Rotate True North

Few projects are aligned directly along North, South, East, and West axis lines.  Typically, there is some deviation between True North and the predominant direction in which you want to create the project (Project North). You can set up 2 axis systems to handle the difference between True North and Project North. This method simplifies the project creation process and allows you to create the project in a way that makes sense, while still allowing for the use of accurate survey information and the creation of sun and shadow studies based on a “real world” position.

To begin the process of rotating True North away from Project North, select a site plan view. (Actually, any plan view can be used for this purpose, but the site plan usually allows you to see more context. As a result, the rotation results are more clear and can be more easily verified with the context of the surrounding site.)

Before rotation, the axis lines shown for the project base point and the survey point are pointing in the same direction. In this example, the points have been moved to be more visible in the project. The elements are parallel to the edges of the application window; this is Project North.  By default, a new project will have Project North and True North aligned.

On the Properties palette, change the Orientation parameter of the site plan to True North. Because Project North and True North are currently aligned, there is no change to the view.

In the site plan, place an annotation symbol or a detail line that points to True North for the project. This True North marker will be used as an indicator to properly rotate the view. On the ribbon, click Manage tab > Project Location panel > Position drop-down > Rotate True North. Click and drag the center of rotation, placing it on the True North marker. Then click at the snap point on the indicator graphic, pointing to the True North position. Specify the rotation so the indicator is pointing towards the top of the application window.

As a result, the view rotates and the True North marker points towards the top of the application window. The survey point and the project point are in different positions in relation to one another.  Select the project point to see the angle of rotation from True North. If the view’s Orientation parameter is changed back to Project North, the view rotates so the model is parallel to the edges of the application window again. Project North and True North can now be set for all plan views in the project as required.