Plotting and Mapping (3 hours)

9.1 Plotting of map, L-section, Cross section

9.2 Plotting and mapping software
9.3 Comparison of manual plotting and computerized plotting

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

9.1 Plotting of map, L-section, Cross section
Longitudinal Sectioning:
Longitudinal sectioning (profile leveling) establishes the elevation of sites along
a continuous line. It helps determine slope, grade, and vertical alignment.

Steps for creating a longitudinal section:

1. Establish a base line along the path of the surveyed feature.
2. Measure elevation at regular intervals (say 15 m) along the base line using
leveling instrument.
3. Plot the collected elevation data on graph paper or specialized software to
create a profile of the land.
4. The resulting graph shows variations in ground level along the surveyed line.

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

9.1 Plotting of map, L-section, Cross section
After obtaining the levels of the stations on the path of the longitudinal section, draw the
longitudinal section

1) Draw the elevation differences:

it is a straight horizontal line represents the number of horizontal distances between the points
(stations) along the horizontal line of the paper charts with suitable scale. and sets the distance
on the drawing
2) Draw the elevation along the vertical line of the paper charts at a scale larger because the
length of the section is big comparing to the difference in elevation between the stations on the
path.
3) Sets the location of each ground point on the paper charts by using the coordinates, which are
horizontal distance and vertical elevations
4) Connects the various points that have been drawn with some straight lines with considering the
slope of the earth's surface between consecutive points of a regular slope.
5) Usually, the selection of horizontal scale is smaller than the vertical scale by ten times (1 to 10).
6) Draws a line below the level of comparing three parallel lines with an equal distances between
each other and used to write (1-Stations, 2-Ground elevations, 3-Grade elevations).
Birendra Kumar Shrestha
Profile levelling

0+000

0+040

0+080

0+100
0+020

0+060
Longitudinal section at 20 m interval

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

9.1 Plotting of map, L-section, Cross section
L-SECTION
1306
HORIZONTALSCALE 1:500
1304 VERTICAL SCALE 1:50

1302

1300

1298
ELEVATION (m)

1296

1294

1292

1290

10 0 10 20
1288

1286
0 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180 195 210
Elevation 1303.500 1303.350 1302.967 1302.643 1302.301 1302.149 1300.870 1299.738 1298.508 1297.024 1296.686 1294.891 1293.575 1292.802 1292.646

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

9.1 Plotting of map, L-section, Cross section
2. Cross Sectioning:
Cross sectioning involves creating horizontal cross-sectional views of the land
perpendicular to the alignment being surveyed.

Steps for creating a cross section:

1. Establish cross-section lines (station lines) perpendicular to the alignment at
regular intervals.
2. Measure ground levels along each cross-section line using leveling
instruments.
3. Plot the measured data on graph paper or specialized software to create a
detailed view of the land’s features and elevations along the surveyed line.

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

9.1 Plotting of map, L-section, Cross section
Draw a cross-section
After obtaining the elevations of the stations on the path of the longitudinal section
and the elevation of points, which are located on both sides of the longitudinal
section, and the grade elevation, the cross sections is drawn.

The cross-sections drawing is similar to longitudinal sections drawing, but just the
same scale is used for both horizontal distances and elevations of points (because
the distance in this case are not large relative to the elevation difference between
points), but the different scale is used in case of highway.

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

 CROSS SECTION
SCALE 1:100
1304

1303
ELEVATION (m)

1302

1301 1 0 1 2

1300
-10 -5 0 5 10
Elevation 1303.563 1300.751 1302.149 1301.408 1303.272

CHAINAGE AT 0+015
CROSS SECTION
1304 SCALE 1:100

1303

ELEVATION (m)
1302

1301

1300 1 0 1 2

CHAINAGE AT 0+075
1299
-10 -5 0 5 10
Elevation 1303.563 1299.751 1302.149 1301.408 1303.272
Birendra Kumar Shrestha
9.2 Plotting and Mapping Software
Computers are adopted in engineering education, the learning objectives will
depend on the type of software being used.
1. Generic application software
2. Specialized engineering application software
3. Programming software

1. Generic Application Software:

• Includes spreadsheets and equation solvers
• Represents a useful middle ground between hand solutions and computer
programming
• Spreadsheets like Microsoft Excel are easy to learn and use
• Structured format with data presented in tabular form

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

9.2 Plotting and Mapping Software
2. Specialized Engineering Application Software
✓ These are commercial programs developed for solving specific engineering
problems
✓ They're extremely powerful and realistic, tailored for use by practicing engineers
✓ However, they tend to be less user-friendly and are often expensive to license
✓ Software available at DLSU includes STAAD, among others.
✓ Additional specialized software for various civil engineering applications is also
available.
✓ Specialized engineering application software packages commercial programs
developed for specific problem in engineering.

