Flatirons, Inc.

Plan and Profile

A plan and profile is a drawing showing two views of the same features. This type of drawing is typically used to delineate a corridor in which some kind of linear structure, such as a roadway, pipeline, or runway, is going to be constructed. The plan view is similar to maps with which we are all familiar, and may include such features as topography, structures, utilities, or other features which could impact a proposed design. The profile view is a representation of the vertical features, both at ground level and underground. The two views together provide information in three dimensions, and are usually placed on the sheets so that the plan view is correlated to the profile view at any particular point.

This type of document is often used by engineers to prepare construction plans for surface and subsurface improvements. The plan view is used to show the horizontal location of new or existing features, while the profile view provides the vertical locations of new or existing features.

The surveyor may be involved in the preparation of a plan and profile prior to design by an engineer, or be called on to take design plans in the form of plan and profile drawings in order to provide construction staking.