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Reference Planes#

A reference plane is the datum that Performance Rigging measures lineset distances from. In a typical theater, this is a vertical reference plane placed at the stage plaster line, but any named Revit reference plane can be used.

What the reference plane is used for#

Every lineset stores a distance value. That distance is meaningless without a datum — the reference plane provides it. The add-in measures the signed perpendicular distance from the reference plane to the lineset's insertion point:

  • Linesets on one side of the plane have positive distances; the other side, negative.
  • The plane's normal direction determines which side is positive.

This single measurement drives duplication spacing, numbering order, and the two synchronization commands.

Associating linesets with a reference plane#

A lineset is linked to a reference plane by name — the plane's name is written into the lineset's Reference Plane Name parameter. You create this association with the Select Reference command:

  • If you pre-select one or more linesets, those linesets are associated with the plane you pick and have dynamic scheduling enabled.
  • If you don't pre-select anything, every lineset within 50 feet of the plane that does not already have a reference is associated automatically.

The most recently selected reference plane is remembered as the current locator for the session. The schedule- and location-sync commands use this current locator.

The reference plane stays in memory for the session

A selected reference plane remains the current locator until you choose a different one or close Revit. Each lineset also remembers its own associated plane by name, so the link survives between sessions even though the "current" selection does not.

Naming reference planes#

Because the association is stored by name, give your reference planes clear, unique names (for example, Plaster Line). If you rename a reference plane after linesets have been associated with it, the stored link will no longer resolve and you will need to re-run Select Reference.