Use Cross sections in SDX-Cloud Infomap to draw a line on the map and generate an elevation profile (cross-section chart) by sampling one or multiple data sources. This is ideal for comparing terrain states like Reference vs. Current, or tracking changes across multiple snapshots over time.
What you will achieve
Create cross-section lines, add multiple “time” lines (models/snapshots), and read a chart that makes height differences along the same section explicit.
Create cross-section lines, add multiple “time” lines (models/snapshots), and read a chart that makes height differences along the same section explicit.
Where to find it
Open your project in SDX-Cloud → Infomap → Cross sections (left-side panel).
Open your project in SDX-Cloud → Infomap → Cross sections (left-side panel).
Prerequisites
- Project access to the target SDX-Cloud project (you must be able to open Infomap and view models/snapshots).
- Survey data available in the project (e.g., data models, reference models, snapshots, or manipulated models).
- Consistent coordinate system for all datasets you want to compare (so profiles align spatially).
Tip
For “progress over time”, prepare at least two states (e.g., a baseline snapshot + the latest model) before starting this workflow.
For “progress over time”, prepare at least two states (e.g., a baseline snapshot + the latest model) before starting this workflow.
Workflow
1) Open Infomap
- Log in to SDX-Cloud and open your project.
- Open the Infomap tab in the project navigation.
2) Open the Cross sections panel
- In Infomap, open the Cross sections panel (left-side panel).
- Use the filter/search field if you already have many cross sections.
3) Create a folder (optional) and a cross section
- (Optional) Click the Create folder icon to group related sections (e.g., “Stockpiles”, “Cut/Fill Lines”, “Weekly Checks”).
- Select the folder (if used), then click + to create a new cross section.
- Give the cross section a clear name (e.g., “Pile A – North/South”).
Tip
Use naming that reads well in reports: Area + direction + date/time (e.g., “Ramp East–West (2026-02-15)”).
Use naming that reads well in reports: Area + direction + date/time (e.g., “Ramp East–West (2026-02-15)”).
4) Draw the cross-section line on the map
- Select your cross section in the panel.
- Use the map drawing tool to place the section line:
- Click the first endpoint on the map.
- Click the second endpoint to complete a straight section line.
- Confirm the line is placed over the area you want to measure (zoom in if needed).
5) Add “time lines” (data sources) to the chart
A cross section becomes most useful when you overlay multiple datasets (for example: Current vs. Reference, or multiple snapshots across dates).
- Open the cross section’s chart view (the profile chart appears for the selected cross section).
- Add a first line for the current state:
- Click Use current model (the quick-add button) to plot the latest data model along the section.
- Add one or more comparison lines (previous states):
- Click Browse models to select specific models or snapshots to add as additional lines.
- Repeat until you have all “time lines” you want to compare (e.g., Week 1 snapshot, Week 2 snapshot, Current model).
- For each added line, set:
- Name (use a date/state label, e.g., “Reference (2026-02-01)”, “Current (Latest)”).
- Color (use consistent colors across your reporting).
- Type (see the table below).
Data source types
Depending on your project setup, you may see several source types. Use the one that matches the dataset you want to sample.
| Type | When to use |
|---|---|
| Data source | Sample a specific named dataset directly (e.g., a reference terrain or a specific model). |
| Latest data model | Use the most up-to-date model state (recommended for “Current”). |
| Latest manipulated data model | Use the latest model after manipulations/processing steps (if your workflow produces manipulated outputs). |
| Latest snapshot | Compare against snapshot states (ideal for time-based comparisons). |
| Latest manipulated snapshot | Use a snapshot that includes manipulation/processing changes (if your workflow includes manipulated snapshots). |
Tip
For a clean “Reference vs Current” comparison, use:
- Reference: Data source (e.g., reference terrain or baseline snapshot)
- Current: Latest data model
Read and interpret the cross-section chart
- X-axis: distance along the drawn line (typically meters).
- Y-axis: elevation/height sampled from each selected dataset (same unit as the project).
- Legend: each dataset you added appears as its own line (use naming/colors to keep this clear).
Interpretation example
If the “Current” profile is lower than the “Reference” profile at the same distance position, material has likely been removed there (excavation). If it is higher, material has likely been added (fill).
If the “Current” profile is lower than the “Reference” profile at the same distance position, material has likely been removed there (excavation). If it is higher, material has likely been added (fill).
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