SET TRUE NORTH

Simple steps to create True North.

• 1. Draw ref plane from Project Base Point along project north boundary

  2. (i.e. vertical up screen). Label it "Project North".

  3. Insert survey CAD plan or image from Google maps (as screen dump).

  4. Rotate and move so desired project north of CAD file or image matches ref plane "Project North".

  5. Draw ref plane along CAD file North point, or along side of image that matches true North.

  6. Label it "True North". Move whole ref plane so one end of ref plane is at Project Base Point.

  7. Make current view parameter Orientation "True North"

  8. From menu: Manage > Position > Rotate True North.

  9. Rotate from "True North" reference plane to "Project North" reference plane.

  10. (i.e. pick "True North" then "Project North").

  11. Manage > Location, set site location via search of address.

Simple steps to change True North.

• 1. If a ref plane labeled "True North" already exists rename it "Old True North".

  2. If it doesn't exist create it by:

  3. - Change the current view parameter Orientation to "True North".

  4. - Draw a ref plane from Project Base Point vertical up the screen. Label it "Old True North".

  5. - Reset current view parameter Orientation to "Project North"

  6. Insert survey CAD plan or image from Google maps (as screen dump).

  7. Rotate and move so desired project north of CAD file or image matches Project North.

  8. Draw ref plane along CAD file North point, or along side of image that matches true North.

  9. Label it "True North". Move whole ref plane so one end of ref plane is at Project Base Point.

  10. Make current view parameter Orientation "True North"

  11. From menu: Manage > Position > Rotate True North.

  12. Rotate from "True North" reference plane to "Old True North" reference plane.

  13. (i.e. pick "True North" then "Old True North").

NOTES:

• • Always start from Project North rather than True North so pre-existing elevation views align with your building.

  • If the Project Base Point (blue circle with cross inside) is not visible turn it on in Visibility/Graphics under Site category.

  • If CAD plan doesn't have north point draw the "True North" ref plane vertically and rotate it with CAD file

  • (this assume CAD file comes in facing true north).

  • Google Maps always show North at the top. If you can find your site on google maps you can use it to identify true north.

  • Last step is necessary to tell Revit where the site is for shadows.