MicroStation 2025: Why Firms Should Upgrade from V8i

MicroStation UK has been the trusted CAD platform for over a decade, powering projects across rail, highways, and utilities. But with V8i aging, firms need to upgrade to MicroStation 2025. From rail to highways, utilities to aviation, it powered some of the nation’s most iconic developments.

But as UK projects become more complex, BIM-compliant, data-rich, and deeply integrated with GIS, V8i is no longer enough. Bentley MicroStation 2025 delivers the performance, compliance, and collaboration that UK-based architects, engineers, and consultants need to stay competitive.

1. From Legacy CAD to Modern 64-Bit Performance

MicroStation V8i was designed in a 32-bit era, creating limitations on file size, speed, and hardware usage.

With MicroStation CONNECT 2025, UK engineering teams benefit from:

• 64-bit performance for large datasets in rail, highways, and utilities projects.
• Faster handling of complex 3D BIM models.
• Full optimisation for today’s high-performance CAD workstations.

2. MicroStation Automation with Python and AI

In V8i, automation was limited to VBA and .NET scripts – powerful, but not widely accessible.

MicroStation 2025 introduces:

• Native Python scripting for rapid automation.
• An AI Assistant that generates scripts from plain English prompts.
• Repetitive task automation to save time on large UK BIM projects.

This is a game-changer for firms under pressure to deliver faster while meeting compliance requirements.

3. MicroStation for UK GIS and Geospatial Standards

UK projects increasingly depend on geospatial accuracy. While V8i supported SHP and basic GIS files, CONNECT 2025 goes further:

• Direct Esri ArcGIS integration for live GIS data.
• Google Maps & 3D Tiles support for immersive context.
• Expanded vertical datums to match Ordnance Survey benchmarks.

For UK survey, utilities, and transportation engineering, MicroStation ensures designs align with real-world conditions.

4. Smarter Drawing Production and Reporting Tools

With MicroStation 2025, drawing production is faster and more accurate:

• Excel-linked tables for seamless data exchange.
• Advanced reporting tools with live previews.
• Master–child sheet indexing for structured documentation.

This reduces manual errors and saves UK engineers countless hours.

5. Seamless CAD Interoperability for UK Collaboration

In the UK market, DWG interoperability is non-negotiable.

• V8i supported RealDWG only up to 2009.
• Microstation 2025 delivers RealDWG 2025, ensuring compatibility with the latest AutoCAD UK standards.

This ensures collaboration between architects, contractors, and consultants is smooth across the supply chain.

6. Cloud Collaboration for UK Engineering Teams

With hybrid and distributed working models, UK firms need cloud-based CAD solutions.

MicroStation 2025 enables:

• Integration with Bentley cloud services for version control and peer review.
• Secure remote collaboration for large teams.
• Scalable workflows for projects across rail, highways, and utilities.

Why MicroStation is Important in the UK

MicroStation is more than a CAD platform—it’s a standard in UK engineering because it aligns with national regulations and practices:

• UK BIM and ISO 19650 compliance – essential for public sector projects.
• Ordnance Survey integration for accurate geospatial modelling.
• Trusted by UK councils, Tier-1 contractors, and utility providers.
• A proven platform for major UK infrastructure schemes like HS2 and Crossrail.

Projects Where MicroStation is Highly Recommended

MicroStation 2025 is the preferred CAD software for:

• Rail and Transportation Projects (HS2, Network Rail, Crossrail).
• Highways and Bridges (National Highways, regional roads).
• Utilities and Energy (water, power, gas infrastructure).
• Aviation and Ports (Heathrow, Gatwick, UK port expansions).
• BIM-Compliant Building Projects (ISO 19650 deliverables for government clients).

By upgrading, firms align with client expectations, UK CAD standards, and project compliance.

Why Upgrade to MicroStation 2025 ?

By 2026, many public sector and government-backed infrastructure projects in the UK will require stricter compliance to BIM standards (ISO 19650), enhanced geospatial referencing, real-time collaboration, and shorter delivery times. Staying on an older 32-bit system like MicroStation V8i may hinder your ability to respond to these demands, slow workflows, or increase risk of rework and delays.

Here are the key high-impact reasons to upgrade:

1. Future Compliance Pressure
   As UK public-sector projects increasingly mandate BIM ISO 19650 and integration with live geospatial services (Ordnance Survey, GIS, etc), MicroStation 2025’s enhanced geospatial context (e.g. Google 3D Tiles, Esri file geodatabases) ensures smoother compliance
2. Faster Delivery, Lower Risk
   The 64-bit architecture, performance enhancements, and built-in AI/Python automation help reduce manual tasks, speed up repetitive design/drainage/utility/clash workflows, and reduce turnaround time. Users of CONNECT editions have reported notable productivity gains versus V8i.
3. Automation & Scripting Productivity
   Native Python scripting (with Python Assistant) lets users automate repetitive workflows more flexibly than older VBA/.NET scripts. This not only saves time but reduces error rates.
4. Better Collaboration & Interoperability
   MicroStation 2025 supports more modern RealDWG compatibility, live GIS integration, cloud-sharing/versioning, and stronger support for large model federations. This helps multi-disciplinary teams (architects, civil, utilities, survey) collaborate more efficiently.
5. Scalability and Stability for Big Projects
   V8i often struggles with large datasets — reference files, models, point-clouds, etc. The Connect/2025 line has been engineered to handle larger files more reliably (less crashing or sluggishness) and leverage modern hardware.

Final Word: Why UK Firms Should Upgrade Now

UK firms that remain on MicroStation V8i risk being left behind. Microstation 2025 is not just an upgrade—it’s a future-proof CAD platform:

• Optimised for modern hardware.
• Compliant with UK BIM and ISO 19650 standards.
• Powered by AI and automation.
• Ready for collaborative, data-driven engineering.

CTtec – Your MicroStation UK Upgrade Partner

At CTtec, we help UK AEC firms transition smoothly from V8i to CONNECT 2025. Our services include:

• Setting up UK-specific CAD standards and DGNLibs.
• Delivering custom Python macros and automation tools.
• Training and onboarding tailored to UK workflows.
• Ensuring your CAD environment is BIM and GIS ready.

Contact CTtec at support@CTtec.org or visit www.CTtec.org to schedule your upgrade consultation.

Useful Links:

• Official Bentley MicroStation 2025 landing page: MicroStation 2025 Bentley Systems
• Bentley MicroStation product overview: MicroStation CAD for Infrastructure Design Bentley Systems
• Bentley blog / announcement of MicroStation 2025 release: “MicroStation 2025 (25.00.00.119) Release Announcement” bentleysystems.service-now.com