Third Party Civil Design package

[engineer]

Hello,

I installed Mageia yesterday and look forward to hopefully transitioning to Linux full time in the near future. This is my very first experience with a Linux OS, and the process is somewhat daunting. One of the main reasons for the transition is that I really like what I see in the Linux community, you guys and gals are amazing. Consequently, I have become disappointed and frustrated with Microsoft and their business practices. It is obviously time for me to make a change and support (YOU) and Linux.

My issue right now is software compatibility. I am a Civil Engineer and have been using Bentley Microstation as my Civil Design software. To my disappointment, I telephoned Bentley and their software is not compatible with Linux. So this will require a new software package to learn, on top of learning Linux. I did find one CAD software company, BricsCAD, that supports Linux, however I can not find a third party Civil Design package that will run on Linux. So.... what to do?

It looks like I will have to continue using XP and Microstation until I can find a Civil Design Package that will run on Linux. It is hard to believe that I am the only engineer facing this issue? Surely other engineer want to utilize and support Linux and ditch Microsoft? Time will tell..

Thank You!

engineer

[xboxboy]

Hi Engineer,

totally understand where you're at. Regarding your design software, do some googling, there is more than likely something out there that will work. With Mageia being a small community you may not find exactly what you need for your design work in the official mageia software repositories. Don't stress, if there is an open source program, the guys here will be able to help you download, compile and install it. Then if you're really keen, you could step up and package and maintain it so it is an official package for mageia (We need all the man power we can get ).

Seriously though, if you spend a bit of time learning the URPMI (software management) and MCC (Mageia Control Centre) way of doing things you will be rewarded with a slick, stable and enjoyable system. In fact, I find that the later windows (7 & 8) are so hard to configure that Mageia is like childs play.

Enjoy!

[isadora]

Posts moved to a new topic, as the content is not that much about introducing, rather than a question concerning software packages.

[engineer]

Thanks for the ideas!

I have much to learn about Mageia and Linux in general. One of my goals is to HOPEFULLY get programmers in the Civil/Mechanical area to show some love to Linux. Right now design software is rather limited with Linux.

Once I get up to speed if I can help I'll sure do my best!

engineer

[doktor5000]

What about some of the proposals in http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=106291

[engineer]

No, The issue for me is creating topographic maps, site and grading features, plans and profile sheets. BricsCAD is compatible with Linux however most CAD programs are nothing more the computerized drawing boards by themselves, it is the third party DESIGN software that allows you to import survey point files, create a TIN (triangular irregular network) and the corresponding contours.

I can't find anything for Linux. I MAY be able to run Bentley PowerCivil and Virtual Machine, however from what little research I have performed on the subject, many have been unsuccessful.

[MauRice]

Engineer,

I'm not sure if these are what you are looking for:
https://www.google.be/?gws_rd=ssl#q=linux+gis+software
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuGIS
http://grass.osgeo.org/
http://www.qgis.org/en/site/about/index.html

You can always run 'Bentley PowerCivil' in a Virtual Machine.
I run "Autodesk Inventor' in VirtualBox (W7) no problem.

That kind of programs are hard to find for Linux.
Solidworks DraftSight is also available native Linux, but is only a 2D CAD program like BricsCAD, but free for personal use.
Something different but still this kind of program for Linux
Matlab from Mathworks.
http://www.mathworks.nl/index.html?s_tid=gn_logo
http://www.mathworks.nl/products/matlab/?s_tid=hp_fp_ml
http://www.mathworks.nl/products/simuli ... d=hp_fp_sl

[pete910]

Don't know the ins and outs of what BricsCAD can do, I am using Varicad. Though its for mainly steel/structural work. http://www.varicad.com/en/home/

They have a 30 day trail so you can test/try it out.

There's also Freecad that is looking promising http://www.freecadweb.org/

Theres some screenshots of what it can do here http://www.freecadweb.org/wiki/index.php?title=Screenshots
HTH.


Pete.