REGION
|
MX
|
AUTOTURN
|
AUTOTRAK
|
MICROSTATION
|
GEOPACK
|
OTHER
|
ARKANSAS
|
|
|
|
Y
|
|
INROADS
|
ALBERTA
|
|
|
|
Y
|
|
INROADS
|
NEBRASKA
|
|
Y
|
|
Y
|
Y
|
|
NEW HAMPSHIRE
|
Y
|
|
|
|
|
|
OHIO
|
|
|
|
Y
|
Y
|
|
TEXAS
|
|
Y
|
|
Y
|
|
|
IOWA
|
|
Y
|
|
Y
|
Y
|
|
VICTORIA
|
|
|
|
|
|
CAiCE - AUTOCAD
|
NORTH DAKOTA
|
|
|
|
Y
|
Y
|
|
MISSOURI
|
|
|
|
|
Y
|
|
ILLINOIS
|
|
Y
|
|
Y
|
Y
|
|
MARYLAND
|
|
|
Y
|
Y
|
|
INROADS
|
OREGON
|
|
|
|
Y
|
|
INROADS
|
ALASKA
|
|
Y
|
|
|
|
AUTOCAD
|
KANSAS
|
|
Y
|
|
Y
|
|
|
While most responding states rely on AutoTurn, a couple use Autotrak and MX.
1. What software do you use to design approaches and the radii at intersections on highway projects? Who makes this software?
SOFTWARE:
2. Is your software selection based on available support, cost, or compatibility with other programs?
BASIS:
3. Does the software used by your agency require extensive knowledge of microstation or other software (if so, what?) or is it a stand-alone program?
PROGRAMS:
4. Does this software have a graphic display easily understood by non-engineers, including the public?
GRAPHICS:
5. Are there other reasons why you chose this software over others?
CHOICE:
Arkansas: Charles D. Clements, P.E.
SOFTWARE: Arkansas uses Inroads Software by Bentley Systems to aid in the design of roadways. We also use Microstation.
BASIS: Our software selection was based on all of the above.
PROGRAMS: Our software requires extensive knowledge of InRoads and MicroStation.
GRAPHICS: We think so.
CHOICE: We have used this software for a very long time. We do not want to change and go through the training for other systems.
Alberta: Jeffrey.Xu@gov.ab.ca
SOFTWARE: We are going to use InRoads from Bentley. We made the decision last December, right now we are at the training stage and will use it as the design software in the future.
BASIS: Yes.
PROGRAMS: It does require some drafting skills about MicroStation.
GRAPHICS: Yes.
CHOICE: Alberta Transportation requires all the drawings be submitted in dgn files. InRoads is the most suitable road design software which can work in MicroStation environment.
Nebraska: jon.starr@nebraska.gov
SOFTWARE: Geopak as civil engineering design software (horizontal, vertical, xs, etc.), with Microstation as the CAD platform. We also recently began utilizing Autoturn by Transoft solutions to provide turn path analysis. Neither of these applications automate the process of intersection design; they simply function as tools to assist in the design.
BASIS: Generally speaking, all three measures are factored in when selecting software.
PROGRAMS: Geopak and Autoturn both run within Microstation.
GRAPHICS: Can be exported to PDF out of Microstation.
CHOICE: An extensive benchmark was performed by users of the software when both Geopak and Autoturn were selected.
New Hampshire DOT: bcaswell@dot.state.nh.us
SOFTWARE: New Hampshire DOT uses MX for roadway design. It was originally developed in the UK, but is now a Bentley product.
BASIS: MX was chosen over 20 years ago (called MOSS at that time) because of its compatibility with the drafting software we were using at the time. At the time it was the standard in many European countries and Australia and just becoming available in America.
PROGRAMS: It can be used either as a stand-alone program or from within MicroStation or AutoCAD.
GRAPHICS: Using it stand-alone, I wouldn't say that it is particularly well suited for public displays. When using it within MicroStation it is easier to manipulate the display of the drawings.
CHOICE: Although some comment that it is difficult to master, MX is a powerful design tool, particularly in the area of intersection design. It has tools for showing grades and drainage flow arrows within the intersection and visibility analysis options for checking sight distances.
Ohio ODOT: Ed.Kagel@dot.state.oh.us SOFTWARE: GEOPAK Road; Bentley Systems. GEOPAK Site is also being used to assist designers with intersection design, although this method of design is relatively new to the Department.
BASIS: ODOT Standardized on the MicroStation Platform in 1994.
ODOT Standardized on the Bentley GEOPAK Civil Design product in 1996.
At the time the products were standardized, ODOT compared other products on the market (support, cost, etc) and determined the Bentley applications were the best resources for ODOT plan development.
PROGRAMS: Since GEOPAK is based on the MicroStation platform, users are required to have MicroStation knowledge/experience.
