Revit Tip: Shared Coordinates Workflow for Linked Revit Models

Today’s tip focuses on managing linked Revit models with shared coordinates for predictable alignment across architecture, structure, and MEP.

When to use shared coordinates

• Multiple discipline models that must align to a common site, survey, or campus grid.
• Projects with True North differing from Project North, or with civil survey data.
• Multi-building sites that require consistent export (DWG/IFC/NWC) to real-world coordinates.

Preparation checklist

• Establish a “site master” model (or clean civil DWG linked into a site RVT) as the source of truth.
• Verify survey control: benchmark point, rotation to True North, and coordinate units (project units and angle to True North).
• In all models: reveal and review Internal Origin, Project Base Point (PBP), and Survey Point (SP). Pin what should not move.
• Document a simple alignment strategy in your BIM Execution Plan; see resources from NOVEDGE for team standardization and training.

Establishing shared coordinates

• Link the site master into the building model (Auto - Origin to Origin initially).
• Select the site link, then Manage > Coordinates > Acquire Coordinates to bring the site’s Survey Point into the building model.
• Alternatively, link the building into the site and use Manage > Coordinates > Publish Coordinates to push the site’s coordinates back to the building.
• Set Project North for documentation; rotate True North (Manage > Position > Rotate True North) to match survey azimuth.

Daily practices

• Position links By Shared Coordinates once established. Avoid re-using Auto - Origin to Origin after coordination is live.
• Do not move the Internal Origin. Avoid moving the Survey Point while clipped. Pin the site link and SP.
• For multi-building sites, manage named “Sites” (Manage > Coordinates > Site) and set the appropriate Shared Site per link instance.

QA/QC checks

• Place Spot Coordinates on known control points; confirm northings/eastings and elevations match the survey.
• Use Manage > Coordinates > Report Shared Coordinates to verify transforms between host and link.
• On reload, confirm each link’s Positioning = By Shared Coordinates in Manage Links.

Troubleshooting

• If alignment drifts, Reset Shared Coordinates (Manage > Coordinates > Reset) and re-Acquire/Publish.
• Use Specify Coordinates at Point for a single known control without moving geometry.
• Use Relocate Project sparingly to shift the model relative to the Internal Origin; re-verify all links afterward.

Exports and collaboration

• Export DWG/IFC/NWC using Shared coordinates to maintain civil alignment.
• In cloud worksharing, keep a single site master and republish coordinates after site or building rotations.
• Communicate coordinate changes in issue logs; keep a simple “Coordinate Register” in your project documentation.

Pro tips

• Store a coordination view template that exposes origins, points, and site elements for quick audits.
• Lock grids/levels only after alignment; use Copy/Monitor judiciously to reduce cross-model conflicts.
• Need implementation help or licensing guidance? Explore Autodesk Revit solutions at NOVEDGE and check their insights on the NOVEDGE Blog.

You can find all the Revit products on the NOVEDGE web site at this page.