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

9.2 Plotting and Mapping Software
3. Programming Software:
Programming software such as Turbo Pascal, C or Visual Basic are used when
one wants to develop his own computer programs

➢ Ability to analyze the problem and write an appropriate algorithm

➢ Knowledge of numerical techniques appropriate for programming
➢ Ability to write, debug and execute a program
➢ Ability to evaluate the correctness of the output of the program

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

9.2 Plotting and Mapping Software
Land Mapping and Plotting Software enables users to create, analyze, and analyze
spatial data and maps of land areas. These software foe land plotting typically
includes tools for collecting, storing and displaying generating data, as well as
features for analyzing and manipulating that data.
Some common features of land mapping and plotting software include:
1) Data input and import
2) Map creation and customization
3) Data manipulation and analysis

1) Data input and import:

The ability to input and import data from a variety of sources, such as survey data,
imageries, and drawing files.
2) Map creation and customization:
The ability to create and customize maps, including choosing map projections, selecting
data layers, and adding labels and symbols
Birendra Kumar Shrestha
9.2 Plotting and Mapping Software
3) Data manipulation and analysis:
Tools for manipulating and analyzing data, such as overlaying, and spatial querying.
Map export and sharing: The ability to export and share maps in various formats, such
as dwg, dxf, kml etc.
Land mapping and plotting software is used in a variety of fields, including surveying,
civil engineering, agriculture, and environmental science.

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

9.2 Plotting and Mapping Software
When considering software for land surveying and mapping, key features to look for
include robust data collection capabilities, compatibility with various file formats, and
advanced analysis tools. Effective software should support the import and export of data
from total stations, GPS devices, and other surveying instruments. It must also handle
different types of geospatial data formats such as CAD files, raster images, and point
clouds. The ability to perform complex calculations, like volume measurements and cut-
and-fill analysis, is essential for assessing and preparing land for construction.

Land surveyors make extensive use of computer-aided design (CAD) software, as it

allows them to accurately visualize and present information on the areas they are
surveying. CAD modeling enables them to produce a virtual representation of the features
of buildings, landscapes and more. It can even show how future construction and
improvements will alter the area. CAD software is considered particularly flexible and
time-efficient, as changes can be easily made at any point. It can also lead to greater
accuracy.

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

9.2 Plotting and Mapping Software
In civil engineering, various software tools are used for plotting maps and creating plans.
Here are some major mapping and drafting software tools commonly used in civil
engineering projects:
Mapping and drafting software’s:
1. AutoCAD & Civil 3D
2. Autodesk Land Development
3. GIS Software (Geographic Information Systems)
4. Digital Geometric Model (DGM)
5. Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and DEM
6. Auto Plotter software
7. STAD Pro
8. RFEM
9. Revit
10.Bentley MicroStation
11.Land Desktop
12.SketchUp
13.Lumion
14.SPSS (Spatial Statistical Package for Statistics)
Birendra Kumar Shrestha
9.2 Plotting and Mapping Software
1. AutoCAD Civil 3D:

AutoCAD Civil 3D is a powerful CAD application designed specifically for civil

engineering projects. Widely used for civil engineering design and drafting. It
offers powerful tools for designing and analyzing various civil engineering
projects, including rail, roads, highways, land development, airports, drainage,
storm and sanitary systems, and civil structures1. It allows engineers to create
detailed designs, analyze terrain, and simulate various scenarios.

It operates in a 3D model-based environment, allowing civil engineers to

accelerate design, improve collaboration, and enhance data exchange. Civil 3D
includes purpose-built tools for critical civil engineering disciplines such as road
and highway design, site design, and rail design. Civil 3D is a computer-aided
design (CAD) program specialized for designing and documenting transportation,
water, and hydroelectric systems in civil engineering projects.

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

9.2 Plotting and Mapping Software
2. GIS Software (Geographic Information Systems):

a) ArcGIS is indeed a powerful geographic information system (GIS) software

widely used in civil engineering for mapping, analysis, and visualization, which
allows civil engineers to visualize and analyze geographic data.

b) QGIS: An open-source GIS software that provides various tools for map creation,
spatial analysis, and data visualization.

ArcGIS plays a crucial role in managing data, analyzing spatial patterns, and
supporting decision-making throughout the infrastructure life cycle. Its
interoperability, spatial analysis capabilities, and integration with CAD make it a
valuable tool for civil engineers.

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

9.2 Plotting and Mapping Software
3. Digital Geometric Model (DGM):
It is a mathematical representation of an object’s geometry in a digital format. This
model can be used to visualize, analyze, and manipulate the shape and structure of
objects in both 2D and 3D spaces.
4. Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and DEM:
Digital Terrain Model (DTM) represents of the ground surface topography or terrain of a
specific area, excluding any objects like buildings and vegetation. It provides detailed
information about the elevation and slope of the terrain. A Digital Elevation Model
(DEM) can include both the ground surface and objects on.
DTMs are created using data from sources like LiDAR, photogrammetry, and satellite
imagery. These data points are processed to remove non-ground features, resulting in a
model that accurately represents the terrain.
DTMs are used in various fields such as hydrology, geology, and urban planning. They
help in flood modeling, land-use planning, and infrastructure development.

