Stop Wondering and Start Coordinating – A Look at The Revit Coordinate System

I have had the pleasure of presenting information related to the Revit Coordinate System to several Revit Users Groups recently. The response has been very well received and, in fact, I've had a number of follow-up questions from customers regarding coordinate system workflows and "what if" scenarios. So with this in mind, the team and I decided it would be beneficial to post some of what I've had the pleasure of covering with these groups.

The specific presentation I want to share with you was put together for the May Seattle Revit User Group (SEA RUG) after receiving many technical support questions from customers who had issues aligning consultant models or needed more information on how the Revit Coordinate system compares to the AutoCAD coordinate system. Check out this video and learn more about the Revit Coordinate System and how to coordinate your models internally with your team, or externally with your consultants: A look at the Revit Coordinate System.

If you'd like a closer look at some of the datasets from the video, including the exercise of moving the Survey Point and Project Base Point, you may download the ZIP file here (Revit 2016 format).

I would also encourage you to check out my video: Resetting Shared Coordinates.

And if you find yourself curious about our Revit User Groups, visit our Ideate, Inc. events page and consider joining us next time.

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Sash Kazeminejad
AEC Senior Application Specialist 
Sash brings proficiency in Autodesk solutions including AutoCAD and Revit Architecture to Ideate customers. His industry experience includes project management, BIM Management, and design for Architectural firms in California, Montana and Oregon. He is LEED accredited professional and is on track to achieve California licensure with Oregon to follow. In his academic life, Sash was awarded a variety of college scholarships, earned a BA in Environmental Design, a MA in Architecture from Montana State University (MSU) and taught Building Information Modeling courses at MSU Gallatin College. As a Revit Architecture Autodesk Certified Instructor, Sash provides Revit Architecture training and support for AEC firms. Find him on twitter. 

Revit Coordinate System: Project Base Point Versus Origin Point

I recently had the privilege of presenting at a few Revit User Groups in the Bay Area. The subject? The Revit Coordinate System! 

There is a lot of information out there on the Revit Coordinate System, but if you are not actively setting up models for coordination, it is easy to forget what it is about and how it works. Even sifting through the how-to’s can be quite complex. You really have to get your hands dirty and play around with the coordinate system in order to get a fundamental handle on how it works.

We will be publishing a series of blog posts that go through the Revit Coordinate System basics and tie everything together by assembling a workflow that satisfies most disciplines working together on a project.

To start things off, I figured it would be a good idea to chat about the Project Base Point versus the Origin Point. Why start here? Because when linking in files, we tend to pick the Origin to Origin option, hoping that models line up at the Project Base Point. But when they do not, we start questioning whether the models were properly set up to start with or whether we have an understanding of how the Revit Coordinate System actually works.

Dive-in now by watching my first video on the topic, Revit 2016 Coordinate System: Project Base Point Versus Origin Point.

For more information on training and consulting for the various products Ideate services, visit our website.

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Sash Kazeminejad
AEC Senior Application Specialist 
Sash brings proficiency in Autodesk solutions including AutoCAD and Revit Architecture to Ideate customers. His industry experience includes project management, BIM Management, and design for Architectural firms in California, Montana and Oregon. He is LEED accredited professional and is on track to achieve California licensure with Oregon to follow. In his academic life, Sash was awarded a variety of college scholarships, earned a BA in Environmental Design, a MA in Architecture from Montana State University (MSU) and taught Building Information Modeling courses at MSU Gallatin College. As a Revit Architecture Autodesk Certified Instructor, Sash provides Revit Architecture training and support for AEC firms. Find him on twitter. 

Upcoming Revit User Groups: Real–time Project Collaboration with Bluebeam Studio

Revit User Groups: Interested in enhancing project collaboration in real–time? Join us to learn how Revu’s integrated cloud solution, Bluebeam Studio, can host virtual meetings that enable remote project partners from across the globe to collaborate online in real time. Watch us demonstrate how project teams can collaborate on the fly via Studio Sessions, where multiple users can redline a single copy of the same PDF together in real time or separately on their own time from a desktop, tablet PC or an iPad.

Pre-Presentation Lunch & Networking
            ...Provided by Ideate...
            11:30 AM - 12:00 PM


July 14th :: East Bay
Real–time Project Collaboration
with Bluebeam Studio
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

AIA EAST BAY
1405 Clay Street
Oakland, CA 94612

Register Here!

July 15th :: San Francisco
Real–time Project Collaboration
with Bluebeam Studio
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

AIA SAN FRANCISCO
130 Sutter Street
Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94104

Register Here!

July 16th :: Sacramento
Real–time Project Collaboration
with Bluebeam Studio
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

AIA CENTRAL VALLEY
1400 S Street
Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95814

Register Here!

