Bentley Systems Announces Groundbreaking Innovations and Strategic Acquisitions at the Year in Infrastructure Conference in Vancouver

VANCOUVER, B.C. — At Bentley Systems’ Year in Infrastructure Conference this week, the global infrastructure software leader unveiled a series of innovative product updates, key acquisitions, and strategic partnerships that promise to redefine infrastructure design, construction, and operations. With a clear focus on openness, AI-powered digital twins, and cross-platform collaboration, the conference set the stage for Bentley’s vision of a more connected and efficient infrastructure future.

Embracing Openness and Digital Twins: The Future of Infrastructure

Julien Moutte, chief technology officer at Bentley Systems, emphasized Bentley’s deep commitment to openness, calling it the “backbone of our digital twin strategy.” As infrastructure projects become more complex, the need for seamless data integration across tools and systems becomes paramount. Bentley’s iTwin platform was developed to address this challenge, ensuring that data is created, managed, and consumed in a centralized environment without the fragmentation that plagues traditional project workflows.

Moutte explained that the iTwin platform serves as more than just a data hub. “It offers a way for engineers, contractors, and asset managers to collaborate effectively, with data that remains accessible and relevant throughout the entire lifecycle of an infrastructure asset.” This open approach ensures that users can integrate third-party tools, leverage domain-specific expertise, and use data in ways that fit their evolving needs.

Moutte also stressed the importance of longevity in data management. “Your data is your data,” he said, underscoring Bentley’s commitment to data autonomy. “By promoting open standards, open-source tools, and open APIs, we are making sure that data remains interoperable and usable for decades.” This openness ensures that Bentley’s solutions can integrate seamlessly with other systems, future-proofing infrastructure projects and reducing operational risks.

MicroStation 2024: A New Era for Infrastructure Design and Collaboration

Susanne Trierscheid, vice president of modeling and facilities engineering at Bentley Systems, introduced the latest version of Bentley’s flagship CAD software, MicroStation 2024. Trierscheid highlighted how this new release merges the robust modeling capabilities of MicroStation with the powerful collaboration tools offered by the iTwin platform.

MicroStation 2024 offers a suite of new features designed to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.

• Enhanced GIS Integration: MicroStation 2024 allows users to incorporate real-time geospatial data directly into their design models. This integration enables designers to overlay environmental, regulatory, and infrastructure data within their projects, offering better contextual awareness for decision-making. “By embedding GIS data, such as hazardous areas, soil conditions, and regulatory boundaries, into the design workflow, users can make more informed decisions early on,” Trierscheid explained.
• Python Scripting for Automation and AI-Driven Design: The new release introduces Python scripting capabilities, making it easier for users to automate repetitive tasks and explore generative design solutions. “Python offers flexibility and power, whether you are automating workflows or integrating advanced AI models,” Trierscheid said. “We’ve provided dozens of sample scripts and access to a vast repository of open-source libraries to help users get started.”
• iTwin-Enabled Real-Time Collaboration: One of the most transformative features of MicroStation 2024 is its ability to support real-time collaboration through the iTwin platform. “With real-time synchronization, teams can see each other’s updates instantly,” Trierscheid noted. “This eliminates errors caused by outdated files and enables faster decision-making.”

The new release also supports bi-directional navigation between 2D sheets and 3D models, making it easier for users to move between design environments without losing context. “MicroStation 2024 is more than a CAD tool—it’s a collaborative platform that enhances every phase of infrastructure development,” Trierscheid concluded.

Strategic Partnership with Cesium: Enriching the iTwin Platform with 3D Geospatial Context

Bentley Systems announced its acquisition of Cesium, a leader in 3D geospatial visualization, as part of its strategy to enhance the iTwin platform with advanced geospatial capabilities. Cesium is best known for its pioneering work on the 3D Tiles standard, a widely adopted open format for streaming massive 3D datasets.

Julien Moutte emphasized that the acquisition aligns with Bentley’s focus on open ecosystems. “Cesium’s technology enables infrastructure professionals to visualize complex models with precision, providing both surface and subsurface insights,” Moutte said.

Patrick Cozzi, founder of Cesium and now Bentley’s chief platform officer, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “By integrating Cesium’s 3D capabilities, Bentley can offer richer visualization tools for infrastructure projects. Together, we are building a comprehensive platform that bridges the digital and physical worlds.”

Cesium’s plugins for Unreal Engine, Unity, and NVIDIA Omniverse further extend Bentley’s visualization capabilities, enabling developers to create immersive simulations across various industries, from aerospace to urban planning.

