Once a surface is created, we can display information in a large number of ways. The most common so far has been contours and triangles, but these are the basics. By using varying styles, we can show a large amount of data with one single surface. Not only can we do simple things such as adjust the contour interval, but Civil 3D can apply a number of analysis tools to any surface:

• Contours allows the user to specify a more specific color scheme or linetype as opposed to the typical minor-major scheme. Commonly used in cut-fill maps to color negative colors one way, positive contours another, and the balance or zero contours yet another color.

• Elevations creates bands of color to differentiate various elevations. This can be a simple weighted distribution to help in creation of marketing materials, hard-coded elevations to differentiate floodplain and other elevation-driven site concerns, or ranges to help a designer understand the earthwork involved in creating a finished surface.

• Direction Analysis draws arrows showing the normal direction of the surface face. This is typically used for aspect analysis, helping site planners review the way a site slopes with regard to cardinal directions and the sun.

• Slopes Analysis colors the face of each triangle on the basis of the assigned slope values. While a distributed method is the normal setup, a common use is to check site slopes for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements or other...