Difference Between AutoCAD and Microstation
AutoCAD, abbreviated as Commercial Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and drafting software application. Autodesk was developed and marketed; this software was first released in December 1982 as a desktop application running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers. Micro Station is CAD software, a platform for two and three-dimensional design and drafting, developed and sold by Bentley Systems and used in the architectural and engineering industries. Micro Station provides a highly interoperable environment that ensures information from diverse sources is integrated and accessible on demand by your team, empowering the incorporation of any design data, regardless of format.
AutoCAD and Microstation
Using CAD, you can draw something once and copy it hundreds or thousands of times. Changing a design can be as simple as pushing a button. Drawings can be shared instantaneously across the room or worldwide over a computer network.
These and the other benefits of CAD include the following:
- Increased productivity
- Drawing content can be continuously reused.
- Text and dimensions can be created and updated automatically.
- Hatch and pattern fill can be placed with a single pick.
- Revising and editing drawings can be done quickly with minimum effort.
- Improved precision
- Digital information is accurate to 14 decimal places.
- Geometry is precisely located using the Cartesian coordinate system.
- Snapping to control points and features on existing drawing geometry can locate drawing information accurately.
- Polar and object-tracking features can be utilized for precise angular measurements.
- Better collaboration
- Drawings can be shared across a network (locally and globally).
- Drawings can be referenced and updated in real time with notification.
- Revisions and markups can be managed electronically via email and Internet-based document management systems.
- 3D visualization and analysis
Microstation generates 2D/3D vector graphics objects and elements and includes BIM features. In the 1980s, Bentley Systems developed MicroStation.The latest version of the Micro station software was released for Microsoft Windows operating systems, but it is already available for Macintosh platforms and Unix-like operating systems. Using CAD,
Features of AutoCAD and Microstation
1. Extensive Format Interoperability
Precise incorporation of existing data from an extensive range of AECO and geospatial formats, including DGN, RealDWGTM, DXF, PDF, point clouds, U3D, 3DS, Rhino 3DM, IGES, Parasolid, ACIS SAT, CGM, STEP AP203/AP214, STL, OBJ, VRML world, Google Earth KML, Sketch-Up SKP, Collada, ESRI SHP, IFC, and more.
2. Geocoordination
Automatic transformation and integration of geospatial information support hundreds of geospatial coordinate systems and ensure spatial information is always displayed in its proper context.
3. Flexible File Referencing
All project participants, regardless of location, can view and share live design information across multiple formats in real-time.
4. Programmatic Extensibility
A wide range of options to tailor Micro Station’s behavior and data exchange with other systems, including customizable user interface, user-defined macros, support for VBA, >NET, C++, C#, and Bentley MDL.
5. Hyper Modeling
Industry-leading capability enabling the convergence of modeling and documentation workflows. It automates drawing production and annotation tasks and integrates related documents and information into the 3D model through embedded links.
6. Complete the Modeling Toolset
A wide range of 2D and 3D design tools to easily create information models, including complex geometry and relationships such as surfaces, meshes, features, and solid models.
7. Streamlined Design Environment
Innovations to simplify and speed design tasks and related workflows, including AccuDraw for dynamic input with a heads-up display, customizable menus, keyboard position mapping, and intelligent and interactive snapping.
Head To Head Comparison Between AutoCAD and Microstation (Infographics)
Below are the top 7 differences between AutoCAD vs Microstation
Key Differences Between AutoCAD vs Microstation
Both are recommended options in the business. Let us examine some of the key differences:
- AutoCAD is a Command base Software; Micro Station is a tool base Software there; you can use Toolbar.
- The internal data storage of the micro station is an integer(32bit) based. Still, AutoCAD is Floating point-based, which means you can draw a small object anywhere of scale drawing of the solar system. You can insert another drawing in it. It is perfectly ok in AutoCAD but not easy in Microstation
- Autocad supports object snapping much faster and better than MicroStation.
- Autocad consists of most of the process by use of dialog modal. This feature will be the Most irritating factor for a MicroStation user. The screen gets filled up with dialogs very fast in a micro station.
- In AutoCAD, you cannot see rubber banding and cursors simultaneously in multiple viewports while refreshing multiple windows after completing some steps.
- The micro station allows parametric Drawings. But AutoCAD does not allow this feature.
- Microstation supports the technical interface. It has a user-friendly feature but needs extensive training for better understanding.
- Microstation supports Typical layer controls.
- Micro Station’s capabilities to automatically detect clashes and simulate schedules, design, and construction teams can identify and resolve issues before they become costly problems in the field. With AutoCAD difficult to identify issues.
- Micro Station provides a powerful platform for other discipline-specific simulation applications. It automates drawing production and annotation tasks and integrates related documents and information into the 3D model through embedded links.
AutoCAD vs Microstation Comparison Table
Below is the top comparison:
| Basis of comparison | AutoCAD | Micro station |
| Scope | 2D/3D drawing tool | Single platform for engineering-specific CAD |
| Strongest feature | Design, documentation | Design, production |
| Extensibility | Discipline-specific packages | Project-specific add-ons |
| User base | Design-oriented | Engineering-oriented |
| Learning curve | Long | Relatively same |
| Project scale | Large | Large |
| Domain | A building, construction, pre/post-development | Engineering specific CAD |
Conclusion
Which one is better, AutoCAD vs Microstation? From a personal point of view, AutoCAD is a clear winner in 2D Design. This is possibly because it was the first CAD software I learned to use and the one I have used more often. But I am not the only one that thinks this: many professionals that use AutoCAD agree that “AutoCAD still trumps the Micro Station with its advanced 2D Drafting capabilities” (Chief, 2012)
When it comes to 3D support, I have to give this to Micro Station. I lost count of how many coffees I had while the computer rendered a 3D Design. It takes practically forever, so the best thing to do is to let the machine do the magic and take a break. (Alvarez, 2006)
In conclusion, both AutoCAD vs Microstation tools provide features that classify them as advanced drafting tools. CAD designers can use these tools to draw and design 2D and 3D Designs, independent of their complexity. (Prakoso, 2011)
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