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File collaboration is the necessary procedure during the construction project. It is not only talking one application. How DWG file can be imported to the Revit Architecture and use the DWG coordinates system? For example, the Site formation is created by AutoCAD Civil 3D and the Designer would like to see the model with the site formation model.

General sequence

1. Revit project file on hand
2. Create new Revit project, import reference dataset (e.g. Land Information Center (LIC) digital map or initial survey map) and register the map
3. Import project file and relocate it
4. Unload reference dataset
5. Export to DWG file
6. Open by AutoCAD Civil 3D and create AC3D object (e.g. grading, corridor...)
7. Reload the file of Revit Architecture

Step 1

• Open Revit Architecture project file

Step 2

• Create new project
• Import reference dataset and select the setting as below picture

Notes: Normally it would move the map to centre-to-centre; because the map is far away the origin in Revit.


Step 3

• Use the command from pull-down-menu (Tools --> Shared Coordinates --> Report Shared Coordinates), and click on map; the coordinates will be shown on the option bar.

Note: As below picture shows it is not true coordinates.

Step 4

• Use Publish Coordinates from pull-down-menu (Tools --> Shared Coordinates --> Publish Coordinates) and click the linked file (e.g. LIC)
• As below dialog box will be prompted, click the Make Current button
• And click OK

Note: After click ok, the linked file will be moved to original DWG coordinates.
Video clip - publish coordinates

Step 5

• Tile two project file (key-in WT)
• Select features what you want to export
• Copy to clipboard (Ctrl+C)

Note: Beware the reference-point in Revit project, it uses for relocating the project file.

Step 6

• Paste from clipboard (Ctrl+V)
• Freely locate the project file first

Note: After paste the object it can use move, rotate or scale the imported objects.

Step 7

• Unload the LIC map from pull-down-menu (File --> Manage Links)

Note: Select Save and click OK when it prompts the dialog box is like the below picture.

Step 8

• Export to CAD from pull-down-menu (File --> Export --> CAD Format)

Video clip - Export and import to AC3D

Step 9

• Go back to AutoCAD Civil 3D

Step 10

• Use xref command
• Select the file which just export by Revit (Step 8)
• And use the setting as below picture

Video clip - Export and import to AC3D

Step 11

• Create grading/ artifical slope by AutoCAD Civil 3D

Step 12

• Go back to Revit Architecture
• Open the Manage links (File --> Manage links)
• Click reload

Video clip - reload linked file

Benefit
The benefit is the Revit model can be located to true coordinates by the command publish coordinates and export the features (eg. project limit) to AutoCAD Civil 3D;  generate the slope according the design and evaluate the project limit of construction.

Visualization
Before doing the visualization in Revit Architecture it need to change the surface to grid in AutoCAD Civil 3D. And reload again in Revit. The linked file is still live. Anytime you can reload the AC3D DWG file when it updated. The surface supports to generate the section in Revit.

Click picture to large