- Design in context of reality
- Reuse design elements
- Model design intent
- Integrate across disciplines
Learn more about what OpenRoads Designer can do for you...
What is OpenRoads Designer?
OpenRoads Designer is an extremely versatile civil design application that is used for all types and sizes of civil projects around the world. The application addresses a wide variety of complex tasks such as interchange design, roundabout design, earthworks, surveying, sanitary and stormwater network design, subsurface utilities, and production of construction staking reports. OpenRoads Designer provides the workflows and toolsets to help you rapidly model design intent, ensure standards, work in all disciplines, and continuously model as you design your project.
- Design in context
Make better design decisions with up-to-date knowledge of real-world conditions. Incorporate a wide array of data such as photogrammetry, total station surveys, GPS, LiDAR, reality meshes, and point clouds to upload, analyze, and manipulate field data, while ensuring the provenance of the original data.
- Use model-based design approach Reduce tedious manual work using the 3D model as the hub for all data. Parametrically enabled models provide the ability to design and interactively model at the same time. Create horizontal and vertical alignments, profiles and cross sections, model earthworks, and design and analyze stormwater and sanitary sewer networks at any time. All changes are reflected in elements in the model, as well as documentation for plan production.
- Use civil cells
Civil cells are flexible, reusable design elements that can be used to preconfigure commonly used 2D and 3D geometric layouts while maintaining all design, constraint, and relational intelligence. Civil cells can be repeatedly used in designs ensuring standards are implemented, while accelerating design production.
- Rapidly model design intent
Build associations and relationships between civil elements to guarantee the design project is reflective of engineering intent. Object information is stored with each object to ensure that if an element is modified, any related elements are automatically updated to help accelerate design production and ensure standards.
- Integrate multiple disciplines
Collaborate across teams by using one composite model to integrate data from multiple disciplines into the 3D model to ensure the latest model is used in all design phases. Reduce risk by utilizing the data interactively and working among bridge, drainage, road design, geotechnical, and other design teams to help identify conflicts earlier in the process and eliminate construction errors and delays.
- Improve project deliverables
Produce project deliverables using design constraints, design-time visualization, dynamic annotation, and automated plan production based on the live model. This approach assures all project information is consistent and up to date to deliver the machine control guidance, models, drawings, and other data needed for today’s requirements.
- Support BIM workflows
Ensure data-rich BIM deliverables to help advance BIM workflows in a digital twin authoring environment while also creating all traditional and digital design deliverables.
- Visualizing designs
Experience designs in real time with constraint-driven templates, an intuitive interface, and dynamic 3D modeling. Visualize the design on demand within the modeling workflow. No translations, application, or special workflow process are needed.
How much is OpenRoads Designer?
A practitioner license of OpenRoads Designer costs $4,968 USD at Virtuosity.com. To see the price in your local currency, select your currency at the bottom of this page. While there are various types of licensing available, a common choice is the 12-month practitioner license offered through Virtuosity, Bentley's eCommerce store. When you purchase through Virtuosity you get a Virtuoso Subscription. This means you get the software and Keys (tokens) to redeem for customizable training, mentoring, and consulting services.
See more FAQs about OpenRoads Designer below.
Expert services and tailored training, when and where you need it.
At Virtuosity, we understand how important it is to get the most out of every working moment. You need to limit downtime, and use each software application to its fullest potential. There is just no time to spare. That's why every software purchase through Virtuosity comes as a bundle with “Keys” or credits that can be redeemed for expert services and training, so you can get started right away. Learn more about our training options.
We call this bundle the Virtuoso Subscription.Each practitioner license comes with a number of "Keys" and you can always purchase additional "Keys" as you go.
