exploration of site development scenarios. Design alternatives can be readily explored with clients and contractors through quick visual modifications. The end results are reduced risk and improved constructability of designs.

As an integrated, multidiscipline product for survey, graphical coordinate geometry (COGO), digital terrain modelling, site grading, water and sewer, and storm drainage and street design, PowerCivil builds on Bentley's market leading solutions. It can be used for a wide range of projects including commercial building, plant and manufacturing sites; airports and rail terminals; subdivisions, urban complexes, parks and golf courses; dams, mines and landfills; and drainage, utility and floodplain projects.

For more information contact Bentley Systems, 011 462 5811, www.bentley.com