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Master Bentley OpenRoads Designer + Lumen RT Essentials
Rating: 3.8 out of 5(25 ratings)
219 students

Master Bentley OpenRoads Designer + Lumen RT Essentials

Learn civil design, terrain modeling, corridor workflows, and visualization with Bentley OpenRoads CONNECT Edition
Created byGolgi Alvarez
Last updated 7/2026
English
English [Auto],

What you'll learn

  • Create, edit, and analyze horizontal and vertical geometries using Bentley OpenRoads Designer tools.
  • Import and model terrains with various methods including ASCII files, corridors, and point cloud data.
  • Build and modify advanced corridors using parametric constraints and custom corridor templates.
  • Apply super elevation techniques and generate comprehensive super elevation reports.
  • Synchronize aerial and street map views to enhance visualization of civil design projects.
  • Use Bentley Lumen RT to create realistic 3D visualizations and manipulate scene objects.
  • Differentiate Bentley OpenRoads workflows and features from Autodesk Civil 3D.
  • Effectively edit, label, and analyze terrain contours and terrain data within the software.

Course content

5 sections48 lectures3h 22m total length
  • Street Map and Aerial View Sync2:16

    This lesson introduces how to access and synchronize the street map and aerial (or Azure) view in Bentley Open Roads Designer. It begins by guiding you through creating a new file setup supporting 2D empirical training with the appropriate workspace configuration.

    Next, the lesson explains the importance of having an active internet connection for Bentley Open Roads to load online map data. Once connected, you'll learn how to access the presentation mode through the main ribbon interface to manipulate the background map.

    You will then see how to toggle between street map and aerial views, allowing dynamic control over zooming, panning, and locating specific project areas on the map according to your needs.

    Key topics covered in this lecture:

    • Creating and setting up a new project file for mapping

    • Ensuring internet connectivity for map loading

    • Accessing presentation mode in Bentley Open Roads Designer

    • Setting background map type to street map or aerial (Azure) view

    • Using zoom, pan, and navigation controls for map interaction

    Practical value for civil infrastructure design:

    • Enables seamless integration of real-world street and aerial imagery in your projects

    • Provides essential spatial context for planning and design activities

    • Improves accuracy in site location and geometry positioning

    • Facilitates efficient project visualization before detailed modeling

    By the end of this lecture, you will be able to efficiently set up and switch between street and aerial map views in Bentley Open Roads Designer to support your infrastructure design workflow with accurate spatial references.

  • Manual Attachment of Aerial Image3:08

    In this lecture, you will learn how to manually attach an aerial image within Bentley Open Roads Designer. Building on the previous lesson where map synchronization was covered, this session focuses on adding raster images as a background manually to enhance your model visualization.

    The process involves sourcing aerial images from popular map services like Google Maps or Bing Maps. These images can be captured as screenshots or downloaded directly in common raster formats such as JPG or PNG for use in your project.

    We will demonstrate how to import these images into Open Roads via the Raster Manager tool, explore placement options, and tweak settings like snappability and locking to optimize your workflow.

    Key topics covered in this lecture:

    • Sources of aerial images and formats supported

    • Capturing and preparing raster images for use

    • Using the Raster Manager to attach images

    • Interactive placement of aerial images in the model

    • Adjusting raster properties such as snapping and locking

    • Handling image display settings like levels and colors

    • Understanding the concept of raster attachment as blocks

    Practical value in the course domain:

    • Enhances project visualization by integrating real-world aerial imagery

    • Supports accurate site referencing and contextual mapping

    • Improves workflow flexibility by manual image attachment options

    • Provides foundational skills for advanced mapping and terrain modeling

    After completing this lecture, you will be able to manually attach and control aerial images within Bentley Open Roads Designer to support your infrastructure design projects with better spatial context.

  • Getting Started for Geometry2:20

    This lecture builds on the previous session by accessing the saved file with a manually attached raster image in Bentley Open Roads Designer. The focus is on preparing the DGN file for upcoming work on horizontal geometry basics.

    In this session, you will start by creating reference points that will guide the drawing of horizontal geometry. Using tools from the Geometry tab, particularly circles from the arcs dropdown, you will construct a series of circles with a set radius to mark bends and key positions along a path.

    This setup work is essential as it simplifies the next steps where the actual horizontal geometry will be developed, reviewed, edited, and finalized.

    Key topics covered in this lecture include:

    • Opening and setting up the previous session's DGN file with raster image attachment

    • Accessing and using the Geometry tab in Open Roads Designer

    • Creating circles with a specified 500 radius as reference points

    • Placing circles at bends to mark geometry points

    • Saving the progress and viewing the setup

    Practical value of this lesson:

    • Understanding the initial preparation needed for horizontal geometry design

    • Learning how to use basic geometric definitions as guides

    • Applying a structured approach to setting up a design file for further modeling

    • Familiarizing with the software interface and navigation for geometry creation

    After completing this lecture, you will be comfortable with setting up your Open Roads Designer file, creating reference geometry elements, and preparing for more detailed horizontal geometry design in subsequent lessons.

Requirements

  • Basic familiarity with civil engineering concepts and terminology is helpful.
  • A computer capable of running Bentley OpenRoads Designer CONNECT Edition and Lumen RT.
  • No prior experience with Bentley OpenRoads is required; this course starts with beginner concepts.
  • Willingness to practice hands-on exercises for effective learning.

