Civil 3D: Slope Arrows that always point downhill

September 6, 2024 Leo Lavayen

THE ISSUE:

Slope arrows by default point away from the Start (1st point selected) toward the End location (2nd point selected).  Let’s review three label types where this behavior can be seen:
     •    Profile View Depth type Lables
     •    Surface Slope type Lables
     •    Feature Line General Lables 

Notice how the slope arrows all point towards the “end” regardless of the elevation values, lets see how to correct this.


THE SOLUTION:

The fix has been around for years, that is to use an Expression to “Grade Check” to the arrow components.  Each category will need to have an Expression created for them: Profile View, Surface and General. 

The syntax for each Expression will be similar, but the property used will vary: 
     •    Profile View: IF({Grade between Point1 and Point2}<=0,0,pi) 
     •    Surface:  IF({Surface Slope}<=0,0,pi)
     •    Feature Lines (General): IF({General Segment Grade}<=0,0,pi)
 

Once the Expressions are created, they can then be set to the Arrow component for in the Rotation Angle field of each Label Style: 

When configured correctly the arrow components should always point downhill, towards the lower elevation values: 

If configuration for Civil 3D is something that you are struggling with, IMAGINiT can help.  Visit our Civil Support site for more posts like this or email us at info@rand.com

About the Author

Leo Lavayen

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 19 years of experience helping large and small, public and private clients in the eastern United States.

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