The difference between section views and profile views is that profile views measure station from left to right and section views measure ______ from left to right.

The difference between section views and profile views is that profile views measure station from left to right and section views measure ______ from left to right.

• A. Offset
• B. Elevation
• C. Distance
• D. Angle

Answer: (A)

In a profile view, the horizontal axis represents station along the alignment, which is measured from left to right as you move downstream. Elevation is shown vertically along that same axis. In a section view, you’re looking at a cross-section cut perpendicular to the alignment, so the horizontal axis across the page is the distance away from the alignment centerline. That left-to-right measure is the offset. So the correct concept is offset: sections are plotted by how far every point is offset from the centerline, while profiles are plotted by station along the alignment. Elevation is the vertical measurement in both types, but the horizontal measure in a section is offset, not elevation, distance, or angle.

In a profile view, the horizontal axis represents station along the alignment, which is measured from left to right as you move downstream. Elevation is shown vertically along that same axis. In a section view, you’re looking at a cross-section cut perpendicular to the alignment, so the horizontal axis across the page is the distance away from the alignment centerline. That left-to-right measure is the offset.

So the correct concept is offset: sections are plotted by how far every point is offset from the centerline, while profiles are plotted by station along the alignment. Elevation is the vertical measurement in both types, but the horizontal measure in a section is offset, not elevation, distance, or angle.