Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
modifications and spot elevations supplemented with other conventions,
including slope direction arrows and sections to graphically represent
the grading design intentions.
creatinG LandformS for proGrammed uSeS
Figures 11.6-A through 11.6-D each provide a snapshot of the same scene.
Figure 11.6-A is a photograph of the site and serves as a base for the next
images. Figure 11.6-B is the same site, but with hypothetical contour
lines drawn in. The elevation of each contour is added in Figure 11.6-C.
As additional information is added, we gain a greater understanding of
the site, and we can use that information to be more precise in deter-
mining the degree of slope of its topography. Figure 11.6-D contains the
same information in the previous images, but in plan. Working in plan,
the designer has the ability to make modifications of the landform to
achieve some specific purpose, such as creating a building pad for a
structure.
Contours are a convenience created as a means to visualize in two
dimensions what a three-dimensional topography might look like as the
designer manipulates the contours. Second, contours are a graphic tool
that allows a landscape architect to make modifications of an existing
landform. This is accomplished as the designer rearranges the contours
to achieve some new landform created for a specific purpose. In Fig-
ure 11.6-A, one can see the sculptural relief of a landscape. There is an
upper area defined by a fairly steep slope that wraps around to frame a
lower, flatter area. To help the viewer better visualize the scene, and to
add numerical values of elevation contours, lines have been drawn in
Figure 11.6-B. The pattern and placement of the contour lines could have
been interpolated visually; however, they would normally be derived
from a land survey conducted on the property. The contours themselves
require elevation values to be useful. The elevation values are shown in
Figure 11.6- C. The contours in Figure 11.6-C are labeled starting at the
lower end of the slope, beginning at 100, which designates 100 feet above
sea level or 100 feet above a known physical bench mark established