There is a menu of expert services and training options that you can redeem your "Keys" for:
Keys |
Hours |
|
Quick start training Virtual classroom training is a great way to quick-start your success. |
1 key | 2 hours |
Recorded online sessions OnDemand sessions can be very helpful and convenient. They include information on the latest software, workflows, and systems. |
1 key | 2 hours |
Standard training Standard training offers a thorough understanding of general features, workflows and tools of the application. |
1 key | 4 hours |
Customized training With tailored training you can set your own agenda for training and get something to suit your specific requirements. |
1 key | 2 hours |
Consulting If you have a challenging or unique project, you may choose to expand your team with one of our experts. |
1 key | 2 hours |
Mentoring Get one-on-one mentoring from a product expert. Choose from a variety of topics including design, analysis, and modeling techniques. |
1 key | 2 hours |
Integrated CAD Capabilities
- Integrate data with OpenRail ConceptStation, MicroStation, ProjectWise, OpenBridge Modeler, OpenBuilding Designer, and other Bentley applications
- Support for managed workspaces
- Works across references files
- Include other engineering data (e.g. drainage) as referencing it to the DGN model
- Utilize an unlimited number of federated reference files
- Create and edit CAD elements
- Read and write to DGN and DWG files
- Supports design history
- Apply digital signatures using industry-standard encryption
- Secure digital rights definition for reviewing, printing, and editing
- Supports multiple raster formats
- Supports PostScript and HPGL2/RTL printing
- Use AccuDraw and AccuSnap navigation tools
- Track annotation
Data Acquisition
- Reality mesh support
- Display of very large, photo-textured reality meshes produced using ContextCapture
- Editing of meshes (remove facets, fill holes)
- Automatic ground extraction
- Breakline extraction
- Efficient 3D modeling using sections and templates
- Mesh classification to enrich mesh with data from many sources
- Orthoimage extraction on any axis
- Generation and manipulation of cross sections
- Production of 3D PDFs and iModels
- Read/write standard data formats for:
- 2D/3D CAD graphics
- ASCII/text data
- LandXML
- LiDAR data: ASCII and LAS
- USGS digital elevation models
- Photogrammetric data
- Raster files
- ECW (unlimited), PDF, IMG, JPEG 2000, BIL, DOQ, FLI,
- SPOT CAP, and Digital Image Map
- TIFF (1-to 32-bit), GEOTIFF, iTIFF, COT, CIT, RLE, CALS, PCX,
- IMG, BUM, TG4, INT, RGB, TGA, JPEG, RLC, RS, HMR,
- BMP, and IKONOS 3 (Red), and 4 (NIR) bands from GeoEye
- Compression schemes: Deflate, Pack-Bits, CCITT3, CCITT4
- Contour maps
- Import and analyze point-cloud data
- Merge surfaces automatically
- Update surface data dynamically
Point-cloud Processing
- Fast display and visualization of billions of points
- Drape and snap elements
- Classification editing
- Smart Snap
- Batch tile export
- Pointools, POD, LAS, and XYZ file export
- Extraction of planar and cylindrical elements
- Linear feature extraction
- Re-color points for flexible presentation
- Class management for any type of presentation style
- Definition of custom classes
- Point-cloud colorization from orthophotos
- Clip and section manager
- Support of geographic coordinate systems
Scalable Terrain Modeling
- Creation of scalable terrain models (STMs)
- High-performance display of very large digital terrain models (DTMs)
- Display modes for smooth shading, smooth shading with shadows, aspect angle, elevation, slope, contours
- High-resolution image draping on STM
- STM update and synchronization with DGN files, civil DTMs, point-cloud data, and XYZ files
- Calculate view shed from point or path
Geotechnical Integration
- Directly interface with gINT database
- Visualize and annotate borings in 2D
- Visualize and annotate borings with separate strata in 3D
- Create subsurface terrains from boring data
Terrain Modeling
- Create intelligent, data-rich and lightweight terrain models
- No need for secondary terrain analysis to represent the terrain display. Includes context sensitive re-symbolization for triangles, contours, linear features, slope vectors, color code for slopes, elevation banding, and aspect
- Create terrain models from a variety of import sources
- Reality models
- 3D graphical data automatically using graphicalfilters
- ASCII/text data
- Legacy data formats of InRoads, GEOPAK, and MX
- Point clouds
- LandXML
- LiDAR data: ASCII and LAS
- USGS digital elevation model data
- Aerial data
- Raster files
- Ensure live, federated, and intelligent terrain models when stored as a DGN element
- Maintain terrain models through the preservation of relationships to source data
- Ensure correct entry with undo/redo capabilities
- Standardize displays via element templates
- Use across multiple disciplines via reference files in a comprehensive modeling environment
- Re-symbolization of display across multiple disciplines using a comprehensive modeling environment
- Control maximum length of triangles
- Control boundary conditions
- Create complex and clipped terrain models
- Interrogate the intelligent data rich 3D models
- Support for different features types including but not limited to boundaries, holes, voids, breaklines, inferred breaklines, and random points
- Model intelligent 3D real-world civil features (ditches, curbs, trees, and culverts)
- Context-sensitive intelligent editing of features
- Dynamic editing for
- Extend, trim, and intersect features
- Insert, move, and delete vertices
- Delete, partially delete, break, or join features
- Manage large LiDAR datasets
- Exclude non-DTM features from triangulation
- Control density of points on linear features for optimal surface presentation
- Display cut and fill delineation
- View and edit feature properties
- Contour smoothing
- Major, minor, and depression contours
- Automatic and manual contour labeling
Core Modeling
- Model multiple design scenarios
- Edit designs dynamically
- Automatic model updates driven by design intent
- Design time visualization with automatic material assignments
- Undo/redo capabilities
- Interactively interrogate federated 3D models with dynamic cross sections
- Manage 2D/3D models and display representation
- Rule-based superelevation control of the model
- Use enhanced clipping and point controls
- Integrate and utilize CAD graphical elements in the model
- Create model reports dynamically
- Generate plan ready cross sections
- Utilize WYSIWYG features – control display of cross sections by simply turning on/off reference files
- Adheres to regional design standards
Dynamic Geometric Design
- Interactive geometry tools
- Enhanced integration with AccuDraw and AccuSnap through CivilAccudraw
- Multiple vertical geometries supported per alignment
- Design time standards input and feedback with errors and warnings in Civil Message Center
- Store rules and relationships between geometric elements
- Create horizontal/vertical by PI method or by elements
- Offset tools for easy creation of complex yard layouts
- Create circular and parabolic vertical curves
- Create arc and chord horizontal curves
- Support for multiple spiral definitions including chlothoid, bloss, cosine, sinusoid, biquadratic parabola, cubic parabolas
- Support complex geometry: SCSCS, SCCS, etc.
