| Applies To | |||
| Product(s): | Bentley Navigator | ||
| Version(s): | XM Edition | ||
| Environment: | N/A | ||
| Area: | N/A | ||
| Subarea: | N/A | ||
| Original Author: | Bentley Technical Support Group | ||
What are the requirements for Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition?
Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition requires a minimum of 256MB of RAM, although 512MB is recommended. More memory almost always improves performance, particularly when working with larger models. It is also recommended that you have a graphics card and driver that supports DirectX 9.0 in order to best take advantage of Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition's new graphics capabilities.
What Operating Systems are supported by ProjectWise V8 XM Edition?
Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition supports the following Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows 2000 (SP3), Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 x64, Windows XP Professional (SP2 or later), Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, Windows XP Home Edition (SP2 or later), Windows XP Tablet PC Edition (Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition v08.09.03.xx and later), Windows Vista (Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition v08.09.03.xx and later), and Windows Vista x64 (Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition v08.09.03.xx and later).
Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition will not run on older versions of Windows, including Windows 98 or Windows NT.
What is the MicroStation V8 XM Edition Software Prerequisite Pack and why do I need it?
The MicroStation V8 XM Edition Software Prerequisite Pack is a series of Microsoft packages that must be installed on your workstation prior to the installation of Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition. A complete listing of the components of the MicroStation v8 XM Edition Software Prerequisite Pack can be found in the Installation Requirements.
The MicroStation V8 XM Edition Software Prerequisite Pack needs to be installed on your system once, and only needs to be reinstalled if you are installing a later version of Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition that requires an updated prerequisite pack. The MicroStation V8 XM Software Prerequisite Pack is available as a separate download from the Web downloads and MySELECT CD areas of SELECTservices.com.
How can I optimize graphics performance for my system?
Graphics performance will almost always be improved by using faster hardware, and is most directly improved by using graphics cards with large amounts of memory and support for DirectX 9c and Shader Model 3. When using dual head video cards you should consider performance based on the amount of memory available for each screen. For example, a 256MB card uses approximately 128 MB of memory for each screen. Bentley Navigator XM performance is also impacted by the number of views that are displayed on each screen, each view uses graphics memory relative to its size onscreen. When more views are displayed on screen, more video memory is consumed. Optimal performance is achieved on a single screen with the minimal amount of views.
Will Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition's performance be enhanced when running on a 64-bit operating system like Windows XP x64 Edition?
Yes. While Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition is a 32-bit application, it will use all of your system's available physical memory (above the 32-bit Windows limit of 4GB) for storing model data when running under 64-bit operating systems. This can enhance Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition's performance particularly when working on large models if you have more than 4G of physical memory on your 64-bit workstation.
How do I activate Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition?
Activation of Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition can be accomplished during or after the installation process through Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition's License Management Tool. You need two pieces of information in order to complete activation: the name of the SELECT Server and an Activation Key, which should be available from your System Administrator.
Where can I review the Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition End User Licensing Agreement?
For reference, a copy of the End User License Agreement named "EULA.pdf" is included in the "Navigator" folder of the product installation. By default, this location is "C:\Program Files\Bentley\Navigator."
Can I install Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition on the same workstation as an earlier version of Bentley Navigator or Bentley Explorer?
Yes. When dealing with an earlier version of Bentley Navigator, the only restriction is that you do not install both versions into the same directory.
Where can I find my .UPF (User Preference) file?
Data that was previously stored in the \Home directory, is now created dynamically upon Navigator start-up in a folder created in CSIDL_LOCAL_APPDATA\Bentley\Navigator\8.9\ (Typically C:\Documents and Settings\*user name*\Local Settings\Application Data\Bentley\Navigator\8.9\) instead of being installed to C:\Program Files\Bentley\Home\. You can identify the corresponding folder for a particular Navigator installation by consulting the DirectoryExplanation.txt file that is included in each folder. The DirectoryExplanation.txt file is parallel with the \prefs folder for that particular Navigator installation. These files will not be removed with the Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition uninstall process. Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition also has a new command line switch that tells it to delete the user preferences file and all other "state" files. To do so, start Bentley Navigator with the command line switch -RestoreDefaults.
Can I review schedule information using Bentley Navigator?
Yes, ProjectWise Schedule Simulation is available as an add-on module for Bentley Navigator. Contact your Bentley Sales Representative for pricing and availability.