GRAPHICS: The traditional GEOPAK Road product is a design tool that is focused on design principles and knowledge. The graphic displays are limited to plan/profile/cross section details and do not easily represent graphic displays (i.e 3D models, etc) for public presentations/displays. GEOPAK Site creates a 3D model which can be used to convey complex design situations to non-engineers and the public. The GEOPAK design application now includes the Corridor Modeler Tools which provide designers with a 3D design alternative to GEOPAK Road. The Corridor Modeler tools are still being reviewed and tested by our CADD Section and are not standardized for ODOT plan development at this time (nor does ODOT have plan development standards for GEOPAK Site).
CHOICE: At the time of the evaluation, the Bentley Products provided the best solution to meet ODOT's plan development needs.
Texas: EHILTON@dot.state.tx.us
SOFTWARE: Autoturn, made by Transoft Solutions Inc., is used to design the radii at intersections based on the design vehicle.
BASIS: Autoturn is compatible with Microstation and is user-friendly which requires little support.
PROGRAMS: It is not a stand-alone program. It runs within Microstation.
GRAPHICS: The toolbar icons are probably not easily understood by non-engineers.
CHOICE: Familiarity with the software
Iowa: Wes.Mayberry@dot.iowa.gov
SOFTWARE: We use a combination of AUTO turn, GEOPAK, and Microstation.
BASIS: Compatibility with Microstation.
PROGRAMS: Extensive knowledge of Microstation is not necessary.
GRAPHICS: Yes - The graphics produced by each program are easily understood.
CHOICE: We are happy with Microstation products.
Victoria British Columbia V8W 9T5: Dale.Francis@gov.bc.ca
SOFTWARE: The Ministry uses the CAiCE highway engineering software for Highway Survey, Design and Construction Supervision. Along with this the Ministry uses AutoCAD as its CAD software. Both these software packages are provided by Autodesk.
BASIS: CAiCE has been in use by the Ministry for 10 years and was chosen at the time because it was the highway engineering software with the best functionality and price.
PROGRAMS: The CAiCE software is stand alone and does not require any Microstation or AutoCAD knowledge.
GRAPHICS: The CAiCE software is being slowly phased out by Autodesk and therefore there has been little product enhancement over the last 4 years. Use of the software by non-engineers and the public would not be practical, there would be training needed to make use of the software graphics.
CHOICE: One of the most significant advantages of the software has been it's ability to deal with our Construction Supervision processes, specifically handling remeasure surveys in the field and the calculation of progress payment volumes. At the time CAiCE was the only software that could address these processes. With CAiCE being phased out by Autodesk, the Ministry is seriously considering the implementation of Civil3D at some point in the next few years.
North Dakota NDDOT: rhorner@nd.gov
SOFTWARE: MicroStation – Bentley Systems, AutoTurn – Transoft Solutions
BASIS: Function and compatibility are the biggest considerations.
PROGRAMS: Yes, knowledge of MicroStation and AutoTurn is required.
GRAPHICS: Yes
CHOICE: Yes, other design functions were considered when selecting this software, especially MicroStation. AutoTurn was specifically purchased to review turning movements.
Missouri: George.Kopp@modot.mo.gov
SOFTWARE: GEOPAK Road from Bentley Systems ( we hope to utilize GEOPAK Site for this in the future)
BASIS: GEOPAK is our standard Roadway design software and is something we already have in place
PROGRAMS: Yes, GEOPAK runs inside MicroStation
GRAPHICS: No, not typically. A result of the software use is the creation of Plan Sheets and Exhibits for public use. Often these sheets have additional information put on them in MicroStation to provide the public more information.
CHOICE: It is software we use for our roadway design process. This software was selected by an evaluation process performed by engineers within MoDOT.
Illinois Department of Transportation :Scott.Stitt@illinois.gov
SOFTWARE: We use MicroStation, GEOPAK and AutoTurn. MicroStation and GEOPAK are made by Bentley Systems. AutoTurn is made by TransSoft Solutions.
BASIS: It was selected based on compatibility with existing programs.
PROGRAMS: It requires working knowledge of MicroStation and GEOPAK..
GRAPHICS:Yes.
CHOICE: No.
Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT):pkar@sha.state.md.us
SOFTWARE: MDSHA uses Bentley's MicroStation V8 2004 Edition (08.05.02.35) for CAD drawing platform. InRoads version 8.8 is our standard Civil Design software (Bentley's Geopak is another option). We use Savoy Computing Service's AutoTrack as our vehicle swept path analysis software for designing turning radii at intersections. Additionally, we use Axiom, which is a productivity tool kit operating on Microstation, InterPlot Client (ver 08.05.02.63) for plotting, and ProjectWise 2004 as our Engineering Document Management software. We are in the process of upgrading to MicroStation XM and ProjectWise V8i.
