![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image15-3-472x480.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In Revit the coordinates work in a totally different way as they do in AutoCAD. This is why people find it so difficult to deal with them. Let\u2019s try to explain it.<\/span><\/p>\n The key to the work with coordinates in Revit is the following:<\/span><\/p>\n When in AutoCAD we have to place something in its real coordinates and orientation, we would move the drawing and rotate it with respect to the reference system.<\/span><\/p>\n In Revit it is quite the opposite. We will never move, translate or rotate the model. We move the coordinate system to meet our location requirements: we will move the coordinate system origin so that our model is in the right location.<\/span><\/p>\n In Revit we tend to speak always about Shared coordinates. And this is sometimes the origin of some confusion about coordinates in the Revit Models.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Instead, we should talk about:<\/span><\/p>\n when we want to refer to the coordinate system that we are using in a model, or which specific coordinates are defined on a point.<\/span><\/p>\n Coordinates in a file (revit or cad file) will only be shared, or the files will have shared coordinates after a process of transferring the coordinate system used in a file into another.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It does not matter if in two files the location is exactly the same. They will not share coordinates unless the sharing coordinates process has been carried out.<\/span><\/p>\n Normally there is one file, and only one, that is the source for sharing coordinates. From this file the location of different models is transferred to them, and after that all files will be sharing coordinates, and be able to be linked with the \u201cShared Coordinates option\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n First thing to understand in Revit is how many coordinate systems we have in a project. Each coordinate system has an associate origin point, that is why it is also important to understand how many coordinates origin points we can find in a model:<\/span><\/p>\n There are three, and when we first open a new model, the three overlap by default. They are:<\/span><\/p>\n To show the origin points, open a plan view, go to Visibility and Graphics options > Site Category > Survey Point\/Project Base Point.<\/p>\n This is the point that stores the universal coordinate system, or a defined global system of the project to which all the project structures will be referred. It is displayed as a blue triangle.<\/span><\/p>\n And:<\/span><\/p>\n The position of this point is unique for each model, and this information is not shared between different models. Project Base point could be placed in the same location as the Survey Point, but it is not usual to work in that way.<\/span><\/p>\n In general, Project Base Point serves as a local reference in projects, for each building of a complex for example.<\/span> Not everyone is aware of the existence of this third origin point, but it is essential to know about it to understand the behaviour of Revit Models in some cases.<\/span><\/p>\n * This point <\/span>is invisible until Revit 2019<\/b> (included). It has no graphical representation. When opening a new model, you will see only SP and PBP:\u00a0<\/span> Let\u2019s see how to move these origin points and their effect in our model.<\/span><\/p>\n Notice that we will NOT move the model elements. If we want to define correctly the project location what will be moved are the origin points, and not the already modelled elements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We can say it in different words: we will not model objects in <\/span>world <\/span><\/i>coordinates, quite the contrary, we will model the building around the Internal Origin, and afterwards we define the right world coordinates of the project by moving the Survey Point\/Project Base Point.<\/span><\/p>\n So, let\u2019s move the points. This is the initial situation:<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s say we move the PBP 2500 units horizontally to the right:<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s say we move the PBP 2500 units horizontally to the right, what is the effect?: <\/span><\/p>\n From\u00a0 Revit 2020 (included) and onwards, the clip of the Project Base Point disappears. When you select it it is no longer available.<\/span> Let\u2019s say we move the PBP 2500 units horizontally to the right, what is the effect?: <\/span><\/p>\n From Revit 2020 (included) and onwards, with the PBP clip disappeared, the only way to relocate the project and drag all the elements (but the SP) along with the PBP is to do it from the menu in the Manage tab > Position > Relocate Project:<\/span><\/p>\n No differences in Revit versions for the movement of the Survey Point.<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s say we move the SP 3000 units horizontally to the left, what is the effect?<\/span><\/p>\n Moving the pinned PBP in one direction or moving the pinned SP in the opposite direction would have exactly the same effect in the resulting global coordinates.<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s move the SP 4500 units horizontally to the left, what is the effect?<\/span><\/p>\n What is actually the point of this option?<\/span> With this procedure we are going to establish in which location our model is actually placed (in terms of coordinates).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But remember that we are not going to move the modelled elements.<\/span><\/p>\n We have started modelling close to the Internal Origin of the file. That is the only care that we had when deciding where to start.<\/span><\/p>\n Now we already have some elements, and we are informed that point A has the following coordinates: (N -8250, E 5210, Elevation 1000).<\/span><\/p>\n We have no other file with the correct spatial reference (no DWG, no RVT).<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n We are going to set the coordinates manually:<\/span><\/p>\n 1. Go to Manage tab > Project location Panel > Coordinates menu > Specify coordinates at a point. 2. Select the point. In this case point A.<\/span><\/p>\n 3. Specify the coordinates.<\/span><\/p>\n 4. See that the Survey Point changes its position. The model has not moved, but the global (SP) coordinates of point A change. PBP has not moved. Internal Origin has not moved.<\/span><\/p>\n With this procedure we are going to establish in which location our model is actually placed (in terms of coordinates) with the help of a linked DWG.