Google Maps Integration: Adding Photorealistic 3D Tiles and Environmental Data

Bentley’s partnership with Google Maps adds a new dimension to the iTwin platform by incorporating photorealistic 3D tiles and real-time environmental data. Yael Maguire, vice president and general manager of the Google Maps platform, explained how this integration will transform infrastructure planning and design.

“Google Maps offers detailed 3D models of over 2,500 cities worldwide, along with live data on air quality, traffic patterns, and solar potential,” Maguire said. These datasets enhance infrastructure projects by providing accurate and up-to-date information that can be used to optimize designs and mitigate risks.

Additionally, Google Earth Engine will contribute by offering access to extensive environmental datasets, such as climate models and land cover data. “This partnership empowers planners and engineers to make informed decisions by simulating real-world scenarios within the iTwin platform,” Maguire added.

AI-Powered Tools to Transform Design, Construction, and Operations

Bentley showcased several AI-powered tools designed to address critical challenges in infrastructure management, such as labor shortages and project delays. A key highlight was OpenSite Plus, which uses generative AI to streamline site planning.

“With OpenSite Plus, users can optimize layouts, generate construction-ready designs, and interact with the software through natural language commands,” said François Valois, vice president of civil engineering at Bentley Systems.

Bentley also spotlighted its collaboration with Blyncsy, a crowdsourced roadway insights platform that automates asset inspections using machine learning. “Blyncsy’s AI reduces inspection times by 90%, allowing cities to focus more on proactive maintenance,” Valois explained.

In the telecommunications sector, Bentley’s OpenTower IQ leverages AI for automated inspections and real-time asset monitoring. “We’ve processed more than 25,000 cell towers this year alone, helping telecom operators manage their assets more efficiently,” said Mike Schellhase, vice president of asset analytics at Bentley Systems.

Sustainability at the Core: Introducing Carbon Analysis

Bentley’s commitment to sustainability was reinforced with the launch of Carbon Analysis, a new feature within the iTwin platform that enables real-time carbon reporting throughout a project’s lifecycle.

“Carbon Analysis provides continuous feedback on the environmental impact of design decisions, allowing users to explore alternative materials and construction methods,” said Kelvin Saldanha, associate director at WSP.

The tool offers 3D heat maps that visualize carbon footprints, making it easier for stakeholders to identify carbon-intensive areas. Integration with the EC3 lifecycle assessment tool enables users to compare material options and their carbon impacts dynamically.

Advanced Visualization for Immersive Experiences

Bentley also introduced a new Advanced Visualization solution, powered by Unreal Engine, to create immersive digital twins. This tool offers photorealistic renderings that enhance stakeholder engagement and streamline project planning.

“Visualization is more than just aesthetics—it drives better design decisions,” said Greg Demchak, vice president of emerging technologies at Bentley Systems.

The Portland Water Bureau is among the early adopters of the solution, using it to monitor the Bull Run Water Filtration project. Jeff Campbell, director of virtual planning at Project Controls Cubed (PC3), demonstrated how the tool provides real-time situational awareness. “This platform allows us to visualize project timelines, simulate future scenarios, and stay on schedule,” Campbell said.

Bentley Infrastructure Cloud: A Unified Platform for Design, Construction, and Operations

The Bentley Infrastructure Cloud integrates Bentley’s ProjectWise, SYNCHRO, and AssetWise products into a unified platform for real-time collaboration across the project lifecycle.

“Our goal is to eliminate data silos and ensure seamless collaboration,” said Oliver Conze, senior vice president of Bentley Infrastructure Cloud. “Whether teams are working remotely or on-site, the platform ensures that everyone has access to the latest information.”

With offline capabilities, teams can capture data even in remote locations, synchronizing with the cloud once connectivity is restored. This flexibility enhances project outcomes and minimizes disruptions.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Infrastructure, One Digital Twin at a Time

As Bentley Systems celebrates its 40th anniversary, it is paving the way for the future of infrastructure with strategic acquisitions, innovative partnerships, and AI-powered tools. “Together with our partners and users, we are building a better world—one digital twin at a time,” said Julien Moutte.

With these groundbreaking innovations, Bentley continues to set new standards in infrastructure development, enabling a more connected, sustainable, and data-driven future.

Tags: AI-powered infrastructure, Bentley Systems, carbon analysis, digital twins, iTwin platform, MicroStation 2024

Category: Bentley Systems

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