Measure cross-sections to plan and track earthworks, compare surfaces against designs, check gradients, and verify utility locations. The cross-section tool in the desktop and mobile app gives you a detailed profile view of your survey with elevation comparisons against other surfaces (including point cloud and VFI datasets), linework, and models.
Create a cross-section measurement
From the measurement toolbar, select Cross-section from the Line tool's dropdown menu.
Draw a line across an area to create a cross-section, click your end point twice to finish the line and hit SAVE.
Resize or move the cross-section chart
Control the height of your cross-section chart by hovering over the top of the chart and dragging it up or down. To view your map and cross-section in separate windows, click the window icon in the Cross Section tab. Close the separate window with the X in the top corner, or minimize it with the down arrow.
Export your cross-section
Select the Download icon (a downward arrow) in the top-right corner of the widget to export the cross-section for use in other software.
Export options include:
- 2D DXF files in XY, XZ, or YZ orientation
- 3D DXF files in Z-up or Y-up orientation
Choose the orientation that matches your CAD setup (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, etc.).
| ℹ️ Note: To export a specific cross-section (2D or 3D), use the download button next to its title. The download button at the bottom of the measurement panel only exports the overall line measurement — not individual cross-sections. |
Types of cross-section measurements
Elevation (Vertical)
When you hover along the cross-section line, the chart shows the elevation of the survey surface by default.
Horizontal
Select this option from the dropdown to measure the width of the survey surface along the cross-section line. This is useful for checking whether an excavation is wide enough or if a piece of equipment will safely fit.
Grade (Tangent)
Select this option from the dropdown to measure the slope of roads, ramps, or graded surfaces. You can display the result in degrees, as a ratio, or as a percentage.
Change measurement units
Select the most appropriate measurement unit for distance, area, volume, and density from the dropdown menu. Switch between imperial and metric units as needed and create reports in your preferred units.
Comparing cross-sections to another survey or design file
Compare cross-sections to design files or other surveys to understand and track earthwork progress, visualize utility locations, and measure distances between surfaces.
| 💡 Tip: Add Point Cloud and VFI layers directly onto your cross-sections. This shows point cloud detail alongside surface data, so you can compare ground conditions against designs in one view. |
- Create a cross-section line, or select an existing one from the Measure tab.
- Click ADD DESIGN/SURVEY and choose the designs or surveys you want to compare. You can also import an IFC file to view underground utility cross-sections.
- Use the color-coded legend to distinguish between layers. Hovering over an element in the chart highlights it in the legend.
- Slide your cursor along the cross-section line to see elevation values. Use the dropdown to switch between vertical, horizontal, and tangent measurements.
- To add more comparisons, repeat step 2. To remove one, click the X next to its name.
Aspect Ratio
Change the aspect ratio to see a more or less exaggerated view of the cross-section. The 1:1 view gives you a true representation of the surface, while the 1:8 view highlights smaller elevation changes. Adjusting the aspect ratio is useful when creating roadway cross-sections or conducting bench analyses.
Are you using alignments on your site? Learn more about referencing cross sections along an alignment by reading our article: How to Use Alignments
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