Coordinating civil and architectural designs often involves transferring critical information between different software. This post outlines a streamlined workflow for importing points and coordinates from Autodesk Civil 3D through Point Layout and finally into Revit, ensuring accuracy and minimizing rework.

Step 1: Exporting Points from Civil 3D

First, we need to extract the desired points with their coordinates from Civil 3D.

  1. In your Civil 3D drawing, select the points you want to export.

  2. Navigate to the Output tab on the ribbon.

  3. Click Export Points.

  4. In the Export Points dialog box:

    • Choose your desired point data format (e.g., PNEZD for Point Number, Northing, Easting, Elevation, and Description) and ensure it includes the necessary coordinate information.
    • Select the destination file path and provide a name for your export file (e.g., exported_points.csv or .txt).
    • Click OK to export the point data.

Step 2: Importing Points into Point Layout

Next, we’ll bring the exported point file into Autodesk Point Layout.

  1. Open your project in Autodesk Point Layout.

  2. Navigate to the Point Layout ribbon tab.

  3. Click Import/Export and select Import Points.

    • Browse to your exported point file from Civil 3D.
    • Select the correct file format to match your export (e.g., CSV, TXT).
    • Verify the column order matches the format of your file. You can adjust the order if needed.
    • Choose a point group to import the points into.
    • Click Import.

      In the Import Points dialog:

  5. The imported points should now be visible in your Point Layout project.

Step 3: Exporting Point Layout Points for Revit

Now, we’ll export the points from Point Layout in a format Revit can understand.

  1. In Point Layout, ensure the desired point group is selected.

  2. Go to the Point Layout ribbon tab, click Import/Export, and select Export Points.

  3. In the Export Points dialog:

    • Choose an export format that Revit can import, such as CSV or TXT.
    • Configure the point data format to include at least Northing, Easting, and Elevation. You can also include the Point Number and Description.
    • Specify the destination file path and name (e.g., point_layout_export.csv).
    • Click Export.

Step 4: Importing Points into Revit

Finally, we’ll bring the coordinated points into your Revit model.

  1. Open your project in Autodesk Revit.

  2. Navigate to the Insert tab on the ribbon.

  3. In the Link panel, click CAD.

    • In the Files of type dropdown, select All Files (*.*) or the specific format of your exported file (e.g., *.csv, *.txt).
    • Browse to your exported Point Layout file.
    • Under Positioning, select Auto – Center to Center, Origin, etc.
    • Ensure Place at Level is set to the appropriate level in your Revit model.
    • Uncheck Correct lines that are slightly off-axis.
    • Click Open.

      In the Link CAD Formats dialog:

  5. The point data will be imported as a CAD link. You can now use this linked file to:

    • Snap to the points when modeling elements.
    • Verify coordinates of your Revit model against the civil design.
    • Create Revit points using the linked data if needed (e.g., using Dynamo scripts or add-ins).

Workflow Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively transfer critical point and coordinate data from Civil 3D to Revit via Point Layout. This workflow promotes better coordination between civil and architectural teams, reduces errors, and helps ensure the accuracy of your building information model. Remember to verify your coordinate systems and units throughout the process for a seamless data transfer! If you have any questions about this workflow or any other please feel free to contact us here!