How to import site topography into Revit (XYZ CSV → Toposolid)
To get site topography into Revit, generate an XYZ CSV elevation point cloud, then use Revit's Toposolid → Create from Import → Create from Points File tool to build the surface. You don't need Civil 3D or any GIS software — only a points file with X, Y, Z values.
Most architects hit the same wall: Revit needs a terrain surface, but the elevation data lives in GIS formats that need software and expertise they don't have. The shortcut is to skip GIS entirely and feed Revit the one thing it actually wants — a list of survey points. Here is the full workflow.
Step-by-step
- Define your site. Draw a polygon around the site on the map in Topo-grapher, or paste coordinates. The free tier covers up to 250m × 250m.
- Generate as XYZ CSV. Pick XYZ CSV and generate. The tool pulls the highest-resolution government elevation data available for that location.
- Open the Toposolid tool. In Revit 2024 or later, go to Massing & Site → Toposolid → Create from Import → Create from Points File.
- Import the CSV. Select the downloaded file, set units to metres, confirm the comma delimiter. Revit builds the surface from the points.
- Position the model. Align the terrain to your project base point. Topo-grapher can also export a site reference column to make orientation unambiguous.
Which format should you use?
Revit accepts a points file directly, but if you'd rather import a finished surface, Topo-grapher also exports IFC and DXF.
| Format | Best for in Revit | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| XYZ CSV | Toposolid / Topography Surface from points | native |
| IFC | Linked terrain mesh | native |
| DXF | 3D faces & points import | native |
How accurate is the data?
Accuracy tracks the open elevation data each country publishes:
| Region | Source resolution |
|---|---|
| Denmark | 0.4m |
| UK, Sweden, Norway, France | 1m |
| USA (3DEP coverage) | 1m |
| Most of Europe | 5–10m |
| Global fallback | 30m |
Frequently asked questions
Can you import topography into Revit without Civil 3D or GIS software?
Yes. You only need an XYZ CSV point cloud, which Revit's Toposolid tool reads directly via Create from Points File. Topo-grapher generates that CSV from real government elevation data in your browser, so no Civil 3D, GIS package, or coordinate-system setup is required.
What file format does Revit need for site topography?
Revit's Toposolid and Topography Surface tools accept a comma-delimited points file with X, Y, Z values — an XYZ CSV. Topo-grapher exports exactly this, plus IFC and DXF if you'd rather import a finished mesh.
How accurate is the terrain?
It depends on the country's open data: 0.4m in Denmark, 1m across the UK, Sweden, Norway, France and parts of the US, 5–10m across most of Europe, and a 30m global fallback elsewhere.
Is there a free way to get site topography for Revit?
Yes. The free tier allows 3 generations per day for sites up to 250m × 250m at 12m spacing, with no account required.