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But remember that we still are not going to move the modelled elements.<\/span><\/p>\n We have started modelling close to the Internal Origin of the file. That is the only care that we had when deciding where to start.<\/span><\/p>\n Now we already have some elements, and we are informed that point A is the same point A that we can find in a DWG file, that we know is in the correct location.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Now is when we are really going to share coordinates between the two files: DWG file and our RVT model. Share means that we are going to transfer the information from one file to the other. And this connection will remain.<\/span><\/p>\n Follow these steps:<\/span><\/p>\n Go to a site view and ensure you are using \u201cProject North\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n Select the correct import units and CENTER to CENTER Positioning option.<\/span><\/p>\n So that Points A overlap, and lines of the DWG are aligned with the walls.<\/span><\/p>\n Remember, don’t move the Revit modelled elements. DWG Link and Revit file are still not sharing coordinates. They just overlap in the view.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Select the DWG Link, and go to the Shared Site menu in the properties\u00a0 palette. We will see two options.<\/span><\/p>\n In this case we don’t want to change the DWG link, we want to modify the revit model, so we choose the Acquire<\/b> option > Reconcile<\/b>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Coordinates related\u00a0 to SP in model are now coincident with those in the DWG link. We have not moved model elements.<\/span><\/p>\n You can see that the SP has automatically been moved.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n In most cases after this sharing coordinates process we can remove the DWG link or unload it. This will prevent us from moving it unintentionally.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Moving the DWG intentionally or unintentionally with no control which would result in us starting to experience issues with the coordinates.<\/span><\/p>\n If we do not want to remove the link we could also stop sharing the site between the DWG link and the host project (it is like breaking the sharing option). This would also prevent some common issues.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n If in the same project we have several models (which happens almost always) we can use the DWG link as the unique source of coordinates for all of them.<\/span><\/p>\n Once we have shared coordinates across all models, we will be able to work with them knowing that their global positioning is correct, that they share the same system, and that if we link one into another their location will match perfectly.<\/span><\/p>\n With this procedure we are going to establish in which location our model is actually placed with the help of another linked Revit Model. In this second Revit Modelled the coordinates have been configured following any of the two previous procedures.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But remember that we still are not going to move the modelled elements in the host model.<\/span><\/p>\n Procedure is the same as with a DWG Link:<\/span><\/p>\n Choose the option Center to Center in the insertion menu (They still don\u00b4t share coordinates).<\/span><\/p>\n until it is in the right position relative to the host revit model.<\/span><\/p>\n When working with revit linked files we must not forget the Elevation. Linked file must be also moved in elevation to the correct position.<\/span><\/p>\n In this case we don’t want to change the RVT link, we want to modify the revit HOST model, so we choose the Acquire<\/b> option > Reconcile<\/b>.<\/p>\n We advised to never publish when we are sharing coordinates with a DWG linked file. When we are using revit links we could do it both ways, publishing or acquiring, it only depends on which file contains the correct location of the project.<\/p>\n It could happen that we are in need of having the coordinates reseted, so that we have a file as if it were a new one, with the survey point in the initial position.<\/span><\/p>\n This could be for a number of reasons:<\/span><\/p>\n In that case it is better not to try to move the linked files (either revit or DWG files), but reset the coordinates and start the procedure right from the beginning.<\/b><\/p>\n For resetting the coordinates, we need either a \u201cclean\u201d revit model or a \u201cclean\u201d DWG file. Have a clean DWG just with a circle with centre in World Coordinate System (WCS) 0,0,0. Or have a clean REVIT model with a model reference based on the Internal origin of the model.<\/p>\n And then, either if you use the \u201cclean\u201d DWG or the \u201cclean\u201d revit model, follow the same procedure:<\/p>\n From this version of Revit there is a direct command to perform all the above procedure. Manage tab > Reset Shared Coordinates.<\/p>\n This is another case. We have already set up the coordinates of our Revit models, following any of the possible procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n At this point\u00a0 we need to insert some DWG links to complete the information in the project.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What then: Do not panic. Just read and notice that this is just what we wanted, to align the World\u2019s coordinates in DWG link with the coordinate system of the Revit model. <\/p>\n We will be sending the information back to the DWG. It is not recommended as changing the DWG file is not a good practice. nothing happens, we will be asked again later.<\/span><\/p>\n DWG link will stay in the place that was inserted, but the connection between link and host is disabled, so that the DWG link is not changed at all. <\/span>Coordinates and shared coordinates<\/span><\/h3>\n
Coordinates\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n
Shared coordinates\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n
Origin points in Revit<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
Survey Point (SP – Blue Triangle)<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n
\n
Project Base Point (PBP – Blue Circle)<\/span><\/h4>\n
\nAnd:<\/p>\n\n
Internal Origin (IO)<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image25-480x411.png\")
\n* This point is visible from Revit 2020<\/b> onwards. Fortunately it can be activated as the Survey or the Project Base point. In a new file you will see this:
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image19-1-480x411.png\")
\nFor a better understanding of this guide, we make it visible in all cases and represented by a green circle.