Description

This comprehensive course offers an in-depth exploration of Bentley OpenRoads Designer CONNECT Edition, a powerful civil infrastructure design software that integrates legacy products such as InRoads, GEOPAK, and MX. Designed for professionals and learners seeking practical expertise, the course guides you through a structured, hands-on workflow—from fundamental setup and geometry creation to advanced terrain modeling and corridor design.

Beginning with the essentials of interface navigation and aerial data integration, you will learn how to synchronize street maps and aerial views, manage project files, and configure the workspace for efficient civil design. This foundational knowledge prepares you for creating and editing both horizontal and vertical geometries using advanced techniques and practical exercises that simulate real-world civil engineering tasks.

The course deepens your skills by progressing into terrain modeling methods including importing ASCII files, working with corridors, utilizing point cloud data, and manipulating terrain elements. You will acquire competency in modifying contours, labeling terrain data, and applying visualization tools to analyze and refine surface models.

Mastering corridor creation and management is emphasized through detailed demonstrations of parametric constraints, super elevation calculations, custom template design, and corridor clipping. The curriculum culminates in a thorough project integrating all these elements to reinforce your understanding and prepare you for professional application.

Additionally, the course includes practical insights into key differences between Bentley OpenRoads Designer and Autodesk Civil 3D, enhancing your perspective on industry-standard tools. A dedicated segment on Bentley Lumen RT introduces visualization capabilities, teaching you how to navigate scenes, import and manipulate 3D objects, and integrate models for impactful project presentations.

The teaching approach balances theoretical background with actionable workflows, ensuring you gain confidence in using each tool for civil design efficiently. Multiple practice exercises embed learning by doing, making this course ideal for civil engineers, CAD designers, surveyors, and infrastructure planners committed to leveraging Bentley’s ecosystem.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Create, edit, and analyze horizontal and vertical geometries within Bentley OpenRoads Designer.

  • Understand and utilize various terrain modeling techniques including ASCII imports and point cloud data.

  • Build and modify advanced corridors using parametric constraints and custom templates.

  • Apply super elevation modeling and generate corresponding reports.

  • Navigate and synchronize aerial and street map views to enhance project visualization.

  • Employ Bentley Lumen RT for realistic 3D visualization and scene management.

  • Distinguish the features and workflows of Bentley OpenRoads compared to Autodesk Civil 3D.

  • Perform editing and labeling of terrain contours and analyze terrain features effectively.

  • Execute practical exercises covering offset geometries, cul-de-sac, end tapers, driveways, and curb returns.

Who Should Take This Course

  • Civil engineers engaged in infrastructure design and planning.

  • CAD designers specializing in civil and road projects.

  • Surveyors involved in terrain and geometry modeling.

  • Civil works designers aiming to improve workflows and 3D modeling skills.

  • Professionals transitioning from other civil design software seeking Bentley OpenRoads expertise.

  • Construction and infrastructure consultants requiring corridor and terrain modeling knowledge.

  • Students and professionals interested in modern civil engineering visualization techniques.

Course Structure

Section 1: Getting Started
Introduce Bentley Open Roads Designer basics including map synchronization, manual aerial image attachment, and setting up for geometry work.

Section 2: Horizontal and Vertical Geometry - Advanced
Learn to create, review, edit, and practice horizontal and vertical geometries with practical exercises on geometry editing and complex alignment creation.

Section 3: Terrain - Advanced
Understand terrain creation, editing, and analysis through methods like ASCII files, corridors, point cloud data, and elements with labeling and visualization techniques.

Section 4: CORRIDOR - Advanced
Master corridor creation, editing with parametric constraints, super elevation, custom templates, clipping, and a comprehensive final exercise.

Section 5: Extra Lessons
Explore Bentley Open Roads vs Autodesk Civil 3D, learn keyboard shortcuts, and get an overview of Bentley Lumen RT visualization.

Why Take This Course

This course provides practical, industry-relevant skills essential for efficient civil infrastructure design using Bentley OpenRoads Designer. Understanding advanced geometry creation, terrain modeling, and corridor workflows enhances your ability to produce precise and optimized designs.

By learning terrain import and editing methods alongside corridor parametric constraints and super elevation modeling, you gain comprehensive control over complex projects. The integration of Lumen RT visualization enables you to effectively communicate design intent and improve stakeholder engagement through compelling 3D presentations.

Furthermore, the comparative insights between Bentley OpenRoads and Autodesk Civil 3D empower you with informed software selection knowledge and adaptable workflows suited to diverse project requirements.

Professional Context

In the field of civil engineering and infrastructure development, mastering powerful tools like Bentley OpenRoads Designer connects you with cutting-edge industry practices. This course equips professionals with the capabilities to handle sophisticated road design, terrain analysis, and project visualization, thereby enhancing project quality and efficiency.

With civil infrastructure projects demanding accuracy, efficiency, and clear communication, proficiency in OpenRoads Designer and Lumen RT builds your technical profile and expands your opportunities in engineering firms, design consultancies, and public works departments. This course provides a solid foundation and practical expertise to thrive in such roles.

Who this course is for:

  • Civil engineers involved in road design, planning, and infrastructure projects.
  • CAD designers specializing in civil and transportation engineering.
  • Surveyors working with terrain modeling and geometry creation tasks.
  • Design professionals transitioning from Autodesk Civil 3D to Bentley OpenRoads.
  • Construction and infrastructure consultants focused on corridor and terrain workflows.
  • Students and professionals interested in advanced civil design and visualization.
  • Project managers seeking better understanding of Bentley OpenRoads capabilities.
  • Anyone looking to enhance skills in civil infrastructure modeling and presentation.