The type of dimensioning used for road plans is a variation of the standard dimensioning. In road dimensioning, numerical values for elevations, cuts, fills, and stations are considered dimensions also. Most road dimensions appear on the profile and grade-line drawing. Refer to the example in figure 3-5, and read the following explanation:

1. STATION NUMBERS. The station numbers are lettered horizontally below the profile and grade line and are centered on the appropriate vertical grid line.

2. ELEVATIONS. At the bottom of the sheet, the profile and grade-line elevations for each station are lettered vertically. The grade-line elevations are lettered just above the profile elevations. Any station numbers other than full stations are noted as plus stations, vertically, just outside the bottom border.

3. CUTS AND FILLS. Above the profile and grade-line elevations are lettered the cuts and fills. They are also in a vertical position. The grade points, or points where the profile crosses the grade line, are also noted in this row. They are designated by the word GRADE lettered vertically above the grade-point station.

4. DITCHES. The procedure for dimensioning ditches has two steps as follows: 

a. First, draw extension lines from the ends of a ditch or any point in the ditch where the ditch grade changes. These lines should be extended downward, and dimension lines (with heavy arrowheads) should be drawn between them. These extension and dimension lines should be drawn heavier than normal so they may be distinguished from grid lines.

b. Next, above the dimension line, letter the information necessary to describe the ditch. If the lettering is crowded, you may also use the space below the line. You should furnish the following information: percent of grade of the ditch, depth relative to center line, type of ditch, and width of ditch. Give the elevation and station at the ends of the ditches and at changes of grade.

5. VERTICAL CURVES. Each vertical curve on the grade line is also dimensioned. Draw extension lines upward from the PVC and PVT. Then draw a dimension line between the extension lines and letter the length of the curve above. Letter the station and elevation of the PVC, PVI, and PVT vertically over these points and above the dimension line.

6. CORRELATION WITH PLAN. All points on the profile and grade line coincide with center-line points on the plan. For example, you should show the beginning and ending of construction on the plan view and also on the profile and grade line. Also, note the elevations at these points.

7. DRAINAGE STRUCTURES. Dimension all drainage structures, such as pipes and culverts, by notes. Note the station number, size of opening, length of pipe, and flow-line elevation.

8. TITLE. In this example, the title, "PROFILE AND GRADE LINE is lettered below the ditch dimensions. Below this are noted the horizontal and vertical scales.