How to create a cross section to view elevation profiles

Draw a line across your site to see scan, design grade, and comparison surface elevation profiles.

Written by Raymond Fuorry
March 31, 2026

How to create a cross section

To create a cross section, follow these steps:

1. Click Measure in the top navigation bar, then select Cross Section.
2. Click on the map to set the start point, then click again to set the end point.
3. The cross section chart appears showing the elevation profile along the drawn line.
4. Click the expand button to view the chart at full size.

Availability: All scan tiers. On Silver scans the tool only compares the currently selected scan date to another scan date. It does not offer a “Design Grade” measurement.

How to read the cross section chart

The chart displays elevation profiles as colored lines:

• Blue line — the currently active scan surface elevation (the earth grade of the currently active scan).
• Black dotted line — the design grade surface (what the ground should look like when complete). Only visible on Gold/Platinum scans with a design grade uploaded.
• Orange line — a comparison surface from a previous scan date, visible when you select a date from the "compared surface" dropdown.

The gap between the blue line and the black dotted line shows where the site is above or below design grade.

Interactive features

Hover indicator: As you move your cursor along the cross section chart, a blue dot appears on the map showing the exact location being analyzed on the measurement line.

Click-to-measure: Click once on the chart, then click a second point, and the tool displays the slope and elevation change between those two points. A blue bar highlights the selected section.

Multiple surface comparison: Add a previous scan date as a compared surface to see historical changes alongside the current scan and design grade. You can compare up to 2 surfaces maximum.

How to export cross section data

You can export cross section data using Snip Screen for a visual capture, save it as an Exhibit, or download the data as a CSV file with X, Y, and Z elevation values by date.

Key use cases

Proving measurements: When someone questions a Cut/Fill Balance result, Cross Section provides additional visual proof by showing the full elevation profile.

Vegetation measurement: Cross Section is the preferred tool for identifying whether excess elevation readings are caused by vegetation. Tall grass appears as a bump in the scan surface (blue line) above the actual ground level.

Historical comparison: Compare current conditions to any previous scan date to track changes over time.

Important: Only one cross section can be active at a time. To keep multiple cross sections, save each one as an Exhibit. You can create a folder in Exhibits (e.g., "Cross Sections") to organize them.

Note: Customers can request a Point Cloud (.las) file of their site, which renders in 3D. The Cross Section tool itself displays data in 2D.

Pin feature

Click the Pin icon to lock a Measurement or Plan & Track tool on the map. Pinned measurements remain visible while you create additional measurements. Multiple pinned measurements can coexist on screen. Pinned measurements appear in a single pop-up window. You can fold(close) and unfold(open) individual measurement tools, and save all active tools as an Exhibit.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have multiple cross sections active at once?

No. Only one cross section can be active at a time. To keep multiple cross sections, save each one as a separate Exhibit. You can create a folder in Exhibits (e.g., "Cross Sections") to organize them.

Can I export cross section data?

Yes. You can export cross section data as a CSV file with X, Y, and Z elevation values by date. You can also capture it visually using Snip Screen or save it as an Exhibit.

Can I compare more than two surfaces in a cross section?

You can compare up to two surfaces: the current scan (always shown) plus either the design grade or a previous scan date. You cannot add a third surface.