Skip to main content

Ontario opts for Power InRoads design tools

One of Canada's largest provinces, Ontario, has decided to go with the latest Power InRoads suite of design tools now being offered by Bentley Systems as a complete stand-alone version As well as the Inroads tools, that means Ontario's Ministry of Transportation will use drafting and document production by the MicroStation CAD tool, and mapping and GIS functionality from Bentley Map. It previously used InRoads for highways work but on an AutoCAD platform. The whole new package is also designed to work co
June 12, 2012 Read time: 2 mins

One of Canada's largest provinces, Ontario, has decided to go with the latest Power InRoads suite of design tools now being offered by Bentley Systems as a complete stand-alone version


As well as the Inroads tools, that means Ontario's Ministry of Transportation will use drafting and document production by the MicroStation CAD tool, and mapping and GIS functionality from Bentley Map. It previously used InRoads for highways work but on an AutoCAD platform.

The whole new package is also designed to work completely interoperably and can tie-in with Bentley's ProjectWise V8i system of collaboration servers and services. Designs and models can be pulled together for dynamic project review using the Navigator V8i software.

The province's head of Highway Engineering Systems, Hanna Hanna, said the decision to use Power InRoads will give the ministry a single easily deployed application. Advantages include new capacities such as roundabout design, site modelling, and advanced visualisation and animation techniques.

Bentley said the software’s "spectrum of easy-to-use tools complements MTO’s existing workflows with capabilities for survey data reduction and analysis, map analysis and production, transportation design automation,and team collaboration in a total-project context."

Power InRoads has a single-installation or upgrade process which eliminates CADapplication synchronisation issues, it added.

Ron Gant, Bentley global marketing director said, “Power InRoads is the only product needed for new infrastructure design as well as resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation needs."

Bentley adds that the software will give the ministry comprehensive CAD capabilities, a range of data acquisition tools, including point cloud data, intelligent, constraint-driven 3D modelling, comprehensive storm drainage modelling and analysis, extensive reporting and quantity estimation, integration with mapping and GIS, built-in rendering and inherent 3D visualisation, and context sensitive, customisable menus.  

Related Content

  • Efficient asset management delivers
    April 25, 2013
    Maximising the economic benefit of infrastructure assets can be achieved through delivering better quality maintenance. Increasing utilisation of infrastructure follows on from those assets being in better condition. Clearly by tracking infrastructure condition closely, huge gains can be made in addressing technical issues before they become more serious and more costly, as well as minimising disruption. In UK city Birmingham, high resolution aerial photography from Bluesky is helping the city council under
  • Construction software giant Autodesk continues to acquire new capabilities and products
    May 16, 2014
    Even before its annual spring upgrade announcements, covering all the major software from AutoCAD to Civil 3D, the giant Autodesk has been releasing a stream of changes. Some of these cover recent acquisitions such as the French Graitec software for detailing and design of concrete and steel structures, now through its legal processes, and the Bestech acquisition. In both cases the software is re-released under an Autodesk brand to ensure continuity for users "and with a price reduction," said Autodesk c
  • Digital transformation is delivering digital adoption
    August 15, 2023
    Digital transformation is key for transportation agencies and their partners to do their jobs better and faster. One way to do this is through digital delivery using digital models, data, and supporting field tools for roadway design, structures design, and construction, say the tech experts at Bentley Systems.
  • Improved construction software from Topcon
    June 22, 2021
    Topcon Positioning is introducing the latest version of its software package for construction and survey professionals: MAGNET 7.