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

9.2 Plotting and Mapping Software
5. STAD Pro:

Structural engineering software that helps in analyzing and designing structures,

though not exclusively for mapping, it plays a role in site and plan development.

6. RFEM: RFEM is a 3D FEA structural analysis and design software developed by

Dlubal Software. It’s used by structural engineers, architects, and construction
companies to model and analyze complex 3D structures. RFEM can handle
various materials and structural systems, including plates, walls, shells, and
members.

7. Bentley MicroStation: MicroStation is a 3D and 2D modeling and CAD solution

offered by Bentley Systems. A Bentley MicroStation CAD software that is
commonly used for infrastructure and civil engineering projects, allowing for
detailed 2D and 3D design, drafting plans, and visualizing complex structures.

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

9.2 Plotting and Mapping Software
9. Revit: While primarily an architectural design tool, Revit can be used for civil
engineering projects where building information modeling (BIM) is an integral
part of the process.

10. Land Desktop: An older software but still used for land development and civil
engineering design, particularly for site grading and layout.

11. SketchUp: SketchUp is known for its user-friendly interface and versatility. It’s a
3D modeling software that is often used for conceptual design and visualize
designs in civil engineering and architecture projects. While it’s widely used in
architecture, it’s also valuable for civil engineering projects.

12. Lumion: Primarily used for rendering and visualization, Lumion can help create
realistic 3D visualizations of civil engineering projects for presentations or client
approvals.

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

9.2 Plotting and Mapping Software
13. SPSS (Spatial Statistical Package for Statistics):

For projects that require statistical analysis of spatial data, SPSS offers tools for
data analysis and visualization.

These software tools can often be used in combination to facilitate a

comprehensive approach to civil engineering design and planning, allowing for
effective mapping and visualization of projects.

In Nepal mostly used customized plotting software is:

SW DTM
A powerful DTM with unlimited points capability. It contains feature line definition
enabling the user control over the surface model and contour creation. It is
seamlessly integrated and can be used for extraction of longitudinal and cross
section profiles as well as 3D visualization.

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

Chapter: 9:- Plotting and Mapping
Chapter: 9:- Plotting and Mapping
Chapter: 9:- Plotting and Mapping
Chapter: 9:- Plotting and Mapping
Plotting L-section from Field surveyed Data from Chainage
and RL

1. Field book 2. Open excel

 Chapter: 9:- Plotting and Mapping

Then file save as and coma seperated file (comma delimited)

provide file name save any location easy to save in desktop, files
saves in CSV format.
➢ Then open Auto CAD
➢ Open SW DTM
Chapter: 9:- Plotting and Mapping

Click Read data

From standard file
Execute data
Click the file name as saved in CSV
format
Click Draw all
Pick any point reference any where Now L
section is ready after clicking
Output in next slide:
Chapter: 9:- Plotting and Mapping

You can draw the Profile and Cross section by topographic map prepared
(Contour map) which is still to steady so in semester it is better to practice from
Chapter: 9:- Plotting and Mapping
Plotting Cross section:

Data format Select all data

Chapter: 9:- Plotting and Mapping
Plotting Cross section:

Cross section click

Chapter: 9:- Plotting and Mapping
Plotting Cross section:

From excel file

Click execute
Draw all
Output final
9.3 Comparison of Manual Plotting and Computerized Plotting
1. Results showed significant time savings with the computerized system:
o For traversing: up to 84% reduction in production time.
o For plan plotting: up to 74% reduction.
o For contouring: up to 84% reduction.

2. Accurate mapping and plotting of digital methods than manual method.

3. Both manual and computerized perform the same task, but differences exist in
cost, speed, and mobility.

4. Computerized plotting offers advantages such as faster processing, reduced errors,

and better data organization, while manual plotting may be cost-effective for small
businesses.

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

9.3 Comparison of Manual Plotting and Computerized Plotting
Advantages of computerized plotting over manual plotting
a) One of the Benefits of computerized plotting is to Draw a map to Scale (i.e. same
as ground distances).
b) Lay Out the Drawing is Convenient.
c) Computerized plotting is flexible to Organize Drawing Information.
d) Drafting Standards can be established easily.
e) Drawing can be made Efficiently.
f) Drawings can be drawn accurately.
g) Drawings can be easily viewed and reviewed, and necessary corrections can be
made easily.
h) Dimensioning can be done easily and Texts can be inserted for explanations
easily.
i) Drawings can be modified easily.
j) Properties and attributes of different points and areas can be inserted easily.

Birendra Kumar Shrestha

The End

Birendra Kumar Shrestha