Logo

Coordinating Survey Point Data with the Revit Model

With Ideate BIMLink, you can improve the accuracy of staked or installed building components by coordinating survey data with the Revit model. Receive the data via a total station or other device from the project site (typically a CSV file), and then import it as nodes in the Revit project by using Ideate BIMLink to create new generic model elements.


Like mass elements, generic model families can be created from an Excel file. Here’s how:


  • Acquire XYZ data from a survey and request an Excel file format with a separate column for X, Y, and Z values.
  • Create a Generic Model family to act as a point node or you can use the family called "IdeatePT.rfa" which is located at C:\Program Files\Ideate\Ideate Software 20xx\Ideate BIMLink\en-US\Samples\By Discipline\Construction Links
  • Place one instance of the Generic Model family in the project using the Workplane option. NOTE: If the element is placed on a wall or floor or other host, it won't be able to be moved later.
Delete a link with Ideate BIMLink
  • Create a link based on the Generic Model category, or use the Sample Link called "Generic_Model-Survey_Pts." Include the Point_X, Point_Y, and Point_Z coordinate properties
  • Export the link data to Excel. Create a new Excel file
  • Copy the X,Y, Z values from the survey data to the corresponding coordinate columns
  • For each new survey point, add the word "NEW" in column A (Id).
  • Import the changes from Excel


RESULTS: A generic model element located at each of the locations specified in the survey. To prevent them from moving, use the Pin tool.

Explore recent posts

Webinar: Enhance Your Revit Workflows with IdeateApps
31 Oct, 2024
VIDEO - TRAINING | Boost your Revit productivity with IdeaEnteApps! Join us to explore Ideate ReNumber, SmartDelete, XRay, and QuickSelect—powerful tools for seamless renumbering, visibility diagnostics, and project navigation.
15@15: Using Ideate ViewCreator to Create Room Views
28 Oct, 2024
VIDEO - TRAINING | Easily create Room Views with Ideate ViewCreator! Speed up batch creation of room-based Revit views and optional sheets through automated elevations and enlarged plans. Boost your Revit productivity with seamless, efficient view creation today.
CA FR: Améliorez vos flux de travail Revit avec IdeateApps
24 Oct, 2024
TRAINING - VIDEO: Maximisez votre productivité dans Revit grâce à IdeateApps et optimisez vos tâches en un rien de temps ! Dans ce webinaire, découvrez comment Ideate ReNumber facilite la renumérotation rapide, comment, Ideate SmartDelete vous aide à mieux comprendre les relations entre les éléments avant suppression, et comment, Ideate XRay vous permet de diagnostiquer instantanément les éléments invisibles dans Revit. Et plus encore !
UK 15@15: Understanding the Language of Revit Warnings with Ideate Explorer
24 Oct, 2024
TRAINING - VIDEO | Want to master Revit warnings? In just 15 minutes, learn how to use Ideate Explorer’s Warnings Manager to manage them quickly and effectively.
Show More
Share by: