There are several types of profiles: surface profiles, layout profiles, superimposed profiles, quick profiles, and corridor profiles.
- A surface profile—often called an existing ground (EG) profile—is extracted from a surface, showing the changes in elevation along a particular route.
- A layout profile, by contrast, is a designed object that shows the proposed elevation changes to be constructed. The layout profile—often called a design profile or finished grade (FG) profile—is typically used for a roadway or other graded site. For a road, the layout profile can include slopes and curves that are designed for safe driving at a particular speed.
- A superimposed profile is a profile of an alignment superimposed onto profile views of different alignments. These profiles are always dynamic and update when changes are made in the originating profile/alignment.
- A quick profile is a temporary object that shows the elevations along any existing line or series of selected points.
- A corridor profile is created from a corridor feature line, such as an edge of pavement. This profile is displayed on the profile view of the baseline alignment from which it is derived.
Layout profiles use two types of curves: crest curves and sag curves. Crest curves are placed on hilltops or wherever the grade changes to a lesser value. There are three types of crest curves: a positive to negative grade transition, positive to positive, and negative to negative:
Sag curves are placed in valleys or wherever the grade changes to a greater value. There are three types of sag curves: a negative to positive grade transition, negative to negative, and positive to positive:
An offset profile is another type of profile commonly used in road design. While the road centerline provides the main horizontal alignment, various lines offset from the centerline mark other linear features, such as edges of pavement, ditches, and sidewalks. Profiles along these offsets can be analyzed in relation to each other and to the centerline profile for a more complete view of the surface along a corridor. Offset profiles are created and managed independently from any offset alignments that may exist, though both can be used together in the design process.
When you create a surface profile, you specify whether it is dynamic or static. A dynamic profile automatically changes if the surface elevation changes. Such changes can occur if you move the horizontal alignment or edit the surface. A static profile represents the terrain at the time it is created, and does not respond to changes in the surface.
Profiles are displayed as graphed lines in a grid known as a profile view. Typically, you create a profile view to display surface profiles. Then, you draw layout profiles on the same grid to show elevation differences between the two surfaces. Profiles can be created and saved in a drawing, and displayed later when a profile view is created.
You can use a quick profile to view surface elevations along an object or through a selection of points. This quick profile is for temporary use and is not saved in the drawing. For more information, see Creating a Quick Profile.
Topics in this section
- The Profile View Object
Use a profile view to display profiles as graphed lines on a grid.
- Profile Object Relationships
A profile object is the child of a horizontal alignment. The horizontal alignment must exist to define the route of a profile across the terrain.
- Profiles Collection (Prospector Tab)
Use the Profiles collection to access profiles in drawings.
- Profile Views Collection (Prospector Tab)
Use the Profile Views collection to access profile views in drawings.
- Profile Collection (Settings Tab)
Use the Profile collection on the Settings tree to manage profile settings, profile styles, profile label styles, and profile command settings.
- Profile View Collection (Settings Tab)
Use the Profile View collection on the Settings tree to manage settings, styles, label styles, band styles, and command settings for profile views.
- Profile Context Menu
Use the profile context menu for quick access to common functions.
- Profile View Context Menu
Use the profile view context menu for quick access to common functions.
- Projected Object Context Menu
Use the context menu for a projected object for quick access to object properties.
- Profile Properties
When you create a profile, you set the properties, including its name, style, station range, and labeling.
- Profile View Properties
By specifying properties, you control the content and format of a profile view.