VectorExpert
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Home · Workflow · Stage 2 of 6

Up to five layers on every section, with toe points worked out for you.

Ground plus up to four layers, each from a surveyed field book or a design template. Every layer slopes out to the layer you choose, the toe is found where they meet, and cut and fill are calculated for every chainage.

LayersNSL + 4 per section
SlopesNamed sets, per chainage
ToesDerived up or down
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Try it

Generate sections, on a real chainage

CH 0+030 of the CSE_Sample1 canal project that installs with the trial, using the same calculation as CivilSurvey Expert.

Generate sections

In CivilSurvey Expert

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    How it works

    In the app, step by step

    1. 01

      Add routes

      Create a field book route for each surveyed layer, or a design route for a template-based one.

      F2 New Route
    2. 02

      Assign layers

      In the Route Editor, give each route its series: NSL, or Series 2 to 5. One route per series, all or nothing on save.

      Ctrl+E Route Editor
    3. 03

      Draw the template

      In the Template Designer draw the typical section with Line, Set Center, Mirror and Snap. Define each segment by length and gradient (or 1 in N), height or horizontal distance. Or import it from an AutoCAD drawing.

      Ctrl+D .cst · import .dwg
    4. 04

      Place it along the route

      Pick a chainage range and set levels by constant height above ground, by gradient (%, 1 in N, or start and end R.L.), or by a fixed level.

      Template Position
    5. 05

      Set slopes and targets

      For each layer choose the layer it extends to and its default slope set. Slope sets hold left and right slopes as 1 V : x H, and 0 means vertical.

      F8 Section Settings
    6. 06

      Open the sections

      Open cross or long sections, rebuilt from the routes or loaded from saved edits. Step, jump or animate through the route, then Run All to store every area and toe.

      F6 F7 Run All
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    Details

    Everything in this stage

    FeatureWhat it doesDetail
    Layers
    SeriesGround plus up to four layers, each with alias, layer, colour and line typeNSL + SERIES 2–5
    Route typesField book (surveyed points) or design (template at a level on each chainage)Field Book · Design
    Design sheetLive formulas for height and gradient; cut heights in red; template and apply chosen from listsChainage · Centre Level · Template · Height · Level at Template Centre · Gradient % · Apply
    Geometry
    Toe derivationEach side slope is projected from the layer's outer point until it meets its target layer, going up for cut or down for fill. If they don't meet, the apparent intersection with the target's end segment is used.Left and right, per layer
    Slope setsNamed side-slope definitions, applied to any single chainage from the section screen1 V : x H · 0 = vertical
    AreaBetween each layer and its target, toe to toe, split into cut and fill where they cross, by trapezoidal stripsm² cut · fill · net
    Drawing
    ScalesSeparate scales for cross and long sectionsCS 1:100 × 1:100 · LS 1:1000 × 1:100 default
    Datum bandLevel and offset rows per layer, chainage, scale, intersections, level reference barShow or hide each
    Lettering and linesBundled CAD fonts, table row height and font, line weights and precision24 fonts · 0.00–2.11 mm · 0–3 decimals
    Reuse a standardCopy section, layer and slope settings from any earlier projectTools › Import Settings
    Moving around
    NavigatorFirst, previous, next, last, or type a chainage; the readout shows position and range← → PgUp PgDn Home End Ctrl+G
    AnimateSteps through every section on its own1–10 s per section
    Long sectionCentre-line level of every layer along all chainagesF7
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    On screen

    What you'll see

    Side slope definition dialog with left and right slopes per series
    Slope sets hold a left and right slope for each layer and can be switched for any chainage.
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    Common questions

    How many layers can a section have?

    Five: the natural surface (NSL) and four more, such as banks, bed cut, earth top or bitumen.

    Can I reuse a template from an old AutoCAD drawing?

    Yes. The Template Designer imports a .dwg and converts it into a template you can save as a .cst file and place on any project.

    Can the side slope change partway along the route?

    Yes. Keep several named slope sets and apply a different one to any chainage from the section screen.

    Do I need AutoCAD to view or print sections?

    No. Sections are drawn in CivilSurvey Expert's built-in CAD. Export DWG only when someone else needs the drawings.

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