GeoHECRAS vs. MicroStation

It is well suited to determining the capacity and flood levels for existing structures and sizing proposed structures based on the existing flood levels. In cases where we do not have sufficient information for proposed developments that need to be included in terrain for modeling, it can be challenging to modify the terrain, however, I think this would be the case for most software.

Incentivized

MicroStation is THE program to use for roadway and corridor modeling. Most departments of transportation and municipalities in my region require that the models be delivered in the dgn format, so it is MicroStation or bust. It is an absolute pain to use some of the add-in features though. Things that are easy in other programs like making smart tables that update with the latest information usually necessitate the use of Axiom or similar outside programs/add-ins. I design storm sewer systems, and it takes us 6 months to train up new hires on this software, because it is NOT intuitive. You need to know which buttons to press, since it is not designed to be easily command-based like AutoCAD Civil 3D.

Incentivized

• Ease of use - functionality
• Accurate results
• Considers all types of scenarios and structures etc.

Incentivized

• Plethora of design alternatives to choose from right from design to completed models
• Detailed approach towards parametric, mesh and surface modelling
• Well integrated modelling workflows
• Intelligent parametric components with 2D and 3D designs

Incentivized

• When dealing with large files, the interface can be slow at times

Incentivized

• Some of the more complex models have had a few issues exporting.
• We've struggled with external consultants using the custom Autocad engineering tools, and it plays nicely with MicroStation.

Incentivized

MicroStation is very hard to use for our newest employees. It is not intuitive, and you need to know where to find the buttons to perform the commands you would like to perform instead of typing in the commands like other similar modeling programs. Also, it has no good traffic turning add-ins. We continue to run ALL our turning in Autoturn, since this is not a usable feature with MicroStation.

Incentivized

We haven't had to use it for many years, so not able to comment.

Incentivized

Other software not on the list includes HEC-RAS and SWMM / PCSWMM. Initially, we had to use multiple software before going to HEC-RAS to complete projects. Now we are able to complete the entire project on GeoHECRAS alone with so many different features which enable us to analyze various different scenarios with ease.

Incentivized

The only general purpose CAD program that you can compare MicroStation with would be AutoCAD. MicroStation, in my opinion, is a superior product in every way but one. That one issue is that there are just more people who have and know how to use AutoCAD than there are ones who know MicroStation. This makes AutoCAD easier to get up and running for most firms.

Incentivized

• Greatly improved timelines for finishing a project as everything can be completed together on GeoHECRAS without having to use other software etc.
• No negative impact thus far.
• Makes working on these type of projects easier.

Incentivized

• MicroStation usage is primarily necessitated by our major client who also uses the program.
• Without using MicroStation there would be many times where we would not be able to provide our clients with what they need.
• Therefore, MicroStation has had an incredibly positive impact on the business I work for as its usage has continued to secure contracts.

Incentivized