Use coordination models

Step-by-step guide

A coordination model can be inserted from Navisworks into Revit to coordinate a design with the work of teams who use different software. Coordination models are lightweight files that provide context for the Revit model, as well as allow the cross-checking of various disciplines with the design.

To insert a coordination model:

1. In Revit, on the ribbon, Insert tab, click Link.
2. Expand Coordination Model and choose the source of the model.

3. In the Select File dialog box, select the appropriate .nwd or .nwc file.
4. Click Open.

The coordination model displays in the current view, surrounded by a bounding box. In Revit, a coordination model is a single model element, so it displays in all views.

Next, pin the coordination model in place, so it is not accidentally repositioned while working:

5. With the coordination model selected, from the ribbon, Modify | Coordination Model tab, expand the Modify panel.
6. Select Pin.

To control the display of coordination models, use the Visibility and Graphics dialog box:

7. From the View tab, expand the Graphics panel.
8. Select Visibility/Graphics.

9. In the dialog box, open the Coordination Models tab.
10. Under Visibility, select the model you want to adjust.
11. In the adjacent cell of the Projection/Surface and Transparency column, select Override.

12. In the Surfaces dialog box, for this example, adjust the Transparency using the slider.

13. Click OK.
14. In the Visibility/Graphics dialog box, click Apply.
15. Click OK.

Multiple instances of a coordination model can be created to add context to the design.

16. On the Modify tab, expand the Coordination panel.
17. Select Manage Links.
18. In the Manage Links dialog box, Coordination Model tab, select the model from which to create another instance.
19. Expand Place Instance and select Origin to Internal Origin to align the origin of the coordination model with the internal origin of the Revit model, or select Shared Coordinates to align the models based on shared coordinates.

Note the additional options to Reload, Unload, or Remove links from the model as needed.

20. Click OK.

Loading the updated coordination model regularly, such as weekly, minimizes the risk of clashes. This practice can expedite the design process and reduce the need to make changes, saving time and money for the entire design team.