VectorExpertSurvey the plot, import the points, and CivilSurvey Expert draws the contours and works out the cut and fill inside the boundary to any formation: flat, with a fall, through three pegs, or down to the engineer's levels. The balancing level shows as you type, and the cut-fill plan prints with your title block.
On the plan
The plot, in plan
Plot 14 in the sample was surveyed by total station, with the boundary pillars coded BND and breaklines along the points coded DR and EP. Inside the boundary, ground above the formation level is cut and ground below it is fill.
Schematic plan, made-up levels.
- Boundary
- The pillars joined by their code in the order they were surveyed; or the outline of the points, or a boundary drawn on the plan.
- Contours
- Minor and labelled major contours at the interval you choose, from the TIN of the points.
- Cut and fill
- Shaded inside the boundary against the formation level, stronger where it is deeper.
- Zero line
- Dashed, where the ground is at the formation level: the line between cut and fill.
The job, start to finish
A site levelling job, step by step
Each step links to the full details of that part of the Contour screen.
- 01
Import the survey
Import the total station or DGPS points; the TIN and the contours are drawn at once. Tick the codes of drains and pavement edges to make them breaklines.
- 02
Close the boundary
Join the boundary pillars by their code, or draw the boundary on the plan. Its area, perimeter and the points inside are shown.
- 03
Choose the formation
Type a formation level, or give a fall, three pegs or another job's surface. The cut, the fill and the balancing level show as you type.
- 04
Check against the grid
A cell sheet on a 5, 10 or 20 m grid is worked out beside the exact TIN figure, and the checks strip says if they differ by more than 3%.
- 05
Print the cut-fill plan
The plan with shading, grid depths and the zero line, the EARTHWORK table and your title block, on A3, A2 or A1.
- 06
Sections across the site
Where the drawings need them, take sections across a drawn line and add them as a route for the Cross Section screen.
What you hand over
From one project file
| Output | What it holds |
|---|---|
| Cut-fill plan | The plan with cut and fill shading, grid depths and the zero line, a legend, notes and the EARTHWORK table: formation level, boundary area, cut, fill, net, balancing level and method. PDF or print. |
| Excel workbook | The Points sheet with each point's depth, and the Grid levels, Cut-Fill by cell and Summary sheets. |
| AutoCAD drawing | DXF or DWG in real coordinates: contours, cut, fill, the zero line and the grid, each on its own layer. |
| Contour plan | The surface alone, with labelled contours, on A3, A2 or A1. |
Common questions about site levelling
Which survey does site levelling need?
Points with easting, northing and level from a total station or a DGPS survey, saved as CSV, TXT, XYZ, PTS or ASC. Survey the boundary pillars in order round the site with one code, and the boundary is joined for you.
Can the plot be levelled with no earth brought in or taken away?
Yes. The Volume dialog shows the balancing level, where cut equals fill, as you type. Use it puts that level in, and Calculate gives equal cut and fill.
Can I give the plot a fall for drainage?
Yes. Add a fall in per cent towards a bearing, or 1 in N with a cross fall, or a plane through three levels given by the engineer.
Which volume should go in the estimate?
The TIN figure: it is exact for the surveyed surface. The grid cell sheet is a check, and the checks strip says when it is more than 3% off.
Do I need AutoCAD for the cut-fill plan?
No. It prints to paper or PDF from CivilSurvey Expert with your title block. Export to AutoCAD only when someone else needs the drawing.