[JMARCHITECTS BIM PROTOCOL] September 10, 2015

2.3 Shared Coordinates.

Responsibility : BIM Coordinator Skill Level : Intermediate / Advanced

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Shared coordinates allow members of the design team to accurately locate their projects in line with each other. This makes
linking the files easier in both Revit and Navisworks and also ensures that the correct global coordinates are being used by all
members of the team. Shared coordinates can be obtained in two ways either by Publishing to or Acquiring from a linked
file.

2.3.1 Publishing Shared Coordinates.

Shared coordinates should only be Published when you are the author of the file that they are being published to.

Start by opening your source file (A) often this will be your site file but it can be any file that has been correctly
located globally.
Link in the file that you wish to publish the Shared Coordinates to using the Center-Center location option (B).
Move the linked file to correctly align with (A) both in plan and elevation, this is generally easiest done using the
project grid and levels (if required).
Once located go to the Manage > Project Location > Coordinates > Publish Coordinates
Select the linked file (B).
In the Location Weather Site dialogue box select Internal (Current) and click OK
Go to Insert > Links > Manage Links and select the linked file. Click the Save Positions button in the bottom right
hand corner.
Close the site file (A). Open the linked file (B) and check that the coordinates have updated correctly. If your survey
base point was located at 0,0,0 it will likely now be a long way from your building model this is exactly as it should
be, you can unclip it and move it if you wish.
The Project Base Point should remain unchanged in terms of its location but its coordinates should have updated to
match the global location. This will still be your origin for any Project coordinates.

2.3.2 Acquiring Shared Coordinates.

If you have received a model from another consultant that has already been set out to global coordinates then use this
option.

Open the file that you want to set to the shared coordinate system (A) and Link in the model that has the correct
coordinate system set up (B). As with 2.3.1 use Center-Center positioning.
Move the linked file (B) to align with main model (A) in both plan and elevation.
Once located go to the Manage > Project Location > Coordinates > Acquire Coordinates
Select the Linked File (B).
The Project Base Point should remain unchanged in terms of its location but its coordinates should have updated to
match the global location. This will still be your origin for any Project coordinates.
Save or sync Main File (A).

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2.3.3 Re-Acquiring Shared Coordinates.

It should be noted that Acquiring Shared coordinates currently appears to be a one-time only operation. Currently awaiting
feedback from Autodesk on their intended workflow for this tool.

Until such times as this matter is resolved it is suggested that coordinates are Shared using the Publish rather than Acquire.

2.3.4 Shared Coordinates for Multiple Sites.

To be completed.

2.3.5 Publishing Shared Coordinates from Project Site file.

This section is essentially the same as 2.3.1 but is intended for use by other consultants who need to obtain the Shared
Coordinates for their model.

The project site file should be set up to include the Revit files from all consultants. Any changes to the building location on
the site should apply to all these linked models. The links should just be kept as overlay. Any changes to the building
location will necessitate the reissuing of the Project Site file.

Procedure for external consultants.

Open the Project Site file (A) directly. Ignore any unresolved links.
Go to Insert > Link > Manage Links
Select the appropriate linked file for your discipline the file name should be consistent with your last file Shared via
the CDE.
Click on Reload From.
Browse to the location of your current Revit file (B) and select it. Click Open followed by OK. Your current file (B)
should now be loaded in in the correct location.
Unload all other Linked files (this will ensure you do not select the wrong link in the next stage).
Go to Manage > Project Location > Coordinates > Publish Coordinates and click on your linked file.
Go to Insert > Link > Manage Links, select your linked file and click Save Position followed by Save
Close the file.
Open your Project File (B). Check shared coordinates of primary grid lines to ensure project has been updated
correctly.

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