About the Presenter

Nick Decker

Nick Decker has over five years of experience in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. As an Industry Specialist for Bluebeam Software, Nick helps companies build streamlined workflows and develop cost–saving strategies by leveraging technology to remove pain points.

Prior to his role at Bluebeam, Nick held positions in which he participated in all phases of the building lifecycle: design, estimation, scheduling, pre–construction, project management and closeout, which included pre–construction of a clean–coal plant and overseeing the closeout of a Super Bowl host site.

During his time in the field, Nick developed a passion for improving historically paper–intensive processes using digital solutions. His ability to identify promising solutions and provide effective training helped accelerate adoption timelines and learning curves, ultimately saving his clients both time and resources. Nick received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Purdue University.


Visit us on the web for more on Ideate, Inc. events.

Upcoming Revit User Group's : Revit Models & Metal Studs. What Could Go Wrong?

Revit User Groups: This discussion will cover tips and tricks for Revit compatibility with stud framing Add Ins, Wall family do’s and dont’s, and why doors families are always trouble, among other topics.

Pre-Presentation Lunch & Networking
            ...Provided by Ideate...
            11:30 AM - 12:00 PM


June 10th :: San Francisco
Revit Models & Metal Studs.
What could go wrong?
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

AIA SAN FRANCISCO
130 Sutter Street
Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94104

Register Here!

June 16th :: East Bay
Revit Models & Metal Studs.
What could go wrong?
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

AIA EAST BAY
1405 Clay Street
Oakland, CA 94612

Register Here!

June 24th :: Redwood Empire
Revit Models & Metal Studs.
What could go wrong?
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

TLCD Architecture
111 Santa Rosa Avenue
Suite 300
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Register Here!

About the Presenter

Nicholas Grage
BIM Consultant

Nicholas Grage is a BIM Consultant with expertise in construction management and pre-construction for large commercial construction projects. With 14 metal stud modeling projects completed in the last four years, Nicholas has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of modeling, interfacing with design models, and modeling to existing conditions. Over the last several years Nicholas has focused primarily on IPD hospital projects, tackling the complex challenges that come with them.


Visit us on the web for more on Ideate, Inc. events.

       

3D Scanning Applications in BIM - Revit User Groups

3D Scanning Applications in BIM
This presentation will be and overview of the current applications of 3D scanning technology as it relates to as-built data collection, collaboration, and BIM processes.
Who Should Attend 
Anyone who works on the project team will benefit from the information including Superintendents, Project Engineers, Project Managers, Pre-Construction Professionals, VDC Managers, BIM Managers, etc. 

Lunch provided by Ideate.
11:30 am - 12:00 pm: Lunch & Networking
12:00 - 1:00: Presentation

Oakland: March 11th 2014 - 11:30am to 1:00pm 
AIA East Bay | 1405 Clay Street | Oakland, CA 94612 
Register Online  

San Francisco: March 12, 2014 - 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
AIA San Francisco | 130 Sutter St., Suite 600 | San Francisco, CA 94104  
Register Online 

Sacramento: March 18th 2014 - 11:30am to 1:00 pm 
AIA Central Valley | 1400 S Street, Suite 100 | Sacramento, CA 95814
Register Online

About the Presenter 
Jordan Banning leads the Construction Technology Department at CSDS Inc. He has extensive experience in Model-Based Layout as well as 3D Scanning and Data Processing. Jordan works on multiple projects on a daily basis across all disciplines, including healthcare, light commercial, heavy commercial, and civil applications. With a broad understanding of applications of 3D Technology in the Architecture, Engineering, and MEP trades, Jordan assists clients with implementation and integration within their respective trades. Jordan holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Sacramento State University and is currently working on CDT Certification from the Construction Specifications Institute.

SF Revit User Group - Advanced Techniques for Managing Building Data in Autodesk Revit

The collection and management of building data, including the requirements for rooms, equipment, and other needs, as it evolves from early design through construction documentation and as a basis for facility management, can be enhanced through advanced techniques in Autodesk Revit software. This includes linking to an external data source, automating the creation of areas and rooms, creating room data sheets, and other graphic and non-graphic processes that complement BIM. This class covers basic database theory, the structure of objects and their relation to data management, and Revit techniques for implementing this general theory in actual projects. We will also discuss third-party software and customizations, and how they are used to further advance these processes. The class goes beyond learning Revit commands and looks at the underlying information requirements of emerging integration in project delivery.

This is a repeat of a class presented at Autodesk University in December of last year.

Who Should Attend 
The class will be of interest to AEC industry professionals and software developers who are concerned with how information is managed. The topics are fairly advanced and theoretical, not focused on learning Revit commands.