\nWhen starting a project the Internal Origin is coincident with the Survey Point and with the Project Base Point. Three points overlap.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image6-2-480x407.png\")
<\/p>\nThe importance of the internal origin<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n
\n
Effects of moving the points<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n1. Move the Project Base Point (<\/span>*until Revit 2019<\/b>)<\/span><\/h4>\n
1.1. Movement performed with the PBP pinned<\/b><\/h5>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image28.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image26-1-480x423.png\")
<\/p>\n1.2. Movement performed with the PBP unpinned<\/b><\/h5>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image8-3.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image3-4-480x439.png\")
<\/p>\n2. Move the Project Base Point (<\/span>*from Revit 2020<\/b>)<\/span><\/h4>\n
2.1. Movement of\u00a0 the PBP\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n
\n<\/span>The only way to actually move the PBP now that there is no clip is equivalent to the previous <\/span>Movement performed with the PBP unpinned.<\/b><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image29.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n2.1. Relocate the project\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image24-422x480.png\")
<\/p>\n2. Move the Survey Point<\/span><\/h4>\n
2.1. Movement performed with the SP pinned\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image16-3.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image4-5-480x395.png\")
<\/p>\n2.2. Movement performed with the SP unpinned <\/b><\/h5>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image21-1.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image10-3-480x387.png\")
<\/p>\n
\n<\/span>This option is used to have the SP visually near to the modelled elements and internal origin, but maintain the \u201cactual\u201d SP coordinates origin where it should have the project coordinates correctly set.<\/span><\/p>\nSpecial procedures<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Set coordinates manually<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image17-1-480x461.png\")
<\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image11-3-480x176.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image5-5-480x291.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image14-2-480x453.png\")
<\/p>\n2. Share coordinates with a DWG<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Set the view properly<\/b><\/h5>\n
2. Insert the DWG.\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n
3. Move and rotate the DWG Link\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image7-1-480x328.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image12-4-480x264.png\")
<\/p>\n4. Share the coordinates.\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n
\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image9-1.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image23-1.png\")
<\/p>\n5. The Survey Point has moved.\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image22-1-480x261.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/h5>\n
6. Remove the link<\/b><\/h5>\n
7. Or stop sharing the site with the DWG<\/b><\/h5>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image13-3-480x167.png\")
<\/p>\n3. Share coordinates with other Revit files<\/span><\/h3>\n
1. Insert RVT link<\/b><\/h5>\n
2. Move the link and rotate it\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n
3. Select the link and go to the Shared Site Menu in the properties palette.\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n
\n
\n
4. Reset coordinates<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
4.1 Reset the coordinates in the traditional way in any version of Revit<\/h4>\n
\n
4.2 From Revit 2021<\/h4>\n
\nIf you trust it, you will find it here:<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/ResetCoordinates.png\")
<\/p>\n5. Insert generic DWG files<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
\n1. Insert the DWG link. Go to Insert Tab > Link CAD > find the file.
\n2. The view is in Project North.
\n3. Select the correct import units.
\n4.Select the option \u201cShared Coordinates\u201d although files are not sharing coordinates. We will get this warning:<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image18-1-480x237.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n5. The DWG link lands in place.
\n6. When first we save the model after this process, we will get some additional options for saving positions of the DWG links. One menu for each DWG that we have linked. Again, don\u2019t panic, it is just a matter of understanding each of the options:
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image1-1-480x322.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSave<\/h5>\n
\nThis change consists on creating in the DWG an additional UCS different to the World Coordinate System that would be the one used by Revit to insert the file.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.modelical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image2-1-480x325.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDo not Save\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n
Disable shared positioning\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n