Use Topography to Floor to convert terrain or topographic
surfaces into Revit floor elements. This workflow enables landscape architects
and BIM coordinators to transform site surfaces into editable floor geometry for
hardscape design, planting areas, paving, construction documentation, and
quantity generation.
Converting topography into floors provides greater control
over materials, build-ups, scheduling, detailing, and coordination with other
Revit elements.
Prerequisites
Before using Topography to Floor:
- A topographic surface exists within the
project.
- The topography has been reviewed and coordinated with
survey information.
- Required floor types have been created.
- Proposed grading has been completed where
necessary.
- Appropriate worksets and visibility settings are
enabled.
Outcome: The project is ready for
topography conversion.
1. Review the Topographic Surface
- Open the project model.
- Display the topographic surface in plan and 3D
views.
- Verify:
- Surface boundaries
- Elevation data
- Site extents
- Grading modifications
- Resolve any inaccuracies before
conversion.
Outcome: The source terrain is ready for
processing.
2. Define Areas for Conversion
- Identify the portions of the terrain that require
conversion into floor elements.
- Review intended uses:
- Paved surfaces
- Footpaths
- Plazas
- Planting beds
- Lawn areas
- Ground treatments
- Confirm design boundaries.
Outcome: Conversion areas are clearly
defined.
3. Launch the Topography to Floor Tool
- Open the Terrain Tools workspace.
- Select the Topography to Floor command.
- Select the topographic surface to be
converted.
- Choose the required conversion options.
Outcome: The selected topographic surface
is prepared for conversion.
4. Select the Floor Type
- Review available floor types.
- Select the most appropriate floor category for the
intended design purpose.
- Confirm:
- Material assignments
- Thickness
- Construction build-up
- Project standards compliance
- Proceed with the conversion.
Outcome: The floor will be created using
the correct specification.
5. Generate the Floor Element
- Execute the conversion process.
- Allow ArtisanRV to create the floor based on the
topographic geometry.
- Review the resulting floor element.
- Confirm the shape follows the original
terrain.
Outcome: A Revit floor is generated from
the selected topography.
6. Verify Floor Geometry
- Review the created floor in:
- Plan views
- 3D views
- Sections
- Confirm:
- Edges are correct
- Elevations match expectations
- Surface continuity is maintained
- Correct any irregularities where
necessary.
Outcome: Floor geometry accurately reflects
the source terrain.
7. Refine the Floor
- Edit the floor as required.
- Modify:
- Boundary geometry
- Shape points
- Slopes
- Material assignments
- Review interactions with adjacent site
elements.
- Save all modifications.
Outcome: The floor meets project design
requirements.
8. Coordinate with Site Design
- Review the converted floor alongside:
- Buildings
- Planting Areas
- Linear Paths
- Existing Trees
- Proposed Trees
- Drainage infrastructure
- Hardscape features
- Resolve any coordination issues.
- Verify finished levels remain accurate.
Outcome: The converted floor integrates
with the overall site model.
9. Generate Quantities and Schedules
- Open Revit schedules.
- Refresh the model where required.
- Review:
- Floor areas
- Material quantities
- Surface coverage
- Construction information
- Verify calculations against project
requirements.
Outcome: Floor data is available for
costing, specification, and documentation.
10. Produce Project Documentation
- Update:
- Site plans
- Hardscape plans
- Landscape plans
- Grading plans
- Construction details
- Place views and schedules onto project
sheets.
- Verify documentation consistency.
- Publish project deliverables.
Outcome: Converted terrain surfaces are
fully documented and coordinated.
Verification Checklist
- ✅ Topographic surface has been reviewed.
- ✅ Conversion areas have been identified.
- ✅ Appropriate floor types have been selected.
- ✅ Floor elements have been generated
successfully.
- ✅ Geometry has been verified in plan, section, and 3D
views.
- ✅ Materials and construction build-ups are
correct.
- ✅ Coordination with site elements has been
completed.
- ✅ Quantities and schedules have been
reviewed.
- ✅ Documentation has been updated.
Recommended Next Step
Following the Topography to Floor workflow, coordinate the
newly created floor elements with Area Pads, Linear Paths, Planting
Areas, Terrain Models, Hardscape Elements, Drainage Systems, and Construction
Details to ensure complete landscape BIM coordination and accurate
quantity reporting throughout the project
lifecycle.