Navisworks Coordination Survey
Definition
A Navisworks Coordination Survey is a specialized surveying methodology employed in Building Information Modeling (BIM) environments to identify spatial conflicts, interferences, and coordination issues among multiple construction trade models. This survey approach leverages Autodesk Navisworks software to perform clash detection, enabling surveyors and project teams to resolve conflicts before physical construction begins.
Overview and Purpose
In modern construction projects, multiple trades—including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems—must coexist within shared building spaces. A Navisworks Coordination Survey provides a systematic approach to verifying that all components occupy their intended locations without conflicts. This proactive surveying methodology reduces costly on-site rework, schedule delays, and safety hazards.
The coordination survey process transforms traditional conflict identification from a reactive field process to a data-driven virtual verification system, representing a fundamental shift in surveying practice within the construction industry.
Technical Components
Clash Detection Analysis
Clash detection forms the core of Navisworks Coordination Surveys. The software analyzes geometric data from imported models to identify three types of clashes:
Model Integration
Navisworks aggregates models from multiple sources including architectural CAD drawings, structural engineering models, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) designs, and specialty trade models. The software reconciles different file formats and coordinate systems, functioning as a central coordination platform.
Surveying Parameters
Professional Navisworks Coordination Surveys establish specific parameters including:
Applications in Construction Surveying
Pre-Construction Coordination
Surveyors conduct coordination surveys during design development to identify conflicts before construction documents are finalized. This early-stage involvement prevents expensive design modifications and construction delays.
Trade Coordination
In complex projects with numerous trades, Navisworks surveys facilitate coordination meetings where trade contractors review clash reports, negotiate resolutions, and document agreed-upon solutions. The software generates comprehensive clash reports that guide field layout surveying decisions.
Site Layout and Access Planning
Coordination surveys inform temporary facility placement, material storage areas, and equipment access routes by verifying that construction logistics don't interfere with permanent systems or phased construction sequences.
Quality Assurance and Verification
Field surveyors use coordination survey findings as quality control references, verifying that installed systems match the clash-resolved models. This creates a feedback loop validating survey data accuracy.
Related Surveying Terms
Navisworks Coordination Surveys relate closely to BIM surveying practices, clash detection methodology, and 3D coordinate verification techniques. Surveyors working with these surveys should understand Building Information Modeling principles, coordinate systems, and digital model management. The coordination survey process complements traditional layout surveying by providing digital verification before field operations begin.
Workflow and Implementation
Survey Preparation Phase
1. Collect all relevant design models from trade contractors 2. Establish coordinate system standards and project baselines 3. Configure clash detection rules appropriate to project specifications 4. Define clearance tolerance requirements for each trade interface
Analysis Execution
Surveyors import models into Navisworks, run automated clash detection routines, and generate clash reports. This analysis typically identifies hundreds of potential conflicts requiring evaluation and resolution.
Coordination Resolution
Clash reports are distributed to responsible trades for conflict resolution. Surveyors facilitate coordination meetings, document agreed resolutions, and update models accordingly. This iterative process continues until clash reports show acceptable resolution levels.
Documentation and Handover
Final coordination survey reports, updated models, and resolution documentation become reference materials for site surveyors performing field layout and verification work.
Practical Example
In a multi-story commercial building project, a Navisworks Coordination Survey might identify that mechanical ductwork and structural members intersect in a specific column bay. The survey report flags this hard clash with location coordinates and severity level. The structural engineer and mechanical contractor meet to negotiate a solution: relocating the ductwork around the column with a 6-inch clearance margin. The mechanical contractor submits revised models, the clash is re-analyzed, and closure is documented.
Benefits and Limitations
Advantages
Limitations
Conclusion
Navisworks Coordination Surveys represent a critical evolution in surveying practice, integrating digital modeling with traditional surveying expertise. As construction projects grow increasingly complex, surveyors skilled in BIM coordination and clash detection become essential team members ensuring project success, safety, and efficiency. The coordination survey methodology exemplifies how surveying continues adapting to modern construction demands.