Bentley Systems, Inc., well known for its 2D and 3D MicroStation CAD program, has announced that it has launched the Structural Navigator app for iPad and iPhone. This new app can be used to view and navigate structural models sent as i-models between any Integrated Structural Modeling (ISM)-enabled application, including Bentley’s RAM, STAAD and ProStructures. The app replaces Bentley’s Structural Synchronizer product.
i-models are “specialized containers” for exchanging infrastructure information. The Bentley website describes the ability of i-models to “[s]hare all component information, including business properties, geometry, graphics and relationships in a format that is open, providing standard interfaces for business, engineering, construction and operations applications from multiple vendors.”
The Structural Navigator app is available for free on iTunes as Version 05.04.02. iTunes lists the file size as 47 MB and shows the rating at 4+ stars. The previous versions were formerly known as Structural Synchronizer View. New features in this version include:
- Opens models of any size (that will fit on the device) including attachments
- Data visualization
- Sectioning (box, horizontal, vertical)
- Issue tracking/punch lists
- In-app saved view creation
- Model data tree view
- Measures distances and locations
- Allows project-centric workflow
- Bentley Personal Sharing download support
- CONNECT project file sharing download support
The review capabilities contained in the Structural Navigator app mean that you no longer have to drag along that cumbersome set of oversized blueprints to the jobsite. The app allows you to view the actual 3D model of your project on your iPhone or iPad for clarification of design intent or jobsite issues. You can access various object properties and take measurements right there in the field to ensure your project is moving ahead accurately and efficiently.
For more information, check out the Bentley Systems Structural Designer app on iTunes.About the Author
Jeffrey Heimgartner has more than 20 years of experience in the computer-aided drafting and design field. He manages the Lincoln, Nebraska-based drafting and design firm, Advanced Technical Services. His main responsibilities include managing the CAD team, sales, scheduling and coordinating projects, drafting and design, as well as marketing and all IT functions.
Jeffrey earned his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology with an emphasis in Computer Aided Drafting and Design from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. He has a background in farming and construction and has authored many published industry-related articles.