Aligning your BIM model ensures that the design positions correctly relative to your 360 Walks. This workflow allows you to sync your model across all levels for accurate side-by-side comparisons.
Availability: Who has access?
BIM Alignment is available for users with Project Admin permissions.
If the Alignment tools do not appear in BIM Compare, contact support to inquire about self-alignment access.
Overview
The alignment process consists of two main parts: XY alignment (plan view) and Z alignment (elevation). Before you begin, upload your BIM file to the project and ensure the model is fully loaded.
How to align your BIM model
Quick checklist:
View Cube = Top; text must be upright
Camera = Orthographic (not Perspective)
Rotate the model in top-down view to match drawing orientation, then place two control points
Avoid the Home button during alignment; it can reset the camera to Perspective
Use the Z slider to map elevations per level
Use Calibrate Alignment for Specific Levels or Exterior for levels with different footprints
Part 1: XY alignment (plan view)
Open any 360 Walk in your project.
Click BIM Compare and allow the model to load, then click Align.
Orient the model in the right screen and ensure you are in the top-down view.
Click Continue.
Select the level and drawing you want to align to at the top of the window.
Place points 1 and 2 on the left side (the drawing) on easy-to-match locations, such as building corners.
Adjust the model on the right side to match the drawing points.
Click Save in the top right corner to apply this to the entire project.
Part 2: Alignment per level
If your project levels are not perfectly aligned with each other, you must align the model for each level individually.
Check the Calibrate Alignment for Specific Levels or Exterior option.
Click Save and Next Level to proceed to the next alignment.
Part 3: Z alignment (Height)
After aligning the plan view, map the elevations in your model to your levels to ensure you see the correct vertical position relative to your 360 Walks.
Open a 360 Walk on the level you want to align and enter BIM Compare mode.
Wait for the model to load fully until the Alignment tools appear in the upper right.
Use the Z slider to reposition your model correctly relative to your chosen level.
Alternatively, input elevations directly for your Z position in the text field
Best practices for accurate alignment
Keep the camera in a true top-down, Orthographic view while setting XY alignment.
Verify the View Cube shows Top and that on-screen text is right-side up.
Rotate the model in the top-down view to match your drawing orientation before placing control points.
Trim excess empty space in your BIM file before uploading to reduce drift.
Confirm all model layers align in elevation to prevent discrepancies during walkthrough comparisons.
Limitations
Do not use the Home button during alignment, as it resets the camera to Perspective view and causes errors.
The alignment process does not account for rotating the Z-axis; doing so will result in a misaligned BIM.
Manual alignment features are only available on the desktop/web version of DroneDeploy.
Try BIM Model Management in the Interior BETA:
With BIM Model Management, you can replace your model anytime and maintain alignment. You can also re-align, preview, rename, or delete a model.
Upload using Add Files and choose from local or Autodesk Import.
FAQs
Q: My alignment looks close, but not exact. What is wrong?
A: Re-check that the camera is set to Orthographic and the view is perfectly top-down with the View Cube reading Top.
Q: Does BIM Compare work with interior models?
A: Yes. Once you upload a Navisworks file (.nwd or .nwc) and have a Walk present, you can compare interior site conditions to the design.
Q: Who can delete or replace a model?
A: Only Project Admins and Coordinators have permission to delete or replace BIM models. Do this via project settings.
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