You will be required to draw a fully annotated, dimensionally correct section drawing that accurately represents the section of a trench.  You will have a basic understanding of the various types of section, including half sectioned, running/cumulative  section and trench baulk,  establishing datum lines and principles of conventions.

 

 

PRINCIPLE: Understands the various elements that must be present on a section including the use of conventions & how it is located/levelled.

 

• Novice – Understands the basic information required for a section, including scale, necessary information and grid coordinates/horizontal datum.  Though the section will need to be checked for accuracy and degree of completion.  The section may be overly measured and be too dependant of joining dots rather than creating a natural drawing.
  
• Competent – Is able to setup a drawing and create an accurate representation of the layers/s Enters all the correct  drawing information with minimal checking.  Contexts and stones (for example) are drawn to scale and resemble the actual feature.
  
• Proficient – Can easily draw any section and understand the concept of enhancing the drawn record with appropriate drawing conventions that do not obscure or confuse the plan but enhance the clarity of the final drawing. Is confident in drawing complex sections that extend both horizontally and vertically.
  

Professional tips:

Learn the correct conventions to depict what you draw, and remember that annotations help the next person to view the drawing to understadn better what you are trying to show.

Use a scale that is appropriate to the task. Many sections are drawn  at 1:10 – however if you draw plans at 1:20 drawing a section at the same scale can help when matching up drawings in post ex and onsite.

Use different pencils to help visually annotate the drawing. A darker line can help to enhance a feature you feel requires more emphasis. 6H is best and always try to use “permatrace” – now called drafting film, as it is waterproof and archive stable.

Check your plan has: Section directions; Scale; Name; Date; Drawing Num; Scale Bar; The height of the section line  maOD ( metres above Ordnance Datum); a Reference or distance from a trench corner – Any context numbers, sample numbers, or finds  and descriptive text if needed.

Get the Past Horizons Data Cards, to help

Remember sections have an interpretive function as well as being part of the recording system, because the draughtsperson makes conscious decisions about what should be included or emphasised, however, there is also the survey, photographic and written records to back this up.