Definition
A Navisworks Coordination Survey is a comprehensive surveying approach that leverages Autodesk Navisworks software to integrate Building Information Modeling (BIM) data with field survey measurements. This methodology enables surveyors to identify spatial conflicts, design clashes, and coordination issues among different building systems before construction commences. The technique combines traditional surveying measurements with digital model coordination to ensure project accuracy and reduce costly on-site conflicts.
Technical Overview
Core Components
The Navisworks Coordination Survey process incorporates several technical elements:
BIM Integration: Navisworks aggregates design models from multiple disciplines (architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing) into a unified environment. Surveyors verify that these coordinated models align with actual site conditions through precise field measurements.
Clash Detection: The software automatically identifies intersections and overlaps between building systems. Surveyors use field data to validate whether detected clashes represent actual constructability problems or modeling errors.
Point Cloud Registration: Survey-grade laser scanning data is processed and registered within the Navisworks environment. This involves precise alignment between surveyed point clouds and the BIM models, requiring expertise in three-dimensional coordinate systems and datum transformation.
Measurement Standards
Navisworks Coordination Surveys typically maintain accuracy tolerances of ±50mm to ±100mm, depending on project requirements. This exceeds general architectural accuracy but may be refined for critical interfaces. Surveyors employ Total Stations, GNSS equipment, or terrestrial laser scanners to capture field data at sufficient resolution for meaningful coordination analysis.
Applications in Construction Surveying
Pre-Construction Planning
Surveyors conduct coordination surveys during design development phases to validate constructability. This early-stage analysis prevents conflicts such as:
Construction Phasing Analysis
The methodology supports phased construction planning by verifying that temporary facilities, material storage, and equipment movement routes do not conflict with permanent structural elements or utility installations.
Quality Control and Verification
During construction, surveyors perform coordination surveys at critical stages to verify that installed systems match the clash-resolved BIM models. This ensures that design coordination decisions made during planning are properly executed in the field.
Related Surveying Techniques
Building Information Modeling (BIM) Coordination provides the digital framework within which Navisworks surveys operate. Surveyors must understand BIM workflows and coordinate system management.
Laser Scanning and Point Cloud Processing supplies the high-resolution spatial data that validates BIM accuracy. Surveyors merge multiple scan positions to create comprehensive site point clouds.
As-Built Surveying follows construction to document actual conditions. Navisworks Coordination Surveys inform as-built survey methodology by establishing baseline coordination assumptions.
Structural Deformation Monitoring may be coordinated with Navisworks data to track movement relative to planned utility routing and building system locations.
Practical Implementation Process
Phase 1: Data Collection
Surveyors establish site control using conventional surveying methods. Baseline measurements of existing conditions are captured via Total Station or laser scanning. Architectural and engineering design models are obtained and organized by discipline.
Phase 2: Model Integration
Design models are imported into Navisworks and georeferenced to survey coordinate systems. This critical step requires precise transformation between project coordinates and field survey datums. Surveyors verify that model orientations match site conditions.
Phase 3: Clash Analysis and Field Verification
Automated clash detection identifies spatial conflicts. Surveyors then visit the site to verify whether detected clashes represent genuine constructability issues or result from modeling inaccuracies. Field measurements may be taken at specific interface locations to confirm model alignment.
Phase 4: Coordination Resolution
Design teams develop solutions for identified clashes. Surveyors update field data and models iteratively, ensuring that proposed resolutions do not create secondary conflicts with other building systems.
Phase 5: Construction Verification
As work progresses, surveyors perform intermediate coordination surveys to confirm that actual installations match the resolved BIM models.
Equipment and Software Requirements
Surveyors conducting Navisworks coordination work require:
Benefits and Limitations
Advantages
Early conflict identification reduces construction delays and change orders. Improved coordination between trades enhances safety and quality. Digital documentation provides clear records of design decisions.
Limitations
Success depends on model quality and completeness from all design disciplines. Survey accuracy must be sufficient to meaningfully detect clashes. Software expertise and training requirements exceed traditional surveying skills.
Professional Standards
Surveyors performing Navisworks Coordination Surveys should maintain familiarity with relevant standards including BIM Project Execution Planning guidelines and coordinate system management protocols. Professional licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction but typically expect surveyors to maintain current technical certifications.
Conclusion
Navisworks Coordination Surveying represents an evolution in how surveyors contribute to construction project success, extending professional responsibilities beyond field measurement to include digital model validation and conflict resolution.