Will Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition work with my existing MicroStation-based workspaces?
Yes, though if associated with one of the supported applications (e.g., AutoPlant PDW, PlantSpace 3D, Triforma), it needs to be updated. Specifically, various configuration variables used to define how the application data is mined from the file must be specified. Refer to the "Settings Up Projects" section in the online help for details.
Does Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition operate directly on the file I open or does it create an intermediate file that I need to manage?
Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition natively supports 2D and 3D DGN, DWG and DXF files without the need to create an intermediate file and/or translate data. It also supports the import of 3D Studio files, IGES, STEP and other standards-based formats, in which case, a DGN file will be created. To enable pre-XM Bentley Navigator users to retain the intellectual property they have created and stored in JSM format, support has been provided for importing the contents of those files as well. NOTE: Only component geometry and data can be imported at this time. Annotation, Object Sets, Animations, etc., will be supported in a future SELECT Update.
Can Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition read AutoPLANT project data?
Yes, Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition has full support for AutoPLANT PDW project objects and data.
Can Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition read AutoPLANT Structural project data?
Yes, Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition has full support for viewing AutoPLANT Structural project objects, but property data will be supported in a subsequent release.
Can Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition read AutoPLANT P&ID project data?
Yes, Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition can read the DWG files created with AutoPLANT P&ID. At this time Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition cannot access the extended attribute data from AutoPLANT P&ID. Bentley software is working on adding full support for AutoPLANT P&ID in Bentley Navigator.
Can Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition read Bentley Navigator project data?
Yes, Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition can import JSM file geometry and attribute data. Additional data types will be supported in future releases.
Can Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition read PlantSpace Design Series project data?
Yes, Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition has full support for PlantSpace Design Series project objects and data.
Can Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition read PDS project data?
Yes, Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition can read PDS project data using DGN/DRV file sets that are created from within PDS, or through the XMpLant interchange format.
Can Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition read PDMS project data?
Yes, Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition can read PDMS project data using DGN/DRV file sets that are created from within PDMS ExPlant, or through the XMpLant interchange format.
Can Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition read IFC project data?
Yes, Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition will be able to read IFC2x, IFC2x2 and IFC2x3 files in a SELECT update. It is also possible to exchange IFC data through XMpLant.
How do I minimize or eliminate flicking while navigating the model?
Though Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition attempts to set the optimal frame rate based on various parameters associated with the opened model, there will be cases where additional adjustment is required. In those cases, a rate frame user preference setting is provided under Workspace > Preferences > View Options which allows you to change it.
Can I control the speed at which I navigate through the model?
Yes. Various modifier keys are provided with the walk, fly and navigate view tools that allow you to control movement, including speed. The <+> and <-> keys are used for increasing and decreasing the speed at which one moves forward/backward, whereas, the <[> and <]> keys are used to control turning. See the "Navigating Your Design" section in the online help for more details.
Why does a progress bar appear after selecting the View Components icon within Components Explorer?
When View Components is selected, application data contained in the open model and/or external source (e.g., AutoPlant ProjectDB) is retrieved and displayed in the Components Explorer. Depending on the source and amount of data accessed, there may be a delay before the information can be viewed. The progress bar is used to provide visual feedback on the retrieval process.
Why don't I see components in the Components Explorer after selecting View Components?
This occurs when either there is no application data contained in the open model or the data cannot be deciphered. The later can be the result of either the content being generated by a non-supported application or improper configuration. The supported applications include AutoPlant PDW, PlantSpace 3D and Triforma. Refer to the "Settings Up Projects" section in the online help for details on how to properly configure the supported application workspaces.
What type of information can be browsed, queried and viewed within the Components Explorer?
Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition supports browsing, querying and reviewing of AutoPlant PDW, PlantSpace 3D, Triforma 3D components. Data contained in imported XMpLant and JSM files can be browsed, queried and reviewed as well. 2D and other application data will be supported in future releases. Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition can be extended to handle data generated by almost any application (either Bentley or 3rd party).
Can I configure or filter the information presented in the Components Explorer and/or the Properties dialog?
The only mechanism provided in this release is that of controlling what properties display in the Element Information dialog. Specifically, properties can be hidden from view by first selecting the category in which they are displayed, and then marking properties to be displayed or hidden from view from the right-click pull-down menu. For more details, refer to the "Element Info[rmation] dialog box" section in the online help.