When
February 12th 2014 - 11:30am - 1:00pm 

Where
AIA San Francisco
130 Sutter St. Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94104 

Register Now!

About the Presenter 
Mario Guttman, AIA, LEED AP, is a Senior Design Technology Specialist with CASE, a consultancy that provides technology-driven process innovation to the AECO industry. In this role he is engaged in research and development of work processes and software, and their application to design practice.

Mario holds degrees in mathematics and architecture, and is a licensed architect who has practiced for over 30 years. He has also worked in software development, computer-aided facility management, and construction. He is an active participant in industry standards organizations, and a frequent speaker in support of Building Information Modeling and Integrated Project Delivery. His recent work has focused on strategies for engaging users, overcoming their objections, and providing solutions to the difficulties they encounter. He is an avid computer programmer, using rapid prototyping strategies to promote best practice and advanced design capability, and to provide direct value to projects.

East Bay Revit User Group - Advanced Techniques for Managing Building Data in Autodesk Revit

The collection and management of building data, including the requirements for rooms, equipment, and other needs, as it evolves from early design through construction documentation and as a basis for facility management, can be enhanced through advanced techniques in Autodesk Revit software. This includes linking to an external data source, automating the creation of areas and rooms, creating room data sheets, and other graphic and non-graphic processes that complement BIM. This class covers basic database theory, the structure of objects and their relation to data management, and Revit techniques for implementing this general theory in actual projects. We will also discuss third-party software and customizations, and how they are used to further advance these processes. The class goes beyond learning Revit commands and looks at the underlying information requirements of emerging integration in project delivery.

This is a repeat of a class presented at Autodesk University in December of last year.

Who Should Attend 
The class will be of interest to AEC industry professionals and software developers who are concerned with how information is managed. The topics are fairly advanced and theoretical, not focused on learning Revit commands.

When
February 11th 2014 - 11:30am - 1:00pm 

Where
AIA East Bay
1405 Clay Street
Oakland, CA 94612 

Register Now!

About the Presenter 
Mario Guttman, AIA, LEED AP, is a Senior Design Technology Specialist with CASE, a consultancy that provides technology-driven process innovation to the AECO industry. In this role he is engaged in research and development of work processes and software, and their application to design practice.

Mario holds degrees in mathematics and architecture, and is a licensed architect who has practiced for over 30 years. He has also worked in software development, computer-aided facility management, and construction. He is an active participant in industry standards organizations, and a frequent speaker in support of Building Information Modeling and Integrated Project Delivery. His recent work has focused on strategies for engaging users, overcoming their objections, and providing solutions to the difficulties they encounter. He is an avid computer programmer, using rapid prototyping strategies to promote best practice and advanced design capability, and to provide direct value to projects.

Imperial and Metric Dimensions in the Same Revit View

You may be provided with an as built drawing where the units are unfamiliar. Projects in Germany used meters, in France centimeters and in Britain millimeters and you are most comfortable using imperial units. It might be helpful to have multiple dimension types so you can see both units and you client in Germany can relate to the dimensions shown.

You can enter a value for units in the temporary dimension to change the dimension. Select the object you want to move, click on the temporary dimension and enter your value. If your file units are imperial and you want 15' – 0" you would enter 15 and the units are implied.

If the as built were metric, you can enter metric units. If you want to enter metric units you can enter the value with an appended unit (5m - or 500cm or 5000mm) to make the change.

Before.

After.

It would be helpful to have a dimension that reports on the alternate units. Select the imperial dimension style, on the properties palette click Edit > Duplicate. Add – Meters after the name.

Under the Text tab, change to the values shown and click OK twice to exit.

You now have imperial and metric dimension style types and you can select a dimension and change the type as needed. You can work with both for entry of values and see your dimensions in imperial and metric.

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Jim Cowan
Ideate AEC Application Specialist
Jim Cowan’s extensive AEC design industry experience and Autodesk design solutions expertise have made him a sought after university curriculum developer, instructor and presenter. Jim’s areas of expertise include interoperability between solutions and overcoming barriers to the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM). Educated in Architecture at Edinburgh College of Art/Heriot-Watt University and in Landscape Architecture at University of Manitoba, Jim has special focus on sustainability issues: daylight analysis, sun studies, lighting analysis, modeling buildings and conceptual energy modeling (models with shading devices). YouTube Channel: MrJimCowan

Get it. Know it. Use it.

Ideate Health Check - QC for Your BIM

Derek Wielkopolski and I spent Wednesday, February 17th meeting with 100+ architects, engineers, and contractors at the Seattle Revit User’s Group (SEARUG) presenting information about Quality Control for Building Information Models. It’s been on our minds a lot lately as our customers are trying to stay on top of increasingly sophisticated models, often with reduced team sizes. As our Support Manager, Derek and the Ideate Technical Team review and troubleshoot large Revit models every day. We went to SEARUG to share some of the tools and strategies we implement as part of our Ideate Health Check Service. Below is a summary of our presentation.

