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ArtisanRV

Standard Workflow - Floor to Topo

Purpose

Use Floor to Topography to convert Revit floor elements into topographic surfaces for landscape design, grading development, terrain modelling, earthworks planning, and site coordination.

This workflow is commonly used when hardscape layouts, conceptual grading designs, or imported floor-based site geometry need to be transformed into terrain that can be integrated with planting, drainage, and landscape modelling workflows.

Prerequisites

Before using Floor to Topography:

  1. Floor elements have been created within the project.
  2. Floor geometry has been reviewed and approved for conversion.
  3. Site levels and project coordinates have been established.
  4. Terrain modelling requirements have been identified.
  5. Appropriate visibility settings are enabled.

Outcome: The project is ready for floor-to-terrain conversion.

1. Review the Source Floor

  1. Open the project model.
  2. Identify the floor element to be converted.
  3. Review:
    • Floor boundaries
    • Elevations
    • Shape-edited points
    • Slopes and grading
    • Material assignments
  4. Confirm the floor accurately represents the desired terrain form.

Outcome: The floor is validated as a suitable source for topographic conversion.

2. Prepare the Floor Geometry

  1. Remove unnecessary geometry where appropriate.
  2. Verify that floor boundaries are complete and accurate.
  3. Review any shape-edited surfaces.
  4. Resolve modelling issues before conversion.
  5. Ensure the floor remains coordinated with adjacent site features.

Outcome: The source geometry is ready for conversion.

3. Launch the Floor to Topography Tool

  1. Open the Terrain Tools workspace.
  2. Select the Floor to Topography command.
  3. Select the floor element to be converted.
  4. Review the conversion options presented.

Outcome: The selected floor is prepared for terrain generation.

4. Generate the Topography Surface

  1. Execute the conversion process.
  2. Allow ArtisanRV to create a topographic surface from the floor geometry.
  3. Wait for the terrain generation process to complete.
  4. Review the resulting topographic surface.

Outcome: A new topographic surface is created from the floor element.

5. Verify Surface Accuracy

  1. Review the new terrain in:
    • Plan views
    • 3D views
    • Sections
    • Elevation views
  2. Compare the generated terrain against the original floor.
  3. Confirm:
    • Surface edges are correct
    • Elevations are maintained
    • Slopes are accurately represented
    • Terrain continuity is preserved

Outcome: The generated topography accurately reflects the original floor geometry.

6. Refine the Topography

  1. Select the new terrain surface.
  2. Modify:
    • Surface points
    • Boundaries
    • Grading transitions
    • Localised terrain features
  3. Smooth irregular surfaces where required.
  4. Review updates across multiple views.

Outcome: The topographic surface is optimised for landscape design purposes.

7. Coordinate with Landscape Design

  1. Display:
    • Existing terrain
    • Proposed terrain
    • Planting areas
    • Linear Paths
    • Area Pads
    • Proposed Trees
    • Existing Trees
    • Drainage systems
  2. Review potential conflicts.
  3. Adjust terrain and landscape elements as required.
  4. Confirm finished levels remain coordinated.

Outcome: The new terrain integrates fully with the landscape design model.

8. Review Grading and Earthworks

  1. Assess the newly created terrain against project grading requirements.
  2. Review:
    • Slope performance
    • Accessibility requirements
    • Drainage routes
    • Earthwork implications
  3. Modify levels where required.
  4. Confirm compliance with project standards.

Outcome: Terrain supports grading, drainage, and construction objectives.

9. Generate Supporting Information

  1. Create views showing:
    • Proposed topography
    • Contours
    • Spot levels
    • Grading relationships
  2. Update schedules and quantity information where applicable.
  3. Verify outputs match project requirements.

Outcome: Design and reporting information is available for project documentation.

10. Produce Project Documentation

  1. Update:
    • Grading Plans
    • Landscape Plans
    • Site Coordination Drawings
    • Earthworks Drawings
    • Terrain Analysis Views
  2. Place views on project sheets.
  3. Review annotation and graphical consistency.
  4. Publish project documentation.

Outcome: The converted topographic surface is fully documented and coordinated.

Verification Checklist

  • ✅ Source floor geometry has been reviewed.
  • ✅ Floor element has been converted successfully.
  • ✅ Topographic surface accurately matches the original floor.
  • ✅ Surface elevations and slopes have been verified.
  • ✅ Terrain has been refined where required.
  • ✅ Coordination with planting and site elements has been completed.
  • ✅ Grading and drainage requirements have been assessed.
  • ✅ Documentation views have been updated.
  • ✅ Project sheets have been published.

Recommended Next Step

Following the Floor to Topography workflow, coordinate the resulting terrain with Terrain Analysis, Proposed Trees, Existing Trees, Area Pads, Linear Paths, Seed Mixes, Root Ball Modelling, Root Barriers, and Drainage Infrastructure to ensure the site model remains fully coordinated for detailed design, quantity reporting, and construction documentation.