<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd"> <HTML> <HEAD> <TITLE>Bentley Geo Products</TITLE> <LINK REL="STYLESHEET" HREF="../styles/la-solutions.css" > <LINK REL="SHORTCUT ICON" HREF="../images/la-solutions.ico"> <meta name="description" content="Bentley Geo Product Matrix" > <meta name="keywords" content="Bentley Map, GeoGraphics, PowerMap, PowerField, GIS" > <!-- The following lines are for projects having external script files <SCRIPT LANGUAGE="javascript" SRC="../scripts/script.js" > </SCRIPT> --> </HEAD> <BODY> <div id="header"> <div id="leftheader"> <h1 class="product" >Bentley Geo Products</h1> </div> <!-- end of leftheader div --> <!-- <div class="navigation"> --> <div id="button"> <a name="navigation"></a> <ul> <li><a href="products.htm">Products</a></li> <li><a href="services.htm">Services</a></li> <li><a href="publications.htm">Publications</a></li> <li><a href="links.htm">Links</a></li> <li><a href="detail.htm">The devil is in the detail</a></li> <li><a href="la-solutions.htm">LA Solutions</a></li> </ul> </div> <!-- end of navigation div --> <div id="rightheader"> <span class="la" >LA&nbsp;Solutions</span> </div> <!-- end of rightheader div --> </div> <!-- end of header div --> <div id="centercontent"> <a name="Introduction" /> <h2>Bentley Systems Geo Products</h2> <p> <a href="http://www.bentley.com" target="_blank" >Bentley Systems, Inc.</a> has several products for creating a Geographic Information System (<em>GIS</em>), or, as they term it, 'Geo Engineering'. However, they seem reluctant to publish information about those products. This lack of information frustrates two classes of customer&nbsp;&#8230; </p> <ul type="a"> <li>potential customers who are interested in acquiring Bentley products <li>existing users who want to plan their implementation strategies to match Bentley's products </ul> <h4>Bentley GIS in the V8i and XM Generation</h4> <p> Bentley Systems revealed <em>MicroStation V8i</em> in the summer of 2008<em>, and MicroStation XM</em> in the summer of 2006. <em> Bentley Map</em>, which requires <em>MicroStation XM</em> or later as a platform, was released in September 2007. Read the <a href="ftp://ftp.bentley.com/pub/help/bentley_map/08110549en/readme.htm" target="_blank" >Bentley Map ReadMe</a> for the current status of version <em>8.11.05.49</em>. </p> <p> A question that is on everyone's lips is "What does the future hold for GIS products from Bentley?" The best <a href="http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Training/Learning+Paths/Geospatial+Mapping/" target="_blank" >illustration of the Bentley GIS product mix</a> has come from the Bentley Institute&nbsp;&#8230; </p> <table class='billboard' > <caption caption-side='bottom' >Bentley GIS Training</caption> <tr> <td> <a href="http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Training/Learning+Paths/Geospatial+Mapping/" target="_blank" ><img src="http://www.bentley.com/NR/rdonlyres/5ADCD86E-363D-4096-B284-81BFC7B1D571/0/geospatial_mapping_learn_path_02.gif" /></a> </td> </tr> </table> <p> We don't have a crystal ball. However, in response to questions from many customers, here's our best guess on what the near future holds. You must regard the following as speculation: this web site is providing insight into the Bentley product line but is not endorsed by Bentley Systems. </p> <p> There is significantly more emphasis on the <em>XML Feature Model</em> (<em>XFM</em>) technology. XFM first appeared with <em>GeoGraphics 2004 Edition</em> as a new engine for feature attribution. XFM plays a much larger role in the XM generation GIS products; probably, it will be possible to operate GeoGraphics 'project free' and without the need for a relational database. The XML project file supplies the map and feature meta-data. </p> <p> <em>Bentley Map</em> replaces GeoGraphics in the XM era. It relies heavily on XFM technology. <em>Bentley Map</em>, is available from September 2007. The future of the existing product <em>Bentley PowerMap</em> is not defined. </p> <p> The <em>MicroStation Geospatial Extension</em> (<em>GSX</em>) had been mentioned by Bentley Systems as their entry-level GIS product. However, GSX has not emerged from its lair. It looks like Bentey may not release GSX as a product: maybe it's become irrelevant as more GIS capability is to