The project base point is one of the most important elements in Revit because it defines the origin (0,0,0) of the project coordinate system.
It serves as a reference point for taking measurements throughout the site, as well as for aligning and positioning the model for teams.
In this blog post, you will learn how to set it up, how to make it visible on plans, and the benefits of understanding different elements of the coordinate system.
Setting Up the Project Base Point
Details: How to set up the project base point in Revit.
For complex and large projects, we move the project base point to an intersection of grid lines, while for more private or smaller projects, we place it on a corner of the building.
Step 1 – Open the Site Plan View
The project base point is usually visible only in the site plan view, which is a 2D view that shows the model in relation to the site boundaries and other elements.
To open the site plan view, go to the Project Browser, expand the Floor Plans (Site Plan) category, and double-click on the Site view.
Step 2 – Unhide site elements
In Revit 2024, site points (base and survey) are hidden by default. To unhide them:
- Go to the View tab > Graphics panel > click Visibility /Graphics.
- In the Model Categories tab, expand the Site category.
- Check the visibility box of the Project Base Point.
- Click OK.
Learn more about unhiding elements
Step 3 – Move the point to place
The project base point is represented by a blue circle with a cross inside, and it is located in the center of the view by default.
You can move it either by clicking and dragging it with the mouse, or by selecting the base point and entering the coordinates in the Properties palette.
Step 4 – Pin the project base point (Optional)
Select the point > go to the Modify | Project Base Point tab > Modify panel, and then click the pin icon. This ensures that the point does not move as you continue to work on the project.
✨ Tip: If you’re working with others on the same project file and want to use it as a reference point for everyone, work as a team to decide the best location for the point before you start the project.
Benefits
By using the project base point correctly, you can:
1. Measure distances and angles from a consistent reference point across the site.
2. Align and position the model with other files or real-world locations, such as CAD drawings, GIS data, or survey points.
3. The setting of the angle to true north is the same as the use of the Rotate True North tool.
4. Facilitates the collaboration and coordination between different disciplines by ensuring that everyone is using the same coordinate system and units.
Visibility
If the project base point may not be visible in the site plan view, or in any other view.
This can happen for various reasons:
1. Hidden by a filter, a workset, or a visibility setting.
2. Outside the view range or the crop region of the view.
3. Moved far away from the model or the origin (Zoom to extents).
To make the project base point visible again, use the Reveal Hidden Elements tool on the View Control Bar or reset other view settings.
You can also move the point back to the internal origin (a center point that never changes in any project) by selecting it and clicking Move to Internal Origin.
Project Base Point vs Survey Point
The project base point is not the only element that represents coordinates. There is also the survey point, represented by a blue triangle. Both points can work together as a shared coordinate system. Table 1 shows how they are different and what they have in common.
The project base point allows you to measure and position your model within the site, while the survey point is used to link and geo-reference your model to other files and the real world.
| Project Base Point | Survey Point |
|---|---|
| A blue crossed circle. | A blue crossed triangle. |
| Defines the origin (0,0,0) of the project’s coordinate system. | Defines the origin of the survey coordinate system. |
| Measure and position model elements. | Link and reference model to other files or real world locations. |
| Move, rotate, and pin. | Move, clip, and pin. |
Knowing how to use the Project Base Point in Revit allows you to coordinate multiple projects across disciplines and teams.
Mohamed Fakhry has helped thousands of architects and designers find their next project with step-by-step guidance on his blog, mashyo.com. About Mohamed
His journey began during his university years when he recognized the need for information-rich 3D models to accelerate learning and improve production processes. Now, Mohamed shares his expertise through Revit tutorials that are accessible to all.