- Support tangential and non-tangential curves
- Edit elements associatively and dynamically
- Define curves by radius, degree of curvature, and pass-through points
- Edit, delete, and join elements
- Support delta angles greater than 180°
- Annotate alignments and points with object attribution, geometric properties, stationing, dynamically and automatically
- Additional annotation tools for one-off object labeling
- Review and report geometry in variety of customizable formats
- Perform design checks dynamically or in batch processes
- Display 3D geometry
Template Libraries
- Support for surface and linear templates
- Include components, end conditions, and features
- Create components for real-world objects such as lanes, curbs, walls, ditches, and barriers
- Define parametric components graphically
- Apply constraints to components
- Place component points as free, partially constrained, or fully constrained
- Set constraints as horizontal, vertical, sloped, projected, vectors, offsets, and elevations
- Constrain end conditions partially or fully
- Set end conditions to trace existing surfaces such as rock
- Drag-and-drop assembly of templates from components and end conditions
- Perform graphical tests to verify design
Corridor Modeling
- Edit designs dynamically
- Blend horizontal and vertical geometry with 3D topography and typical sections
- Assign component control points to existing or designed features and geometry, controlling horizontal and/or vertical location
- Assign automatic overrides
- View plan, 3D model, profile, and cross section interactively
- Provides heads-up dynamic, interactive parametric design
- Level of detail user definable output
- Surface priority definable by target aliasing
- Transition among disparate templates
- Apply exceptions for bridges, voids, and special end conditions
- Clip model capability
- Edit stations dynamically
- Apply superelevation text tables, customizable calculations, or AASHTO standards
- Allows dynamic editing of superelevation
- Assists problem resolution through intelligent color coding of transitions, and super runout
- Component meshes provide direct volumetrics from the 3D model based on level of detail
- Reflect edits automatically in quantities and volumes
- Control component display via rules
Subsurface Utilities
- 3D modeling
- Create 3D utility model relative to topography and alignments
- Support interconnected network of pipes, curved pipes, channels, culverts, manholes, pumps, catch basins, and inlets
- Create associative and dynamic model-based designs
- Create storm, sanitary, or combined hydraulic networks
- Build utility models directly from survey data
- Identify graphics as utilities and drape relative to DTM
- Display all network and utility objects in sections and profiles
- Display as realistic 3D models for effective collaboration
- Identify conflicts among utility elements as well as among utilities and other 3D data
- Label all attributions in any view or include in user-defined reports
- Create user-defined attributes for any required data
- Draw 3D models of utility structures as full 3D shapes for easy clash detection
- Hydraulic design and analysis
- Analyze and design using industry-standard theorems such as Mannings, Colebrook-White, Bernouli, and continuity equations
- Analyze and design based upon HEC 22, FHWA, HDS 5, 10, 13, Rational Method, Wallingford Procedure, and regression equations
- Analyze and design using steady state gradually varied flow, and run simulations using unsteady state time-varying flow
- Compute Tc using methods such as TR-55, HEC-22, and Kinematic Wave
- Compute losses using methods such as SCS CN, Green and Ampt, Horton, Initial, and Constant Rate
- Compute runoff using methods such as Rational, Modified Rational, ILSAX, SCS, and Unit Hydrograph
- Use demand and demographic tables
- Supports infiltration, population, peaking factors, and land usage
- Compute or specify flows
- Define custom intensity-duration-frequency tables
- Generate drainage queries and customized reports
- Color code based upon queries or styles
- Calculate pond volumes
- Create input and output hydrographs
- Design inlet and outlet control structures
- Use PondMaker for inflow/ storage/outflow optimization
Reporting and Project Deliverables
- Live documentation capable
- Automate project delivery process with drafting and drawing preparation tools
- User definable annotation tools for plan, profile, and section labeling
- Extract sections, drawings, and reports directly from completed 3D model
- Automate sheet generation for plans, profiles, and cross sections
- Select from more than 550 included report formats
- Modify included reports easily in any text or XML editor
- Provide standard reports for bridges, superelevation, clearances, data collection, geometry, sections, DTM, legal descriptions, design, visibility, and more
