What are Shared Coordinates and why are they important?
A Shared Coordinate System in Revit is the common coordinate system that aligns multiple software in the same XYZ world coordinate system. This commonality allows models & drawings to overlay on top of each other in a common file format. Some common formats are .RVT for Revit models, .DWG for AutoCAD drawings, .NWC for Navisworks, and.IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) for general 3D model coordination across multiple platforms.
How are Shared Coordinates typically used?
Shared coordinates are often used to coordinate drawings in different formats. One common use is between Revit and AutoCAD. In order for drawings exported out of Revit to align on top of AutoCAD drawings is through the proper setup of Shared Coordinates.
Shared Coordinates can be very challenging to understand. What other methods are available to align Revit models?
There are a three predominant ways to set up and align Revit models.
- Origin to Origin
- Project base point to Project base point
- Shared Coordinates
While the center to center method is available, it is not a recommended method for aligning models since the center of a model can be changed if the extents of the model changed.
Which method should I use for my project?
In general, if projects do not require coordination with other Revit models, if they do not require site coordination or survey, then using the Origin or Project Base Point is acceptable. For example, this would be appropriate for an interior renovation project, also called "tenant improvement", also called "fit-out" depending which country you're from. When a model requires coordination with other Revit models, whether internal or external to your company, and or with other software such as CAD, Microstation, Navisworks, and or if a survey is required to locate the building in a real world context, then using Shared Coordinates would be most appropriate.
How to Set Up Shared Coordinates
Click the following links to learn how to set up Shared Coordinates on your model.
How to set up Shared Coordinates - Scenario 1 - Fresh Model
How to set up Shared Coordinates - Scenario 2 - Existing Model
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