BASIS: The Microstation is used mainly because of its wide application in Transportation Engineering Designs. It is also compatible with the transportation design solutions such as InRoads and GeoPak and other CAD platforms such as AutoCAD. We made the decision to use MicroStation in the late 80's. In 1995 we developed our first CAD Standards version for MicroStation. In 2003 we updated the SHA CAD Standards and developed custom tool applications within MicroStation. Our current contract with Bentley is called "Enterprise License Subscription".
PROGRAMS: InRoads, GeoPak and AutoTrack run on the Microstation platform. These softwares require moderate level of training for the users. We utilize Bentley's "Enterprise Training Subscription" for our training needs. All of our new users are required to attend Bentley Certified training for MicroStation and InRoads. Additional training is provided in-house and through mentoring.
GRAPHICS: MicroStation is a Graphic User Interface based program that gives the user the ability to create displays and rendered images for the public. Using Microstation and other applications mentioned above MDOT develops project displays that are easily understood by people from a background other than engineering.
CHOICE:No.
Oregon: Gary.M.HOLEMAN@odot.state.or.us
SOFTWARE: Oregon DOT uses MicroStation and InRoad from Bentley Systems, Inc.
BASIS: These two software products are the same software that ODOT uses for our road design and all of our drafting. I don't know that it was selected specifically to design approaches, or if it was the default as we already use it.
PROGRAMS: I don't know if I would state that it requires extensive knowledge, but the more knowledge you have, the easier it becomes to design.
GRAPHICS: MicroStation, and the associated printed files. Oregon DOT is favoring PDF.
CHOICE: None that I am aware of.
Alaska: jim.sweeney@alaska.gov
Here are the responses I received from the Design Sections of the three regions of Alaska DOT/PF. NR is Northern Region, CR is Central Region and SE is Southeast Region. AutoTurn is one software that has been adopted by all three regions. When I was a designer, I found it to be extremely useful, versatile and friendly.
SOFTWARE:
NR - Northern Region uses AutoTurn by Transoft. Our CAD platform is AutoDESK.
CR - For most approaches we use a 40’ radius for public approaches and a 20’ radius for private driveways. If we need to look at special turning circumstances at an approach or intersection we use Autoturn software.
SE - We use AutoTURN by Transoft solutions to model the turning movments of vehicles. www.transoftsolutions.com/ Our highway design application we currently use is Autodesk Land Development Desktop (LDD). We are moving toward the adoption of Autodesk Civil 3D in the future.
BASIS:
NR - Although support and cost were considered, AutoTurn was selected because of compatibility, as well as being a worldwide leader in turning movement design.
CR - We use the Autoturn software for its compatibility with AutoCad.
SE - It is compatible with the AutoCAD software we also use. We have not had any support issues with the product.
PROGRAMS:
NR - AutoTurn is not a stand-alone program and requires a CAD platform to operate. Some knowledge is required to operate the software and CAD platform, but I would not say “extensive”.
CR - It requires extensive knowledge of AutoCad.
SE - It runs within AutoCAD. Knowledge of AutoCAD is required. A talented CAD operator is necessary. It is not Stand Alone.
GRAPHICS:
NR - Yes, the graphics generated are intuitive because it shows the design vehicle, the travel path, wheel path and required clearances (vehicle over hang, etc.).
CR - It does have a graphic display, but it takes explaining.
SE - It is useful in depicting the turning movements which can be incorporated in public and other displays. We used the plotted swept path diagrams at a recent public meeting to show the trucking community that they would be able to negotiate successfully through a proposed roundabout project. We have only used plotted information for displays. The program will animate the path of the vehicle but we have not used that feature other than by designers within our own organization.
CHOICE:
NR - None.
CR - Not sure. Our agency has been using it for at least ten years.
SE - Honestly this is the only software we have ever used for this purpose. I am not aware of any others. Please share the results of your survey if another software comes to light as a better choice.
Kansas: JBrewer@ksdot.org
As answered below, we use the prevailing criteria in the Green Book and our Design Manual for the radii, lanes, etc. We may then check using Auto TURN software.
SOFTWARE: Generally designers detail intersections with Microstation (made by Bentley) and use the AASHTO Greenbook, the KDOT design manual and standard drawings to design intersections. However, when a special analysis is required, Auto TURN 6.0 made by Transoft Solutions is used to augment the design process.
BASIS: Auto TURN is compatible with Microstation and seems to be the industry’s dominant intersection design software. It was likely selected by our CADD unit and Road Office.
PROGRAMS: Auto TURN requires a working knowledge of Microstation and runs inside of the Microstation environment.
GRAPHICS: Yes, the design vehicles are placed in the drawing file and the off-tracking paths are also displayed. You can even create and animation that shows the design vehicle making a particular movement.
CHOICE: N/A
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