Changing a model origin point....

[Anonymous]

We have multiple projects where the client has asked that the models align by Origin point. This instruction was given after the project was started and now we all have to make these major modifications.

From my understanding, the origins point in Revit cannot be moved, but rather we have to move our model and annotations around to fit the origin point. This is obviously problematic since we need to move all elevations, section, details and annotations.

Is there a way to do this while keeping our sanity and maybe saving some time? Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

[RobDraw]

I think if you had searched for the proper terms, Project Base Point and Survey Base Point, you would have the information that you need because you can reassign these points without moving your model. Unclip the points and assign the proper coordinates from the clients model and then re-clip them.

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@Anonymous wrote:

We have multiple projects where the client has asked that the models align by Origin point. This instruction was given after the project was started and now we all have to make these major modifications.

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For future reference, best practice is to establish this at the start of a project. If someone doesn't say it, ask it. How else is everyone going to coordinate between models, manually align them? One model should be chosen as the source of these points and everyone else acquires these coordinates from that model.

[Anonymous]

Hi Rob,

It is the proper term. The client wants it to be the origin, not the Project Base Point or the Survey Point.

When you unclip the Project Base Point, right click on it and select 'Move to Startup Location' it will bring the Project base point to the Origin. This is the spot that we need to align to. you can learn more about it here, among other places:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit-products/learn-explore/caas/simplecontent/content/linki...

So moving the project Base point will not move the origin. As far as I understand , the Origin cannot be moved.

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Yes, I do know that this is best established before the project starts. This client sent us this requirement many months after the project started and now we are stuck with the stringent requirement and looking for tools to help the painful process. If you know of any method to do this, let me know. Thanks!

[RobDraw]

I think the client might mean project base point. I would clear that up first before moving your model.

If it turns out that they are referring to the origin then have a look at this thread:

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-architecture-forum/move-project-to-origin-point/td-p/7578661

Have fun! 

[loboarch]

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@Anonymous wrote:

So moving the project Base point will not move the origin. As far as I understand , the Origin cannot be moved.

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Yes this is correct there is NOT a way to re-position the origin. You can move things around it, but it is a static location.

You might want to think about it as a table (internal origin) with a table cloth (shared coordinates) and a place setting (project base point). The table is what it is and can't really be moved. The table cloth can slip around under the place setting as you wish, and the place setting can move around on top of the table cloth.

So for the issue at hand, there is no real way to easily do what you want to do. I would lobby the powers that be to use shared coordinates to align things as you will have a better chance of getting those lined up without disrupting the model too much.

[Anonymous]

@RobDraw No, they do mean Origin, unfortunately.

@loboarch 'I would lobby the powers that be to use shared coordinates to align things as you will have a better chance of getting those lined up without disrupting the model too much'

I wish! This is for a major airport where they want to do this for hundreds of parts of the airport. I have no power to influence the BIM consultants that the client selected to advise them. We simply have to comply with this, it is part of the contract document even if it arrived after the project was started.

I followed the link and did not see any tips on moving the whole model compared to the origin. Perhaps I missed it? All I see is a bunch of people talking about the difference between the three origins and the concepts. I already understand these concepts.

[RobDraw]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I followed the link and did not see any tips on moving the whole model compared to the origin. Perhaps I missed it?

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Yup, you missed it several times. There is no easy way to do it. In fact, it can be quite problematic depending on the contents of the model(s).

[Anonymous]

Still waiting for tips, if there are any.

[RobDraw]

That "bunch of people" in that discussion are quite knowledgeable and they agreed that there is no easy solution. You've possibly got a lot of work and headaches in front of you. Better stop waiting and start working. 

[ToanDN]

For an earlier stage model without multiple phases, you can link it to new file, move the link, and bind.

For a mature models with documentation in place, and/or with multiple phases, you just have to bite the bullet and physically move everthing. Reveal everything, make groups where you can, and keep on moving. There are things will break and you will have to fix or redo them.

[Anonymous]

Thanks ToanDN 🙂