Microstation V8 Policy

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) began the implementation of Microstation V8 on October 10, 2005. In the first phase of implementation, all existing MicroStation DGN files are being converted from version 7 of MicroStation to version 8. It is a straight conversion where information on level 1 in V7 will be the same as information on level 1 in V8. All existing projects with 63 levels will follow through to completion with 63 levels. GEOPAK setting files do not require a conversion.

All new roadway projects starting after January 1, 2006, will be required to use level names. All new roadway projects beginning between now and January 1, 2006, will be in MicroStation V8 with Level 1 to Level 63.

The Department will accept Microstation V7 files from roadway consultants until December 31, 2005. Existing projects submitted after January 1, 2006, will be required in MicroStation V8 format with level 1 to level 63.

MicroStation V8 GEOPAK 2004 configuration and settings files for projects with 63 levels will be available on the SCDOT web site in the next few weeks. The Department's roadway design configuration and settings files for projects with V8 level names will be available in late December 2005. The move to V8 level names will necessitate the need to support dual V8 workspaces of 63 levels and level names. The Department intends to support both workspaces and believes this decision best meets current project schedules and dates to eliminate any downtime or training needs created by converting a "63 level" project to a "level names" project.

We have developed three "readme" files for you to return to us with all submittals. List the MicroStation files in the appropriate document based on the description in each "readme" file. These files will help communicate to us what version and what workspace was used for each project.

Your company may have performed work for other states that have converted to V8. We would welcome your feedback on the positives and negatives of the communication and file sharing during their transition period so we may learn from others' experience. We want this transition to be as seamless as possible for you. Please provide to us the name of the person in your company with whom you would like for us to work concerning implementing MicroStation V8.

If your company does not have MicroStation V8 or cannot upgrade to MicroStation V8, please email Mike Austin at austinme@scdot.org to discuss this issue. Feedback and questions should also be emailed to Mike Austin.

Original Signed By: Tony Chapman
State Highway Engineer
Effective Date: October 3, 2005

Related Topics

The Standards Drawings files depict standard design features commonly used in construction projects. The Standard Drawings page was designed to allow contractors access to these files online.