- Compute volumes by surface to surface (triangulated surface comparison)
- Compute volumes by 3D objects
Plan, Profiles and Cross Sections
- Create/generate plan, cross sections and profiles along alignments, graphics, or between points
- Create directly from 3D model and supports federated multidiscipline models
- Include vertical alignments and existing and proposed surfaces
- Automatic user-defined annotation of points and segments
- Additional annotation tools available for one-offs
- Cut cross sections orthogonally or at skew
- Create custom cross sections
- Dynamic update for cross sections and profiles via referencing
Quantity Management
- Extraction of quantity take-offs for estimating
- Element pay item attribution
- Report quantities by entire project or delineate by sheets, stations, area, or phase
- Generate linear, area, and volume quantities
- Modify sample reports or create custom reports through XML style sheets
- ODBC link capable for fully customizable reporting
Visualization
- Walk/drive through interactively or along a defined path or corridor
- Visualize paths through the project relative to design control by offsets and vehicle speeds
- Predefined materials applied to components enabling realistic rendering
- Position sun for geographically defined locations to ensure realistic shadow patterns
- Animate vehicles in traffic lanes without additional software
- Populate 3D objects along linear paths and within designated areas
- Apply traffic paint striping plans to the 3D model
- Use sample vehicle library and plantings
- Image draping on DTM or 3D objects
- MicroStation-based rendering
- Real-life textures
- Lighting effects
- Elevation and perspectives
- Creation of fly-throughs and animations
- Creation of 3D PDFs
- Support for engineering data, point cloud, reality meshes
- Seamless integration with LumenRT for real-time, immersive presentations
- Solar and shading analysis
Publishing
- Export directly to machine guidance
- Supports iModel creation (includes 2D and 3D geometry and business data)
- Support industry standards, such as LandXML
- Export alignments, surfaces, and other pertinent design information to other systems via XML
- Generate PDFs and 3D PDFs
- Direct plotting
- Integrate with Google Earth™
Integration with Bentley Content Management and Publishing Solutions
- Component-level integration with ProjectWise for collaborative design and engineering project management
- Integration with ProjectWise InterPlot for automated plot set generation and web-based access to plot archives
- Integration with Bentley Navigator for design review, construction simulation, or automated clash resolution
- Geotechnical integration
- Directly interface with gINT database
- Visualize and annotate borings in 2D
- Visualize and annotate borings with separate strata in 3D
- Create subsurface terrains from boring data
Reality Modeling
- Reality mesh support
- Display of very large, photo-textured reality meshes produced using ContextCapture
- Editing of meshes (remove facets, fill holes)
- Automatic ground extraction
- Breakline extraction
- Efficient 3D modeling using sections and templates
- Mesh classification to enrich mesh with data from many sources
- Orthoimage extraction on any axis
- Generation and manipulation of cross sections
- Production of 3D PDFs and i-models
Point-cloud Processing
- Fast display and visualization of billions of points
- Drape and snap elements
- Classification editing
- Smart Snap
- Batch tile export
- Pointools, POD, LAS, and XYZ file export
- Extraction of planar and cylindrical elements
- Linear feature extraction
- Recolor points for flexible presentation
- Class management for any type of presentation style
- Definition of custom classes
- Point-cloud colorization from orthophotos
- Clip and section manager
- Support of geographic coordinate systems
Scalable Terrain Modeling
- Creation of scalable terrain models (STMs)
- High-performance display of very large digital terrain models (DTMs)
- Display modes for smooth shading, smooth shading with shadows, aspect angle, elevation, slope, contours
- High-resolution image draping on STM
- STM update and synchronization with DGN files, civil DTMs, point-cloud data, and XYZ files
- Calculate view shed from point or path
Raster Data Interoperability
- ECW (unlimited), PDF, IMG, JPEG 2000, BIL, DOQ, FLI, SPOT CAP, and Digital Image Map
- TIFF (1-to 32-bit), GEOTIFF, iTIFF, COT, CIT, RLE, CALS, PCX, IMG, BUM, TG4, INT, RGB, TGA, JPEG, RLC, RS, HMR, BMP, and IKONOS 3 (Red), and 4 (NIR) bands from GeoEye
- Compression schemes: Defl ate, Pack-Bits, CCITT3, CCITT4
- Support for lossless compression formats: ECW, MrSID, and JPEG 2000
Processor
Intel Pentium-based or AMD Athlon®-based processor 2.0 GHz or greater.
