Differences and Applications of Revit Project Base Points and Survey Points
In most cases, users rarely adjust the project base point in Revit. However, it becomes especially useful when designing building communities or working with angled grids. The project base point functions relative to the survey point. Let’s explore the differences and specific uses of these two points in Revit:
1. Displaying Project Base Points and Survey Points:
First, go to View > Visibility/Graphics.
Under the Building category, locate and enable both the survey points and project base points.
Note: Even if you select the entire category, subcategories won’t be automatically selected. You must expand and check them individually.
2. Differences Between Project Base Point and Survey Point:
Once enabled, two additional blue symbols will appear: a circular icon representing the project base point and a triangular icon representing the survey point. Typically, these two overlap when starting a new project.
Project Base Point: This serves as the origin of the project’s reference coordinate system. Moving the project base point will shift the entire model accordingly.
Survey Point: This defines a fixed measurement coordinate in the global coordinate system. It’s primarily used to control the building boundary and to establish the absolute position of the project base point.
3. Modifying the Project Base Point:
Usually, the survey point can be modified directly. However, if you try to move the project base point, the entire project shifts along with it. Some users may find this confusing during the project’s progress.
The solution is simple: select the project base point and click the paperclip icon to unclip it. Once unclipped, you can freely adjust its position.
You can also set the distance, angle, and elevation between the project base point and the survey point.
These changes won’t significantly affect the current view because the view is based on Project North as a reference.
At this stage, the viewing direction is aligned with Survey Point North, which is especially helpful when working with angled grids.
4. Positioning Linked Models:
Beyond these functions, the project base point plays a crucial role when merging models or importing linked files.
When importing a linked file, you can choose the positioning method—automatic or manual—based on either the Project Base Point or the Survey Point Origin.
Related Skills:
How to Solve the Issue of Missing Project Base Points and Survey Points in Revit
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