Revit

How to Move Internal Origin in Revit?

Understanding the Internal Origin in Revit

The internal origin serves as a fundamental reference point within Revit’s coordinate system. This designated point is crucial for the accurate placement of all model components, providing a consistent framework for navigation and measurements in the design process. It is important to note that the internal origin itself cannot be physically moved.

Steps to Manage the Project Base Point

To alter the project coordinates effectively, you can work with the Project Base Point, which allows you to define the location in relation to the internal origin. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to move the project base point, allowing for the internal origin to play its role correctly:

  1. Unclip the Project Base Point:

    • Navigate to the site plan view where the project base point is visible.
    • Select the project base point and click the "Unclip" button. This action enables the base point to be repositioned freely without affecting the building or other elements.
  2. Reposition the Project Base Point:

    • Click and drag the project base point to your desired location. For clarity, it can be helpful to position it at a landmark in your project, such as the corner of a building or a coordinate that aligns with site data.
  3. Lock the Project Base Point (Optional):
    • To prevent any accidental movement in the future, it’s advisable to pin the project base point in its new position. Go to the Modify tab, and click on "Pin" to ensure it stays fixed in place.

Returning the Project Base Point to the Internal Origin

If you decide to revert the project base point back to the original internal origin, follow these steps:

  1. Select the Project Base Point: Ensure you are in a suitable view (e.g., site plan) where the base point can be easily selected.

  2. Unclip and Move:
    • Unclip the project base point once again if it is still clipped.
    • Right-click on the project base point and choose "Move to Startup Location". This action resets its position to the internal origin.

Adjusting the Coordinate System in Revit

When you are looking to integrate other data sets or files, managing the overall coordinate system is critical:

  1. Display Coordinate Points:

    • To ensure you have a clear understanding of your existing coordinative elements, enable the visibility of the Project Base Point and Survey Point through the Visibility/Graphics settings.
  2. Specify Coordinates at a Point:

    • Go to the Manage tab, navigate to the Project Location panel, and select "Coordinates".
    • From the drop-down menu, choose "Specify Coordinates at Point". Then, click on the model to designate a reference point and input the necessary values.
  3. Synchronizing with External Files:
    • If working with a geo-referenced file, ensure that your coordinates are set correctly before merging data. The option to acquire coordinates from linked CAD files can be instrumental in keeping everything aligned.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I relocate the internal origin directly?
No, the internal origin’s position is fixed and cannot be altered. However, you can adjust the Project Base Point to help navigate and position your model concerning it.

2. What happens when I use ‘Move to Startup Location’?
Using ‘Move to Startup Location’ resets the Project Base Point to its initial position at the internal origin, providing a clean slate from which to work.

3. How can I hide the internal origin in my views?
If you wish to hide the internal origin in your project views, you can do so by accessing the Visibility/Graphics settings and turning off the Internal Origin subcategory under the Site category.

These steps and considerations provide a comprehensive guide for navigating the internal origin and project base point within Revit, enhancing your modeling accuracy and efficiency.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.