Why do I need to create intermediate JSM files prior to checking for interferences?
Bentley Navigator V8 XM Edition uses ProjectWise Interference Manager to perform, review and manage interference checks. Today, Interference Manager operates only on JSM models. We plan to update ProjectWise Interference Manager to operate directly on DGN/DWG components in a subsequent SELECT Update, and so remove the requirement of having to create the JSM models.
Why isn't component information displayed when reviewing interferences and using the Show Details option?
A report options file (.rof) must be specified and needs to include information to be output for the interfering objects. Refer to the "Setting Up the Report Options (ROF) File" section in the ProjectWise Interference Manager documentation for details.
Is there a no cost, view only version of Bentley Navigator?
A no cost version of Bentley Navigator is available from http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/ProjectWiseNavigator/.
Does the latest version of Navigator work with AutoPLANT 2004 Projects?
Navigator can view and read data out of models from an AutoPLANT 2004 Project. To configure Navigator to work properly with AutoPLANT 2004 the correct AT.INI file must be called out to view data properly. To do this move the PLANT 2004 AT.INI file into the path for the XM AT.INI. What this means for clients is twofold. Users who are only running AutoPLANT 2004 must add the following path to their system: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\Plant XM\CFG and then copy their AT.INI file to that location. Users who are running both AutoPLANT 2004 and XM will have a more difficult time. They will need to backup their XM copy of the AT.INI and then place the 2004 version into that location while they are working in Navigator on the 2004 projects. This defect is currently in development and will be fixed in the next release.
If I create a custom AutoPLANT component, do I need to update the class library for Navigator?
No. Navigator uses a simple class mapping for AutoPLANT components. If a new component is added, be it a complete custom component or a copy of an existing component the class library for Navigator does not need to be updated. However, if new properties are added to any component in AutoPLANT, this would require an update to the AUTOPLANT_PIPE class library for Navigator to retrieve these new properties.
Can I load multiple models in a single session of Navigator, similar to AutoCAD's SDI variable setting?
Bentley Navigator cannot open multiple individual drawings in a single session in the way AutoCAD allows multiple session with SDI variable settings. Multiple models can be loaded into a single session, however they will be appended into the same model space, similar to loading external references in AutoCAD.
While Bentley Navigator cannot open multiple models in one session, the View Groups tool bar allows users to scroll through and open previously opened models. Access the View Groupe tool bar by going to Window->Views->Dialog. Drawings opened using the View Groups tool bar do not have the component data saved and will need the component data reloaded, however.
How have load times and performance improved for AutoPLANT models in Bentley Navigator?
Load times and performance have improved in the latest release of Bentley Navigator. Initial load times are comparable to AutoCAD for models. Once a model is loaded the performance of tools such as View Rotation and Pan will also perform similarly to AutoCAD.
To increase performance of a DWG model the the model can be "Published" or converted into a publish.dgn file. Once published, viewing options such as Walk, Fly, Pan and View Rotation will be noticably more smooth. Loading times for Publish.dgn files are significantly quicker as well.
Why does my P&ID/Iso dwg open in an Isometric view in Navigator?
Navigator does not know whether a model is 2D or 3D when it is opened. So Navigator checks the X, Y, and Z ranges of a model while opening it to determine if the model is 2D. The model is checked to see if the Z Range is 1% or less than both the X and Y ranges. If so the model is assumed to be 2D(a P&ID or Iso). If you have a P&ID or Iso that opens in Navigator in the Isometric view the root cause is that some component has a Z range that is greater than 1% of the X and Y ranges. This could be text that "out in space" or a point with a z value. If you find the erroneous component the file will open correctly in Navigator after it has been removed or corrected.
How do I create component sets automatically in Bentley Navigator?
Bentley Navigator, as installed, cannot automatically create component sets when a drawing is opened.
Component sets can be created vie Kevin scripts. These can be created and run at anytime to create the same component sets from file to file. You can also take advantage of Microstation's Visual Basic to create a VB Macro that can be run to create the same component sets from file to file.
For further assistance on this and other customizations you can contact Bentley Professional Services.
When selecting multiple items in the Item Browser, why are some items displayed in the details pane while others are not?
Items will not display in the details pane of the Item Browser if multiple instances of the same item contains common properties but have different item types. If a single instance of that item is selected in the Item Browser, the details will display.