Is there a way to find out if Revit origin is moved?

[David125]

When I link a cad file using Auto origin to origin, the center of the cad file appears bottom right of my screen. When I unhide the Projec Base point on my model it showes right in the middle and the Identy Data shows N/S, E/W and elev at 0'0". I created a new model from the out of the box Architectural template, when I linked my cad file it went right to the middle of my revit model. Anything else I can check?

[SteveKStafford]

Using positioning option: Auto - Origin to Origin will import the DWG based on its World Coordinate System origin, aligned with its own Project Base Point. If, for example, you sketch a couple lines starting from the origin and extending in a couple directions to mark it, in the AutoCAD and then link it into Revit with that option you should find those lines at the Project Base Point location when you turn that on or open the Site floor plan view, which already has it visible; along with the Survey Point.

One exception is when the file you are linking has extents that exceed Revit's 20 mile threshold, a warning appears telling you that it will link the file using Auto - Center to Center instead. Did you get such a message while linking the file? If so then you need to examine the AutoCAD file closely to make sure that it doesn't have artifacts far away from the elements you really need to show. This is common with site/survey files and not all that uncommon with architectural/engineering plans either unfortunately. In some cases I've found it necessary to use WBLOCK in AutoCAD to extract just the necessary information and have a file that will respect the Auto-Origin to Origin positioning option.

[David125]

Just to give a little more info, the Autocad file I linked to Revit contained only 2 4' lines that intersect each other at the 0,0 coordinate, there is no other geometry in the cad file that can cause an issue with regards to Revit's 20 mile threshold. It almost seems as if the Project Base Point on my Revit model has been moved.

I'm still perplexed. 

[SteveKStafford]

Well...the origin of most project templates is roughly at the middle of the view, imagine the intersection of those views. When you open the Site floor plan view the Project Base Point and Survey point are located at the origin of the file by default. Is that what you're seeing?

Maybe the screencast will help figure out if we are on the same page?

[David125]

I get your explanation but it doesn't quite answer my question. On any new model I create from a out of the box template, when I link a cad file using auto origin to origin, the cad file falls perfectly int the revit origin. When I bring in the same cad file into my "problem" model, it lands to the bottom left of the revit origin. Its very similar to what would happen on AutoCAD if you change the INSBASE variable to something other than 0,0,0 where any block or reference you insert lands to that specified point being something other than 0,0,0.  Is there a setting on Revit that would dictate where reference files would land on your model? I've uploaded a stripped down version of my model and the cad file I'm using to test it.

[RDAOU]

@David125

The project location or in other words the Project Base Point in your sample project has been moved.

1. Select Base Point
2. UNCLIP IT
3. Right Click the Base point
4. click Move to Startup Location.

This should fix it...it will be where the CAD is being inserted/linked (Revit Internal Origin)

[David125]

That seems to have done the trick, thanks. One other question, forgive me for being a stickler, do you know why the project base does not read N/S=0 and E/W= 0? I thought that start up location would be "0".

[RDAOU · Accepted solution]

@David125

You most probably moved the survey point marker when it was unclipped. If you messed around too much with both points you will lose track

1. First unclip and reset the Base point to Start up (as shown above)
2. Unclip Survey point and reset it to origin ... ie: enter (N:0 and E:0)
3. Reclip Survey Point
4. Then move it to the Project Base Point

This way you will have all 3 points at 0,0,0 (Project Base Point, Survey Point and start up)

If the reply resolved your issue and you are happy with it please mark solution

[David125]

Now I'm totally satisfied, 

Thanks.

[RDAOU]

you are more than welcome 🙂