Linking a CAD topo file

[micah]

I have a small residential project I am starting but could use some assistance. Could someone please advise me in setting up my topo link correctly? I don't do this very often and have not kept good notes on the process. Also I have not found a great video or other instruction online.

I started by modeling the as-builts for an existing home. I then linked the cad file based on instruction I found online. However I am not sure if I should be moving the topo.dwg CAD file to to building, or move the project base point (and the building) to the topo. 

Also I am not sure about the rest of the setup, in the following terms:

1. Project Coordinates

2. Project position

3. any other best practices when establishing the building on the site using a topo.

Thank you to all those who contribute to solutions on this site.

[Alfredo_Medina]

Does the CAD file contain contours in 3d (elevated at the correct elevation)? 

Does it contain a footprint of the building?

Does it contain one or more benchmarks identified with coordinates?

[RDAOU · Accepted solution]

Personally I would link the CAD Center to Center and move the CAD to the building then aquire coordinates from the CAD link assuming that the CAD file is as per surveyed coordinates. This poses a lesser risk of messing up PBP & Start up origin (vs moving RVT to CAD) if you want to move the Revit model to the CAD link instead, use Relocate Project tool (Ribbon>Manage>Project Location>Position>Relocate Project)

1. first I would open the CAD, clean it up (ie: make sure when u zoom extent that you just see the portion of the CAD which you want to link filling the screen)
2. If CAD has 3D contour lines/Points with elevations; In the CAD file go to elevation view and make sure that there are no UFO line in between sea level (0 elevation) and the elevation points (ie: start point Z= 0 End Point Z=???. Make sure to flatten those objects

3.  make sure to check the right units in the CAD and set it when importing/linking - I wouldn't rely on automatic

[micah]

Looks like a YES to all questions. Thank you!