Reference Point - Measurement Type Explained

Revit reference points are often very difficult to place and space according to certain design requirements. However, there is a solution. This solution is known as the point's Measurement Type property.

We will go through the different Measurement Type options in this entry.

1. Measurement Type - Normalized Curve Parameter

Identifies the location of the reference point on the line as a ratio to the line length over the total length of the line. Its value can vary from 0 to 1. This parameter displays if Normalized Curve Parameter is selected as Measurement Type

2. Measurement Type - Non-Normalized Curve Parameter

Identifies the location of the reference point along a circle or or ellipses. It is also known as raw, natural, internal or T parameter. This parameter displays if Non-Normalized Curve Parameter is selected as the Measurement Type.

 3. Measurement Type - Segment Length

Identifies the location of the reference point on a line by the length of the line segment between the reference point and the measure-from end point. Segment Length is represented in project units. This parameter displays if Segment Length is selected as the Measurement Type.

 4. Measurement Type - Normalized Segment Length

Identifies the location of the reference point on the line as a ratio of the Segment Length over the total length of the curve (0 - 1). For example, if total curve length is 170', and point is located 17' from one of its ends, the value of the % curve length will be either 0.1 or 0.9 depending from which end you are measuring. This parameter displays if Normalized Segment Length is selected as the Measurement Type. 

5. Measurement Type - Chord Length

Identifies the location of the reference point on the curve by the straight line (chord) distance between the reference point and the measure-from end point. Chord Length is represented in project units.
     Note: On Bezier splines and circles, the position of the reference point may move if the Measure From parameter is toggled in the Properties palette or with the flip arrows in the drawing area. 

6. Measurement Type - Angle

Available for points hosted on arcs and circles. Identifies the location of the reference point along an arc or circle represented as an angle. This parameter displays if Angle is selected as the Measurement Type. It is not available for ellipses or partial ellipses.

Using the methods explained above, a 4-point Bezier curve adaptive family was created, which is fully modifiable, as can be seen from the images below. 

Another example of using the Measurement Type functionality is for the placement of feature elements on walls. A simple adaptive family was created to place planting pots against a structure fastened to the exterior walls of a house.