Ground Levels
A site is flat until a level says otherwise. Drop spot levels where the survey has them, draw contours at one height each and breaklines where the ground folds, and the surface is built from them, never stored.
Every property, and what it does
Select a level, a contour or a breakline and these are its rows; the site panel sets the pen and how contours are drawn.
Spot level
One height at one point.
| Field | What it does | Values |
|---|---|---|
| Level | The ground's height at this point. | Metres |
| Position | Where the level stands. | Read from the plan |
Contour
A line every point of which is at one height.
| Field | What it does | Values |
|---|---|---|
| Level | The contour's height. | Metres |
| Length, Points | What the line measures. | Read from the plan |
Breakline
A crease the ground folds along: a ridge, a valley, the top of a bank.
| Field | What it does | Values |
|---|---|---|
| Level at each point | The height of the crease at each of its points. | Metres |
| Length | The breakline's length. | Read from the plan |
Levels
The site panel's pen and contour settings.
| Field | What it does | Values |
|---|---|---|
| Next level | The level the pen writes when you place one. | Metres |
| Show contours at | The contour interval drawn on the ground. Zero turns them off. | Metres |
How the level tools work
Spot levels
Open Site and choose Spot level, or type SPOTLEVEL (SPOT). One click drops a level at the height set in the site panel.
Contours
Choose Contour (CTR) and draw a line every point of which is at one height.
Breaklines
Choose Breakline (BRK) and draw the crease the ground folds along.
The ground follows
The surface is built from them, on the plan and in 3D, and changes as soon as they do.
Ground level questions, answered.
Is my site flat?
Until a level says otherwise. Spot levels, contours and breaklines shape it; the surface is derived from them, never stored.
What is a breakline?
A crease the ground folds along, such as a ridge, a valley or the top of a bank, so the surface does not smooth across it.
Can I show contours?
Yes. Show contours at sets the interval drawn on the ground; zero turns them off.
Read on
- Site plan docs: Plot boundary, levels, terraces and retaining walls.
- Terraces: Flat platforms cut into the slope.
- Retaining Walls: Walls that hold earth back.