Bentley Systems has announced the newest release of its MicroStation Descartes imaging software. With the addition of this version's OCR conversion capabilities and imaging enhancement tools, the product now offers the most complete imaging solution for engineering and geoengineering. Users working with MicroStation Descartes can rely on a single, comprehensive software solution that offers the equivalent of multiple competitive products.

Including images with engineering projects adds tremendous value to a design, but images come in many forms and from many sources. Using MicroStation Descartes, users can now add and process all raster images - including maps, scanned drawings and aerial and satellite photos - and MicroStation vector design files in a single product within the MicroStation environment. With this new version, users are able to explore and communicate designs and plans more effectively.

MicroStation Descartes users can now profit from the OCR capability, which lets them automatically convert raster drawings into vector data. The conversion process is not limited to bi-tonal images: Colour raster data is easily converted using Descartes' powerful filter technology. MicroStation Descartes Version 7.1 now includes all the tools needed to revive legacy data and to create outstanding scenes.

Tex Van Deventer, Managing Director of Bentley South Africa, comments, "In urban planning, transportation and other public spheres, adding images and creating 3D visualisations has become a critical tool for analysing potential site problems and presenting the environmental impact of construction sites to the public. Organisations that standardise on MicroStation Descartes can convey their ideas more efficiently and quickly see a return on their investment."

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) originally purchased Descartes to create digital aerial mosaics, "but what we got was a whole lot more," says Chris Parker, Head of 3D Visualization Group at NCDOT. Parker adds, "With the growing popularity of 3D visualisation and the precision necessary to provide accurate representations, Descartes has become a standard tool in our creative techniques. The ability to drape aerial photos onto digital terrain models allows us to create realistic 'before and after' visuals, which gains credibility with the public, government officials and engineers alike. At last, we have a tool that takes the difficulty out of building 3D environments."

Bentley Systems Africa

(011) 462 3546

tex.vandeventer@bentley.nl

Founded in 1984, Bentley Systems, Incorporated is a premier technology supplier dedicated to improving the process of designing, building and operating permanent assets such as buildings, roadways, manufacturing facilities and utility and telecommunications networks. The professionals who use Bentley technology include architects, engineers, constructors and owner/operators. Bentley's MicroStation, ProjectBank and Viecon technology and services make Bentley the leader in the engineering, construction and operations (E/C/O) market. Bentley's annual revenues exceed $190 million, and its reach spans the globe, serving more than 300 000 professionals and over 20 000 companies and organisations. More than 200 000 Bentley users participate in the Bentley SELECT technology and service subscription programme.