Whether prompted by the AIA’s E202 BIM Model Protocol document, COBie2, or the GSA, or simply from owner expectations, our customers are recognizing the need to bump up the quality of their BIM deliverables and Ideate has responded by offering the Ideate Health Check. As part of the Ideate Health Check Service, our team works together to audit Revit file(s) either at the Design Development Phase or after a project has been completed. We provide feedback (quantitative and qualitative) for improving the model from both a performance and a quality standpoint. Our goal is to educate customers on how to build cleaner, quicker, and higher quality models for subsequent Revit projects.

Our frontline tool for assessing model integrity is Ideate Explorer for Revit, which we use to quickly scan project files for anomalies. We liken this level of review to the routine check by doctors for blood pressure; sometimes this simple check can reveal a tremendous amount about a project’s “health.” With Ideate Explorer, we start by specifically looking at some of the items that cannot be reviewed within the Revit Project Browser such as:

· How many CAD Imports (and repeat instances) are there?
· Has the Group>Array option been used extensively?
· How many Detail Lines are there (this can sometimes point to CAD Imports that have been exploded)?
· How are Groups being used (how many instances per each group)?

In addition to the basic items above we find that we are always surprised what this simple Audit can reveal about a project. As you get into the habit of reviewing every project it becomes very easy to spot items that are worth investigating further. Recent examples include these “AHA!” moments: Why are there 7,000+ Ceilings in such a small building? Why are there 100s of JPGs in this project? Why are there 5,000+ Reference Planes? Each of these findings represents an opportunity to sit down with staff and discuss modeling best practices!

What’s going on here with these 91,000 Detail Lines...



Next week we’ll post additional information from our presentation, including details on how we are using Autodesk’s Model Review, and Ideate BIMLink as part of our Ideate Health Check.

Is your project feeling a little under the weather? Contact Ideate, Inc. about a Health Check: 888.662.7238 or consulting@ideateinc.com.

Glynnis Patterson,
N.C.A.R.B. – Director of Services
Glynnis is a Registered Architect and has worked within the BIM industry since 1998. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, she has worked as an architect, educator and construction site manager. Glynnis is currently the Director of Development Services at Ideate, Inc. and continues to work with AEC clients across the nation, developing, and implementing best practices solutions. In her spare time Glynnis is a member of the Morristown Environmental Commission and builds Lego projects.

Get it. Know it. Use it.

Bob Palioca, @IdeateInc President, talks about events and community. @aiasf #SFRUG

We received an inquiry about the upcoming San Francisco Revit User Group and wanted to share a little insight on this, and other, Ideate events.

Q: Can you explain how your guest presentation by Stuart Cohen will relate to BIM/Revit? I was a long-time member of the [- -] RUG and have recently moved to San Francisco. [- -] RUG meetings were typically hosted by an AEC firm one evening every month. Local software vendors would provide some pizza and drinks. A couple of people from the AEC firm would present their current work and talk about software and workflow issues particular to their projects. Additionally there would often be another volunteer presenter who showed some tips or gave a tutorial on how to use some advanced features of Revit, or solve technical issues.

A: I wanted to personally answer the question about this month's San Francisco Revit User Group. The reason I have encouraged working with Transform is that I expect Ideate to lead beyond the products and processes we deal with on a day-to-day basis. We make connections with the greater issues our customers live in.

Here are a few links to learn about who we are connecting our community with at the February event:

> A bit about the Stuart Cohen, the speaker
> The basics of the TransForm organization
> The innovative certification process
> Key people and agencies linked to TransForm

Part of the value that we at Ideate bring to our community is "thought leadership”. Many times that will mean going beyond the project, model or BIM process and providing access to larger, more provoking discussions that are relevant in our communities. And as "information" for BIM matures, we will all be able to form a more tangible connection, driving more value for our mutual communities.

One reason that we are especially pleased to have Stuart join us for this event is because it is a key issue in all of our communities. And even though this particular event is being held in San Francisco, we challenge ourselves to work with similar organizations in San Jose, Sacramento, Portland and Seattle. Our events throughout the region are a way for us to serve our AEC community and provide value beyond just picks-and-clicks.

My goal is that once per quarter we continue to raise the bar with thought-provoking subjects that will help us to build strong links and strong communities. We will also continue with our core user groups that focus on AEC firm work, software and workflow issues.

Look forward to seeing you on February 9.

- Bob Palioca, President

Thank you, Bob. (We subsequently asked the writer who submitted the question to present at an upcoming user group. We'll keep you posted!)

Get It. Know It. Use It.