There are a couple of ways this is often done.
Finished main floor maybe set to a geodetic elevation and all building elevations are based on this. An example, finished main floor is 768.00 ft. All building elevations would be established where finished main floor would be equivalent to elevation 768.00'. This is common to sites haveing a natural slope or to sites with large landscaping features.
Finished main floor may be set to elevaton 100.00'. All building elevations are based on this. Elevation 100.00' could be finished exterior grade. The latter is common for relatively flat sites, or with minimal landscaping.
Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?
-Dik