Error · Spatial structure
How to fix Spatial hierarchy
in IFC files
Ensure the spatial structure follows Project ▸ Site ▸ Building ▸ Storey. Fix it in the authoring tool’s project setup before export.
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No account · No upload · Runs in your browser · 38 validation checks
What it means
The Spatial hierarchy check
Spatial structure not rooted in IfcProject
The fix
How to fix Spatial hierarchy in your authoring tool
Concrete, tool-specific steps. The check itself is schema-agnostic and works for IFC2x3, IFC4, IFC4x1 and IFC4x3.
| Authoring tool | How to fix |
|---|---|
| Revit | Revit builds this hierarchy automatically from Project ▸ Site ▸ Building ▸ Levels. A broken hierarchy usually means missing Levels or a custom export — verify Levels exist and use the default IFC site/building assignment. |
| ArchiCAD | Check the hierarchy in the IFC Translator and Story Settings: stories under the building, building under the site. |
| Tekla | Configure the full spatial hierarchy (project/site/building/storey) in the IFC export dialog so it is complete and correctly ordered. |
| Allplan | Define the full building structure (project/site/building/storey) in the structure palette before exporting. |
How it works
Find and fix it in the browser
The whole flow runs client-side — your IFC file never leaves your machine.
01
Open your IFC file
Open IFC Viewer Online and drag & drop your IFC file. It is parsed locally in your browser via WebAssembly — nothing is uploaded.
02
Run the Health Score validation
Run validation. The "Spatial hierarchy" check (RULE_SPATIAL_HIERARCHY) flags every affected element and pinpoints it in the model tree.
03
Fix in Revit
Revit builds this hierarchy automatically from Project ▸ Site ▸ Building ▸ Levels. A broken hierarchy usually means missing Levels or a custom…
04
Fix in ArchiCAD
Check the hierarchy in the IFC Translator and Story Settings: stories under the building, building under the site.
05
Fix in Tekla
Configure the full spatial hierarchy (project/site/building/storey) in the IFC export dialog so it is complete and correctly ordered.
06
Fix in Allplan
Define the full building structure (project/site/building/storey) in the structure palette before exporting.
07
Re-validate
Re-export from your authoring tool and re-run validation to confirm the issue is resolved and your Health Score improved.
Related checks
Other Spatial structure checks →
Check your whole model, not just one rule.
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