Learn how to place levels in a model.
Levels establish a framework for the model. All elements in the model are assigned and constrained to levels in order to establish their position in 3D space. Levels are used to create the plan views of a model, which facilitate modeling and navigating in the model.
| Term/Concept | Definition |
|---|---|
| Level | Datum used in a model to establish the elevations of important features of the model. for example, the first and second floor of a building, the top of the parapet, or the top of footings. You can define any important vertical datum line in a model as a level. |
| Snaps and Guides | Aid in positioning and aligning elements as you place them in the model. As levels are placed, guides display so you can easily align the endpoints of the levels. |
| Level Properties | Describe aspects of the level and how it is defined in the model. The level name and elevation are examples of level properties. |
| Level Constraint | Controls properties of elements in the model that are assigned to a level. When the position of the level is changed, the positions of the elements assigned to the level are also changed. For example, walls in the model have a top and bottom constraint which can be associated with a level. |
This video demonstrates how to place level datums to establish a framework for the project. Levels define floor levels of a building or other important datums, like the top of a foundation or the roof plate height.
In a section or elevation view, use the Level tool to place a level. By default, as you place a level, an associated plan view is created in the Project Browser. Clear this option if you are creating a reference level for which no plan views are needed, such as the top of a parapet, which is used only for reference.
As you place a level, snaps and guides help align the extents of the datum to existing levels in the project. Click to define each end of the level line.
When you change the name of a level, the corresponding views in the project are changed as well. Use controls in the drawing area to change the elevation of the level, or select a level and make changes on the Properties palette.
By default, when you place elements in a plan view, each element uses the associated level datum as a base constraint. Other level datums in the project can be used to define constraints as well. For example, if you place walls in the lower level plan, the bases of the walls are constrained to the lower level and the tops are constrained to the roof level. When you place walls in the entry level plan, the bases of the walls are constrained to the entry level datum. Top and bottom constraints establish the position of the wall in 3D space. Because the tops and bottoms of the walls are constrained to a level, when the level is moved, the tops and bottoms of the walls are moved as well.