DWG+Point Layout import into Revit

[chris-reese]

Hello all, 

I've been developing a workflow for collecting field data with a total station and importing the data into Revit. I'd typically do this using Autodesk Point Layout (APL) through Revit, however the Civil files provided are always in dwg format. Since these Civil CAD files are geolocated, they're placed miles away from the project origin & survey point when linked into Revit. 

Has anyone found a successful workflow with linking geolocated DWG and APL points into Revit? 

Thanks, 

[barthbradley]

Specify Coordinates at a known point. 

Linking DWG Files with Grid Coordinates | Revit 2021 | Autodesk Knowledge Network

[RDAOU]

@chris-reese 

DWG from Surveyor.

Link to Revit >> Align and rotate >> Aquire Coordinates from link >> save to establish shared coordinates  (unpin move revit's Survey Point is optional or can be left where it is)

For Point Layout... we typically use it to send points out to the field for verification. Primary MEP and structural. However, our Revit would be already set out/gref'ed using dwg or csv from surveyor. If in revit the model has not been set out yet, You have 2 options

1. Either: First in Revit, use specify coordinates at point the set angle to true north >> bring in your point layout data and they should align
2. OR: do what surveyors do and take the Point Layout data to Autocad or civil 3d >>> then use the dwg as described at the beginning of this reply

Both ways work...its up to u to decide which is easier to make a habit of

[chris-reese]

If I open the DWG I used in Trimble in C3D, I see no location data. Yet if I try to link said file into Revit, it says the objects are located too far from the model. Additionally, the file clearly has geolocation data in order to load control file data into. 

How or where do I acquire the coordinates from the DWG to Specify Coordinates at a known point in Revit?

I included the file if you'd like to try linking it into Revit yourself. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong and I've followed the Specify Coordinates at a known point workflow without success. 

Thanks, 

[barthbradley]

Not sure I understand.  This DWG is not a Geolocated.  Just manually move the DWG Link closer to the Revit Internal Origin and Acquire Coordinates.  

[chris-reese]

I did explore that workflow however, the points I collected in the field won't align once imported with APL. I'm not understanding why Revit won't simply link the CAD and import the points in the correct location. The issue I see is Revit places the data so far from the base point it wants to align Center to Center which isn't aligned. 

Furthermore, as I continue collecting field data, I need to continue adding more APL data. That data needs to be in the correct location comparative to the previous points and CAD. Here's the .csv I'm using. My end goal is to create a site plan in Revit that shows the data I've collected which will ultimately be model lines and 3D pipes. 

Thanks again, 

[barthbradley]

I made 2 copies of your "Trimble export.dwg" and Linked one into Revit and Acquired its Coordinates and the other one  I Linked via Shared Coordinates.  They overlap.  

[chris-reese]

What positioning did you use when linking the initial CAD? Auto - By Shared Coordinates? 

[barthbradley]

It doesn't really matter. You are going to move the initial link to where it needs to be in the Revit Project anyways.  Once it positioned correctly, record the position via Acquire  Coordinates. Now the RVT and DWG share the same coordinates.  

[chris-reese]

I was able to recreate your results, however when I import the APL data, it's not aligned. The point data from the .csv still appears very far from the origin. I could move that as well but there's room for error and as I continue collecting data and adding it to the Revit file, it needs be to precisely located and aligned. 

From what I understand the workflow should be: link CAD file used with the Trimble, import .csv via APL, continue importing .csv data as needed, use APL data to create model. 

Is there no workflow that exists in Revit that's as straight forward as this? 

[chris-reese]

So I think I'm close to a solution:

1. Started a new Revit project and imported the .csv via APL
2. Move the survey point to a known control point. (note; due to the distance from the PBP, the graphics are skewed) 
3. Manage > Coordinates > Specify Coordinates at Point on the survey point and enter the control point location manually. 
4. Link the CAD file using shared coordinates. 

This is where things get weird. Initially, I can see the CAD file aligned properly with the control/survey point. However, I get this: 

Followed by the CAD file shifting out of alignment and this message: 

"Imported objects located a large distance from the model might not display properly. The "Center-to-Center" option will be used."

If the CAD file didn't relocate to Center to Center, they would've been aligned properly. Then I could also bring additional Trimble data in without having to do anything extra. 

Any suggestions appreciate. Thanks!

[barthbradley]

Okay, I see what your doing now.  Try this after Shared Coordinates are established for the DWG in Revit:

Go to Location: Site and Duplicate/Name a New Site and then make it Current.

Close out of Location: Site and go to a View showing the Survey Point. Select the Survey Point (it should display the name of the Site you just created and made Current).  In the Properties for the Survey Point, enter 0,0,0 for N/S, E/W and Elevation. 

Now choose the New Site as the Coordinate System when you Import Point File. 

[barthbradley]

...just to be clear: I'm talking about importing the CSV directly into Revit via Autodesk Point Layout.  

[RDAOU]

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@chris-reese wrote:

From what I understand the workflow should be: link CAD file used with the Trimble, import .csv via APL, continue importing .csv data as needed, use APL data to create model. 

Is there no workflow that exists in Revit that's as straight forward as this? 

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The process is straight forward and cannot be simpler...the problem is you do not take the time to carefully read instructions and have a closer look at the UI options before you click ok

From the looks of it...both of you appear to be experimenting 🙂

[chris-reese]

Thank you for the replies. At this point, I've spent 2 days and need to move on. I'm going to cut/paste the original DWG into a new DWG. I'll link that into Revit and just work with what I've got. Unfortunately, this means I'll have to repeat the process to add new field data.

I hope Revit will resolve this issue in the future. I can achieve the desired results in ACAD but I want to model in Revit.

Thanks again, 

[barthbradley]

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@RDAOU wrote:

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@chris-reese wrote:

From what I understand the workflow should be: link CAD file used with the Trimble, import .csv via APL, continue importing .csv data as needed, use APL data to create model. 

Is there no workflow that exists in Revit that's as straight forward as this? 

---

The process is straight forward and cannot be simpler...the problem is you do not take the time to carefully read instructions and have a closer look at the UI options before you click ok

From the looks of it...both of you appear to be experimenting 🙂

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"Experimenting"? Is that what you call it?  It's called troubleshooting here.  But, whatever.  Do you have anything constructive to contribute or are you just bloviating again?  Personally, I'm assuming the OP is not a child and doesn't need to be talked down to.   Neither do I.  

[RDAOU]

Apologies but I was not addressing you and FWIW I was not talking down to him.  When it is one's first time exploring something one needs to read the instructions and manuals carefully and look closely at the options  before click the big red button!!! That advice is almost on every manual for every piece of equipment or software one buys. There is nothing in that to be touchy about and there is really one workflow for what the OP is trying to do. Everything else falls under experimentation.

PS: On another post you assumed the OP was a child and needs a child safe solution and here you are again making more assumptions...Here is a piece of Constructive advice to you. If you do not want to be looked at as a child, stop acting like one.

[Andre_King]

Sounds like you need to use Shared Coordinates in Revit. Import the Civil DWG, align it to your Revit model (this can be tricky), then rotate north and set up Shared Coordinates in Revit based on known coordinates in the DWG file. At this point you should be able to import export APL points using the Shared Coordinate system.