Python Assistant

Programming language Python offers users unlimited freedom to create whatever they want in MicroStation. Additional tools and automations allow for an increase in the number of tasks performed in MicroStation.

Python is easy to read and use in MicroStation using a script interface or lPython Assistant.

Using Python in MicroStation :

• Use the programming language Python to create tools and automate repetitive and tedious tasks.
• Python is ideal for beginners and uses a simple syntax which facilitates coding.
• LPython Assistant simplifies the use of programming language Python in MicroStation.
• LPython Assistant allows to customize the features of MicroStation without being an expert in programming.
• LPython Assistant greatly simplifies the creation of partial and complete scripts.

Geospatial Context – Google Maps

MicroStation has replaced Bing Maps by Google Maps 2D whose quality is superior but also for its functional richness. This tool is widely used by billions of users around the world, making it a must. Use it in MicroStation for new generation design accuracy.

Google Maps helps users MicroStation to improve the design of their infrastructure through the actual contextual visualization of the site: zoom in the project areas with accurate aerial images and make reliable and contextual design choices.

Use of Google Maps in MicroStation :

• Bentley and Google join forces to bring a global and real-time context to infrastructure projects, so you can design in line with the real world.
• The background map 2D of Google in MicroStation displays a recent and high-quality geospatial context.
• Quickly view up-to-date roads, plots and landmarks, directly in the design environment, to reduce approximations and build stakeholder confidence.
• We replace Bing with Google Maps to provide you with the most reliable, high resolution and frequently updated map data: you will make better decisions in this way in the development of your projects.

Geospatial Context – Google Photorealistic 3D Tiles

Support for format 3D Tiles (3D tiles) by MicroStation offers a powerful 3D geospatial context to optimize the infrastructure design process. 3D Tiles is an optimized, open and diffuseable format, created by Cesium, a company acquired by Bentley in 2024. It exploits the potential of the growing 3D geospatial data collection.

Support for format 3D Tiles by MicroStation allows to use the Google Photorealistic 3D Tiles, a textured 3D mesh with high resolution images. These tools offer high resolution 3D maps of many populated areas of the world.

Using 3D tiles in MicroStation:

• Google's photorealistic 3D tiles offer immersive 3D visualization experiences.
• Use Google's photorealistic 3D tiles to navigate to a place, understand an area, evaluate new places to make decisions and understand the real environment.
• Google's photorealistic 3D tiles, designed for models in more than 2,500 cities in 49 countries, improve accuracy, planning and decision-making with fast and scalable data.
• 3D tiles improve interoperability between solutions, software or platforms compatible with 3D tile formats.
• Offer a powerful 3D geospatial experience for the built and natural environment.

The Python API supports geospatial context

The geospatial context has been added to thePython API of the MicroStation. It refers to the broader understanding and interpretation of geographic information about a place. Users of MicroStation can now write Python scripts to exploit the geospatial context.

The simplicity of Python and the complete design capabilities of MicroStation form a powerful combination. The Python scripts enable tasks to be automated and integrate the geospatial context. This saves time, reduces errors and improves visualization of designs.

Using Python with a Geospatial Context :

• Using the geospatial context in designing infrastructure projects can provide valuable information.
• Identify the most suitable locations.
• Analyze geographic data, land use and environmental factors.
• Determine the links between your project and existing infrastructure, such as roads, railways and utilities.
• Assess the potential environmental impact of your project. Examine natural features, wildlife habitats and water bodies nearby.
• Analyze the impact of your project on local communities. Consider access to services, changes in traffic patterns and potential travel.
• Assess risks such as flood zones, seismic risk zones and other natural disasters. Ensure the safety and resilience of your project.
• Plan for effective use of resources. Map the location of materials, labour and equipment.

Geodatabase of Esri files

MicroStation supports the geodatabase format for Esri. Users of MicroStation can share their designs in this format and import data from Esri. This feature is available in versions 2024.2 and 2025 of MicroStation.

By integrating real-time GIS data sources directly into the design environment, users now have access to a wide range of native contextual data in MicroStation, which feeds the design process and helps to reduce costly modifications or design delays.

Wider geospatial context :

• Esri is the leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, geolocation and mapping.
• Esri + MicroStation : the world-leading GIS software, compatible with the main CAD software of infrastructure.
• The geodatabase format for Esri is a geospatial data format that stores and manages space and non-space data. It stores different types of geographic data, including non-space tables, entity classes, entity data sets and raster data sets.
• The geodatabase format for Esri enables spatial and non-space data to be stored, interrogated and managed in a structured setting.
• The geodatabase format for Esri serves as a data format for the organisation and storage of geographical information.
• The geodatabase format for Esri usually carry the extension .gdb.
• Improved interoperability between the design environment and GIS.
• Direct data sharing and updates facilitate collaboration between CAD and GIS users and ensure data consistency.
• Save time by reducing efforts through simplified processes and improved project workflows.

Performance and Improvements

Improved performance and functionality.

Workflows and interoperability are optimized through :

• The possibility of exporting to IFC format direct from MicroStation to communicate building models. This format, widely used in BIMallows for open and standardised data sharing between industry technologies.
• Improved performance of conditional expressions results in considerably faster processing time and increased productivity.
• The C++20 programming language allows users to benefit from its main new features.
• RealDWG 2026, the latest version of the software development kit (SDK)Autodeskoffers access to DWG/DXF formats and ensures compatibility with AutoCAD.
• The new data set « Example of river bridge » is georeferenced and presents new geospatial context tools allowing users to become familiar with geospatial workflows.