Microstation

I am getting close to a project that requires microstation. I do not have this software package. I have looked and cannot seem to find a cost online. Anyone know what a surveying package of Microstation costs?

And could I expect to go to a seminar (web or otherwise) and get a good training session?

I believe that Bentley sells Microstation direct these days (http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/MicroStation/).  If not, they should be able to direct you to a local VAR, value added reseller.  As far as a survey product, best to double check what your client wants / requires.  While our State DOT gradually implemented MicroStation, then GeoPak through the mid-90s, they were still using a seperate survey package for their surveying needs and importing final points into the 3D base drawing.  If you are a sub to a large firm, you might still be able to do your work using your normal workflow and have them import your points and setup the base drawing.

ppm, you will need to contact Bentley Systems directly.  Ask for the software package PowerSurvey for about 1/5th the cost of MicroStation and InRoads purchased separately.  PowerSurvey is a bundle of both PowerDraft and either InRoads Survey or GEOPAK Survey.  Make sure you know your requirements if it suppose to be InRoads or GEOPAK as they are two different pieces of software with different file formats.
http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/Bentley+PowerSurvey/

If you need to do more than collect data and generate deliverables such as a CAD file and surface you will need to look at the full package of PowerCivil.
http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/Bentley+PowerCivil/

We have a number of free videos online for MicroStation and InRoads on our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/envisioncad
Otherwise you can go to our website and see the classes we offer.

Best regards,
Bob Mecham

You might want to check out Harken-Reidar for Microstation software and training.

Hi, PPM, I'm going to echo PMUNDY's previous reply to "check out Harken-Reidar,"  but I promise not to advertise . . . we (Harken-Reidar) are an authorized Bentley Channel Partner reseller and Certified Bentley Institute training partner, so you actually can get Bentley products from a practicing engineering and survey firm. It's no longer necessary to purchase directly from Bentley.

Someone suggested Power Survey, and this is indeed the product of choice for your stated needs. It is sort of like Carlson's "Embedded AutoCAD" survey product in the sense that it is built on Power Draft (the Microstation CAD Engine) and does not require a separate purchase and installation of the full Microstation package. The nice thing, though, is that it does allow all the standard Microstation tools and add-ons with the exception of the solids modeling (teapots and gears, etc), but also adds the powerful Survey module tools like those found in InRoads and GEOPAK. There are also some other interesting alternative options you might want to consider as well.

We'd be glad to help you out, just give me a reply, or to my business partner Harry Ward at hward@harken-reidar.com (one of the primary bloggers and contributors here).

Good luck!
Ken Crawford, PE

I work for MDOT and I think that the version we use is around $5000.00. I also have a stripped down version that I use for my personal business at home and it is $1500.00. It is just as powerful as the full version. It comes with Geopak and has the capability to do 3D work as well. I love it and I can whip out plats pretty quick.

Curt (sailrabbit)