Starting a project as a Civil 3D user - am I doing this correctly?

[m_kingdon]

Hi all,

Apologies for my basic knowledge.  I am a Civil 3D user trying to learn Revit.  I am trying to understand how Revit projects are setup and how I can coordinate data from my Civil 3D side.

Steps I did in Civil 3D

1. I used the "Export Shared Reference Points for Autodesk Revit" and specified two points on the south side of the lot boundary that I downloaded from GIS, exported IMX file.
2. I saved the lot boundary as a separate dwg with coordinates system specified.
3. I uploaded the EG surface via the "Publish Surfaces" command via the cloud.

Steps I did in Revit

1. I used "Insert>Import CAD" to import the lot boundary
2. I used "Manage>Location" reference and imported the IMX, clicked on the two points on the south side of the lot boundary from imported CAD
3. I used "Insert>Link Topography" and selected the surface from the cloud.
4. I added a Section and changed the elevation and selecting everything and filtering the selection to show levels only, then change level to suit surface

Is this the correct workflow for setting up a project?

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[barthbradley]

I've never used that workflow, but are you happy with the results?  I can't tell.  

[m_kingdon]

It seems to be working well.  Although I find changing the level of the project a bit difficult (I have to select everything, filter results to only include levels, then enter a level that suits the terrain).  In Civil 3D I am used to having objects reference a surface rather than just float at a set elevation.

I guess my question is, what is a normal workflow for starting a project in Revit?  And how do users normally import real world data?

[barthbradley · Accepted solution]

In your case, I'd put all the site info/topo in a separate project from the building model project and then Link the building to the site project, move the entire building into the correct orientation and elevation relative to the physical site and then record its position via Publish Coordinates.  Don't make any changes to the building model levels.  

...once the building model and site are shared (via Publish Coordinates), you can Link the site into the building model as well. Insert it By Shared Coordinates and it will land in the building model project exactly where it should in relationship to the building.  

[m_kingdon]

Cheers very much for your help.  I think I am beginning to understand how Revit works and how projects are set up.