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10, Windows 10 x64, Windows 8, Windows 8 x 64, Windows 7, Windows 7 x64, Note: Windows 7 operating system is supported only with its service pack (SPI) installed.
Memory
8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended, (more memory typically results in better performance)
Disk Space
9 GB minimum free disk space (which includes the 5.6 GB install footprint for a complete installation)
Input Device(s)
Mouse or digitizing tablet (Digitizing tablet requires vendor-supplied WINTAB driver or Bentley’s Digitizer Tablet Interface, the latter included with OpenRoads Designer installation.)
Does OpenRoads Designer support BIM requirements?
Yes, OpenRoads Designer addresses BIM Level 1 and beyond with great use of the 3D model facilitating advancement into BIM Level 2 and beyond. The application supports interoperability and object modeling with 2D and 3D modeling that produces linear, surfaces, and 3D mesh artifacts directly and stores in the file providing real-time visualization that surpasses other civil design tools in the market. You are assured of open information mobility via the 3D model collaboration and i-models allowing the sharing of data from multiple vendors, disciplines, and organizations.
OpenRoads Designer also provide greater scalability and level of detail in the design stage to support construction. The application also provides a comprehensive geometric rule engine to address model update requirements and delivers design intent and automatically updates the model to encapsulate change.
Can I integrate data from other projects into my road design?
OpenRoads Designer provides an open modeling environment to ensure you data integration across disciplines to improve collaboration and ensure all users are working from the latest model in all phases of the design. Working in the live model reduces risk by using the data interactively and working among site, rail, road, bridge, drainage, subsurface utilities, geotechnical, and other design teams to help identify conflicts earlier in the process and eliminate construction errors and delays.
Does OpenRoads Designer produce both 3D models and 2D PDF or paper drawings to support project deliverables?
Yes, OpenRoads Designer is built to help manage change within the design and reflects all edits and updates to ensure both 2D and 3D high-quality construction deliverables. You can produce cross-sections, plans, profiles, plan sheets, and more from the 3D model. The model is dynamically linked to the production of plan sheets, so you can annotate plans directly in the model and ensure all project standards are reflected in deliverables. You can easily segregate, extract, and package specified data to contractors while ensuring standards are enforced via workspaces and worksets. The application also outputs standard formats for Trimble, Topcon, and Leica for machine-controlled grading and machine guidance.
Do I need a seperate design package to model subsurface utilities networks?
No, OpenRoads Designer includes subsurface design and analysis (SUDA) capabilities for up to 100 inlets to ensure you can design, model, and analyze hydraulic networks and integrate the design into your civil infrastructure project.
Do I need a 3rd party visualization software to create animations or real-time renderings?
No, OpenRoads Designer is a 3D modeling application that helps you experience designs in real time and enables you to move through the 3D site model and visually inspect the design for any deficiencies or physical conflicts. You can fully view site features in 3D QA to check grading issues, utility conflicts, and site performance. The software fully integrates with Bentley LumenRT to create models and high-impact visuals and animations to easily communicate the design to stakeholders and clients for project approval.
What is Geopak software?
Geopak is a civil design software previously sold by Bentley that is now integrated into OpenRoads Designer. OpenRoads Designer supersedes all capabilities previously delivered through InRoads, GEOPAK, MX, and PowerCivil. OpenRoads Designer performs detailed design for surveying, drainage, subsurface utilities, and roadways with construction-driven engineering and analysis.
What is MX design?
MX design is a civil design software previously sold by Bentley that is now integrated into OpenRoads . OpenRoads Designer supersedes all capabilities previously delivered through InRoads, GEOPAK, MX, and PowerCivil.
Which software is used for highway design?
Virtuosity’s OpenRoads Designer is a roadway design software that provides a comprehensive modeling environment to support design highway designs from concept through construction.
Get more information about OpenRoads Designer today...
Bentley’s ambition to push technological boundaries and its ability to adapt to a changing environment has enabled the CCJV BIM team to develop a model that encourages a collaborative approach to both planning and efficiency.
Adam Goodall, Construction Manager , CCJVYour peers were also interested in...

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