Workflow: Using Shared Coordinates

The following describes a typical workflow for establishing shared coordinates among models and files.

Video: Shared Positioning

Your specific workflow may vary depending on your project needs and your team's standards.

Workflow: Using Shared Coordinates
  1. Create a Revit project to serve as the host model.

    The host model is the model to which other files and models are linked.

  1. In the host model, do the following (details here):
    1. Link a DWG file, positioning it center to center.
    2. (Optional) Move the DWG geometry to position it as desired in relation to Revit geometry.
    3. Acquire the coordinates of the DWG file.

    The DWG file contains the site design and defines grid coordinates using a survey coordinate system. By acquiring coordinates, you pull the grid coordinates from the DWG file, defining the location of the survey point in the host model.

  1. In the host model, model the design as desired.
  1. (Optional) Link additional Revit models into the host model.

    For example, you may want to link models for other buildings that are part of the same project.

    1. Position the linked models as desired relative to the host model.
    2. In the host model, publish coordinates to the linked models.

      When you save the host model, the linked models are updated with these coordinates.

      Note: Project Base Point and Survey Points from the link are displayed in gray. Use the points to help you align linked model coordinate positions.
  1. (Optional) To provide the civil engineer with a DWG file of the model so they can use it as a reference as they continue their work, export the Revit model to DWG. On the Export Setup dialog, on the Units and Coordinates tab, for Coordinate system basis, select Shared.

    This setting ensures that, when the civil engineer opens the model DWG file, shared coordinates are used to properly align the Revit model with the site file.

  1. (Optional) To provide the architect of a linked model with the context of the site and the host model as they continue their work, the architect can link the DWG file and the host model to their model. On the Link dialog, for Positioning, select Auto - By Shared Coordinates.

    This setting ensures that, when the architect opens the model DWG file, shared coordinates are used to properly align the Revit model with the site file.

Tip: Use Visibility/Graphics settings to display the links in halftone.

Whenever you open the host model, it reflects the latest changes from the DWG file and the linked models. The shared coordinates ensure that the models are properly positioned relative to one another.

Parent topic: Shared Positioning

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