Civil 3D Labels: Adding Profile Grades to Alignments

Recently a user asked about how to add an Alignment line/curve labels that show Profile data.  Unfortunately, the only available “Alignment Labels” are for Profile Geometry Points and nothing for segment grades. 

This post will show 2 options for showing Profile Grade Data on an Alignment.

Option 1: Use Reference Text (text only label)

The first options uses labels with reference text, similar to what was shown in one of a previous posts: Civil 3D Labels: reference text in Surface and Alignment annotations

Here, 2 label styles have been created, one for Lines and one for Curves.  Both are using Reference Text for a Profile text component that labels “Instantaneous Grade” 

When adding label to the Alignment, Civil 3D will prompt users twice: first for the Alignment and then for the Profile. 

If any of the created labels appear as “???” a Profile has not been set.  To correct this, select the label(s) and from the AutoCAD properties palette set the needed Profile. 

Notice how the Alignment (plan) labels match the Profile (grade) labels for the line and curve segments. 

These labels are good but they have a limitation.  No directional arrows can be added to labels that show the grade of Profile Geometry.

Option 2: Extract Feature Line (text and arrow label)

Our next option is more of a workflow, that is to Create a Feature Line from Alignment/Profile then add labels.  From the ribbon Home tab > Create Design panel > Create Feature Lines from Alignment button. 

Once the Feature Line is created it can be labeled.  In this case the label styles used are part of the General Civil 3D configuration, not the Alignment category. 

Two label styles have been created, one for Lines and the other for Curves.  Both have Grade Text and Arrow components with a “Grade Check” expression to ensure the arrow points downhill. If you want to learn more about creating expressions that help point down hill see one of my previous post.

Notice how the Alignment (plan) labels match the Profile (grade) labels for the line and curve segments. 

If configuration and/or annotations are something you are struggling with the IMAGINiT team can help.

About the Author

Civil Applications Expert<br><br>As an Applications Expert, Leo is responsible for supporting, training and implementation of software for survey and civil engineering professionals. He has more than 20 years of experience helping large and small, public and private clients in the eastern United States.

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