Navisworks Coordination Survey
Definition
A Navisworks Coordination Survey is an advanced surveying practice that combines Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology with traditional field surveying techniques to identify spatial conflicts, coordinate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, and verify design intent before construction execution. This survey type leverages Navisworks software—a comprehensive collision detection and 3D project review platform—to analyze survey data against design models and identify potential clashes that could cause construction delays or rework.
Technical Overview
The Navisworks Coordination Survey process integrates multiple data sources and methodologies:
#### Data Collection Phase
Field surveyors conduct traditional surveying operations using Total Stations, GPS receivers, and laser scanning equipment to establish precise coordinates of building elements, structural members, mechanical penetrations, and system routing paths. This collected survey data is then imported into coordinate systems that align with the BIM model's baseline, ensuring spatial accuracy.
Laser scanning technology plays a critical role in this process, providing point cloud data that represents the as-designed or existing conditions with millimeter-level accuracy. These point clouds serve as reference layers within the Navisworks environment.
#### Model Integration
Architectural, structural, and MEP design models are consolidated within Navisworks, creating a unified 3D environment. Survey data points and scans are overlaid onto these models to perform comparative analysis. The software's clash detection algorithms automatically identify intersections, proximity violations, and coordination issues that would otherwise remain hidden in separate discipline models.
Applications in Surveying Practice
#### Preconstruction Coordination
During the preconstruction phase, Navisworks Coordination Surveys identify conflicts between systems before crews mobilize to the field. Common clash scenarios include:
Detecting these conflicts during survey and coordination phases typically costs a fraction of resolving them during active construction.
#### As-Built Verification
Surveyors use Navisworks to compare as-built field conditions against designed specifications. By overlaying survey data onto design models, professionals can verify that installed systems match intended coordinates and identify deviations requiring documentation or remediation.
#### Renovation and Retrofit Projects
In existing building surveys, field survey data collected via laser scanning is imported into Navisworks alongside proposed renovation models. This coordination approach ensures that new systems integrate properly with existing infrastructure while identifying space constraints and structural limitations before design finalization.
Related Surveying Instruments and Technologies
Navisworks Coordination Surveys depend on accurate field data collection:
Terrestrial Laser Scanners capture detailed point cloud data of complex building spaces, providing comprehensive spatial information for model comparison. The resulting data feeds directly into the Navisworks environment as reference geometry.
Total Stations and GPS Systems establish primary control networks and specific point coordinates that anchor survey measurements and validate laser scan accuracy.
BIM Authoring Software (Revit, ArchiCAD) creates the design models that Navisworks processes for clash detection. Surveyors work with engineers and architects to ensure models contain adequate geometric detail for coordination analysis.
Measuring Tapes and Caliper Tools verify critical dimensions and system spacing in the field, supplementing technology-based measurements.
Practical Example
Consider a commercial office tower renovation project. Surveyors conduct a laser scan survey of existing conditions, capturing the precise locations of structural columns, mechanical chases, and existing utilities. This point cloud is imported into Navisworks alongside architectural drawings for new interior partitions and MEP design models for upgraded HVAC and electrical systems.
Navisworks clash detection identifies three collision scenarios:
1. New return air duct routing conflicts with a load-bearing column (detected within 50mm) 2. Electrical panel location encroaches into required HVAC clearance space 3. Plumbing riser positioned where structural reinforcement is required
Surveyors document these findings with clash reports, 3D visualizations, and coordinate data. Design teams resolve conflicts by modifying routing paths and equipment locations before construction begins, eliminating costly field modifications.
Quality Assurance and Standards
Navisworks Coordination Surveys should follow established BIM and surveying standards. Coordinate systems must be precisely defined, with all survey data converted to project baseline coordinates. Clash detection tolerance settings should reflect construction feasibility—typically 25-50mm depending on system types and building phase.
Documentation of clash identification, resolution methodology, and verification surveys creates an audit trail essential for project management and dispute resolution.
Conclusion
Navisworks Coordination Surveys represent a convergence of traditional surveying discipline with advanced digital technologies. By integrating field survey data into clash detection environments, surveying professionals enable proactive conflict resolution, improve construction sequencing, and reduce rework costs. As BIM adoption accelerates across the construction industry, this specialized surveying approach becomes increasingly valuable for complex projects requiring precise spatial coordination across multiple building systems.