How to Change Elevation Base in Revit?

Adjusting the Elevation Base in Revit

Changing the elevation base within Revit is essential for ensuring that your building model aligns correctly with site conditions. This guide outlines detailed steps on how to adjust the elevation base for your project, as well as offering insights into best practices for managing levels.

Understanding Elevation Base Types

Before making changes, familiarize yourself with the types of elevation bases available in Revit:

1. Project Base Point: This is used to define the base height of your project relative to the site.
2. Survey Point: This refers to a fixed reference point used for geographic and layout purposes, typically more relevant in larger site projects.

Steps to Change the Elevation Base in Revit

Step 1: Access the Level Properties

• Open your project and navigate to a floor plan or 3D view where you can see the levels displayed.
• Locate the level line you wish to modify in the model, and select it by clicking directly on the line.

Step 2: Open the Level Properties

• With the level selected, go to the Properties Palette on the left side of your screen.
• Scroll down until you find the Elevation Base option. This property allows you to set the reference point for the selected level.

Step 3: Modify the Elevation Base

• Click on the drop-down menu next to Elevation Base. Here you can choose from various options:

  1. None: The level has no set elevation base.
  2. Project Base Point: Sets the level relative to the project’s base point.
  3. Survey Point: Establishes the level based on the survey point.
• Select your desired option based on the requirements of your project.

Step 4: Adjust the Elevation Value

• After selecting the appropriate elevation base, enter the desired elevation height in the Elevation field, ensuring it reflects the correct height for your architectural plans.
• Press Enter to apply the change immediately.

Step 5: Verify Changes

• It’s crucial to check that your changes reflect correctly in the 3D views and other relevant views. This ensures the model’s integrity remains intact, aligning with the intended design and project requirements.

Best Practices When Changing Elevation Bases

• Consistent Documentation: Always document any changes made to elevation bases, as they can affect multiple elements within the project.
• Coordinate with Other Disciplines: Ensure that any adjustments you make are communicated with structural and MEP engineers to prevent misalignments.
• Use Temporary Dimensions: Make use of temporary dimensions to visualize spacing and ensure that levels maintain their proper distance from one another.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens If I Change the Elevation Base After Adding Elements?
Changing the elevation base after elements have been added can lead to misalignment. It’s important to review any affected elements and adjust their positions if necessary to maintain the design integrity.

Can I Change Multiple Levels at Once?
Yes, you can do this by selecting multiple levels in the project browser or the drawing area and modifying their properties in the Properties Palette simultaneously.

How Do I Revert Changes to the Elevation Base?
If you need to undo changes to the elevation base, simply go back to the level properties, select the original elevation base, and re-enter the previous elevation value to revert to the prior settings.