be incorporated into MicroStation Athens. </p> <p> Here's what Bentley's Alain Lapierre wrote on 07-May-07 in Bentley's <em>bentley.geospatial.general</em> newsgroup&nbsp;&#8230; </p> <cite> As it is currently planned: <br /> - MicroStation Athens (WMS client) <br /> - MicroStation Geospatial Extension Athens (Oracle Spatial GeoRaster client, WMS/GML client) <br /> - Bentley Map (WFS/CityGML client), released September 2007 <br /> - Geo Web Publisher (WFS/GML and WFS/CityGML server) <br /> And creating indexed Google Earth data has not yet been assigned to a specific product, but it's likely that it would be in Geo Web Publisher </cite> <p> Here's what Bentley's Tod Rothermel wrote on 28-Aug-06&nbsp;&#8230; </p> <cite> MicroStation GeoGraphics will no longer be delivered in the XM Edition. <br /> Its features will be provided through two deliverables. 1) MicroStation Geospatial Extension for MicroStation; and 2) Bentley Map. <br /> Bentley Map requires and leverages the Geospatial Extension. Bentley Map includes features not currently available in GeoGraphics and is based upon an entirely new interface paradigm. <br /> Bentley Cadastre, a land management application, includes all Bentley Map features, with additional capabilities specifically oriented to land management requirements. </cite> <h4>GIS Product Matrix</h4> <p> The chart below is our interpretation of Bentley's 2004 Edition geo-products: GeoGraphics&trade;, Bentley PowerMap&trade;, and Bentley PowerField&trade;. This comparison is provided for informational purposes only. For more detailed information you should approach <a href="http://www.bentley.com" target="_blank" >Bentley Systems</a> directly. </p> <UL> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>Bentley Map </FONT> <UL> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>Comprehensive functionality </FONT> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>Complete development platform </FONT> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>Platform for Bentley Geospatial applications for MicroStation V8 XM Edition </FONT></LI></UL> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>MicroStation GeoGraphics </FONT> <UL> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>Comprehensive functionality </FONT> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>Complete development platform </FONT> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>Platform for Bentley Geospatial applications for MicroStation V8 2004 Edition, including raster applications </FONT></LI></UL> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>Bentley PowerMap </FONT> <UL> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>Limited editing functionality (i.e. similar to Bentley PowerDraft) </FONT> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>Bentley Geospatial applications and raster applications (e.g. Bentley Descartes) are not supported </FONT></LI></UL> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>Bentley PowerMap Field </FONT></LI> <UL> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>Field data review and redline, read/write attribution </FONT> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>Bentley Geospatial applications and raster applications (e.g. Bentley Descartes) are not supported </FONT></LI></UL></UL> <P><FONT face=Arial size=2>From a lower-level&nbsp;functionality perspective: </FONT> <P> <TABLE border=1> <TBODY> <TR bgColor=#d0d0d0> <TH><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2><B>Functionality</B> </FONT></FONT></TH> <TH align=middle><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2><B>Bentley Map</B> </FONT></FONT></TH> <TH align=middle><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2><B>MicroStation GeoGraphics</B> </FONT></FONT></TH> <TH align=middle><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2><B>Bentley PowerMap</FONT></B> </FONT></TH> <TH align=middle><B><FONT face=Arial size=2>Bentley PowerMap Field</FONT></B></TH></TR> <TR> <TD><FONT face=Arial size=2>Geometry creation (* limited editing functionality) </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes* </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>No</FONT></TD></TR> <TR> <TD><FONT face=Arial size=2>Redlining </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes</FONT></TD></TR> <TR> <TD><FONT