Video: Use Sea Level Elevations for a Toposurface

When working with a toposurface, adjust elevations and contour labels to measure from sea level.

This video demonstrates the following:

1. Measure toposurface elevations and contours from sea level.
2. Edit type properties for a level.
3. Use survey and project base points as model references.

Note: This video was recorded using Revit 2016. When using a newer software release, you may notice differences in functionality and user interface.

Transcript

When working with a toposurface, you may want elevations and contours measured from sea level. Using a default template, the toposurface elevations are measured from an elevation of 0.

In a section or elevation view, on the Manage tab, select Position > Relocate Project. Now select a position where you know the established sea level elevation. In this example, the Top of Slab level datum is selected, move the cursor in the direction the level needs to be repositioned, and use temporary dimensions or enter the distance required.

The project base point and survey point are revealed in this view to more clearly show the results of using the Relocate Project tool. The survey point remains at the 0 elevation position, and the rest of the project is moved to the sea level elevation specified.

The level datums in the project still report elevations from the project base point. Select a level datum, and edit the type properties. Set the Elevation Base parameter to Survey Point, and click OK. Notice that the elevation datums now report values in relation to the survey point.

To have contour labels in a plan view report values from sea level, change the type properties to report from the survey point, just as we did with the level datums. Depending on your needs, use the survey point and the project base point as references in your projects.