How should elevations be represented on a survey according to the national standards?

Elevations on a survey should be represented through spot elevations and/or contours as mandated by national standards. Spot elevations provide specific measurement points at certain locations, giving a clear indication of the height at those spots. This visual representation is crucial for understanding the variations in terrain.

Contours, on the other hand, illustrate lines of equal elevation, allowing for a more comprehensive view of the landscape's undulations and slopes. This two-dimensional approach enables surveyors, engineers, and planners to interpret the topography effectively for a variety of applications, such as land development, drainage planning, and construction.

Using only numerical data would not convey the spatial context necessary to understand elevation changes across the surveyed area. Written descriptions alone lack the visual representation of relationships between different elevations, making them less effective for practical use. Color coding, while informative for illustrating certain data points, does not meet the established standards for conveying elevation information in surveying practices.