face=Arial size=2>VBA </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes</FONT></TD></TR> <TR> <TD><FONT face=Arial size=2>Custom MDL/DLL support </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>MDL: Yes<BR>DLL: Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>MDL: Yes<BR>DLL: Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>MDL: Yes (see note&nbsp;1</FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2> below)<BR>DLL: See note 2 below </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>MDL: See note 2</FONT><FONT size=2><FONT face=Arial> below<BR>DLL: See note 2</FONT><FONT face=Arial> below</FONT></FONT></TD></TR> <TR> <TD><FONT face=Arial size=2>Run other Bentley applications (e.g. Bentley Descartes) </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>No </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>No</FONT></TD></TR> <TR> <TD><FONT face=Arial size=2>Bentley Geospatial Administrator included </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>No</FONT></TD></TR> <TR> <TD><FONT face=Arial size=2>Database Servers (ODBC, OLE-DB, Oracle) </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes</FONT></TD></TR> <TR> <TD><FONT face=Arial size=2>Oracle Spatial (Query/Post) </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>No</FONT></TD></TR> <TR> <TD><FONT face=Arial size=2>Data creation (annotation, vector, topology, etc.) </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>No</FONT></TD></TR> <TR> <TD><FONT face=Arial size=2>MicroStation GeoGraphics project compatibility </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Read </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Read, Author </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Read, Author </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Read</FONT></TD></TR> <TR> <TD><FONT face=Arial size=2>Import and export (SHP, MIF, E00) </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Export </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>No</FONT></TD></TR> <TR> <TD><FONT face=Arial size=2>Raster Manager (** limited to viewing existing raster attachments) </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2> </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes**</FONT></TD></TR> <TR> <TD><FONT face=Arial size=2>MXD/SHP read and reference </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes</FONT></TD></TR> <TR> <TD><FONT face=Arial size=2>SELECTserver licensing support </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes </FONT></TD> <TD align=middle><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes</FONT></TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> <A name=Note1></A> <FONT face=Arial> <FONT size=2> <B>Note 1:</B> Bentley PowerMap supports one third-party named application grouping per license.<BR> </FONT> </FONT> <A name=Note2></A> <FONT face=Arial> <FONT size=2> <B>Note 2:</B> Contact </FONT> <A href="mailto:bdn@bentley.com?Subject=Developing for Bentley PowerMap and Bentley PowerField"> <FONT face=Arial size=2> bdn@bentley.com </FONT></A> <FONT face=Arial size=2> for more information. </FONT></P> </FONT> <p> For more information you should approach <a href="http://www.bentley.com" target="_blank" >Bentley Systems</a> directly. </p> </div> <!-- end of centercontent div --> <div class="footer"> <hr /> <a href="http://www.bentley.com" ><img src="../images/Tech_Partner_RGB-50percent.jpg" alt="Bentley Technology Partner" align="right" ></img></a> <h4>Trademarks</h4> <p> All <a href="trademarks.htm" >trademarks</a> are acknowledged. Trademarks may be registered in some jurisdictions.<br /> <a href="http://www.la-solutions.co.uk/tinc?key=A0I5nkDy" target="_blank" ><img src="../images/e-mail04.jpg" width="32" height="32" valign="bottom" ></a> Contact LA Solutions using this <a href="http://www.la-solutions.co.uk/tinc?key=A0I5nkDy" target="_blank" >enquiry form</a>. </p> <table width="100%" class="updated" > <tr> <td><a href="../default.htm" ><img src="../images/home3.jpg" width="32" height="32" valign="middle" ></a><br /><a href="../default.htm" >Home</a></td> <!-- Created on 24-Oct-2005 --> <td align="left">Updated on 24-Sep-2009</td> <td align="right">Copyright &copy; 2005&#8230;2012 LA Solutions Ltd</td> </tr> </table> </div> <!-- end of footer div --> </BODY> </HTML>