Purpose

The Levels tools are used to create, manage, display, and report level information within an Artisan project. These tools support grading design, construction documentation, drainage coordination, and accurate communication of existing and proposed site elevations.

Standard Workflow

1. Prepare the Drawing

Before working with levels:

• Open the project drawing.
• Confirm the project coordinate system and datum are correct.
• Verify survey information has been imported and validated.
• Ensure level-related objects are assigned to the appropriate layers.
• Review project standards for level display and annotation.

2. Create Level Points

To add level information:

1. Select the appropriate level creation tool.
2. Specify the location for the level point.
3. Enter or assign the required elevation value.
4. Apply the correct level style and annotation settings.
5. Place the level marker within the drawing.
6. Verify the displayed level value is correct.

3. Edit Existing Levels

When updates are required:

1. Select the level point to be modified.
2. Open the editing function.
3. Update the elevation, annotation, or display settings.
4. Save the changes.
5. Review any associated grading or terrain information affected by the update.

4. Create Proposed Levels

For grading and design development:

1. Identify key design locations requiring level control.
2. Place proposed level points.
3. Assign design elevations.
4. Check relationships between adjacent levels.
5. Confirm compliance with drainage, accessibility, and grading requirements.

5. Label and Annotate Levels

To improve drawing clarity:

• Apply consistent level symbols.
• Use standard annotation styles.
• Ensure text orientation is clear and readable.
• Avoid overlapping labels.
• Maintain compliance with project drafting standards.

6. Review Level Relationships

Before issuing drawings:

• Verify transitions between adjacent levels.
• Confirm gradients and falls function as intended.
• Check levels at boundaries, structures, paths, and hard landscape features.
• Review drainage directions.
• Validate all critical construction levels.

7. Generate Level Information

For project documentation:

1. Create level schedules where required.
2. Produce grading plans.
3. Generate construction drawings containing level information.
4. Review outputs for completeness and accuracy.
5. Ensure level annotations remain coordinated across all deliverables.

8. Validate and Save

Before finalising work:

• Check all level values against the design intent.
• Verify consistency with terrain models and grading proposals.
• Confirm annotation standards have been applied.
• Save the drawing.
• Update project revision records if applicable.

Recommended Standard Practice

1. Verify survey and project datum information.
2. Create and review existing levels.
3. Develop proposed levels for design areas.
4. Check relationships between adjacent levels.
5. Validate drainage and accessibility requirements.
6. Generate level schedules and drawing outputs.
7. Complete quality assurance checks.
8. Save and issue project information.

Typical Levels Tasks

Quality Control Checklist

Before completing work:

✅ Project datum verified
✅ Survey levels validated
✅ Existing levels checked
✅ Proposed levels reviewed
✅ Annotation standards applied
✅ Drainage falls confirmed
✅ Accessibility requirements assessed
✅ Schedules reviewed
✅ Drawing saved successfully

Outcome

Following the Levels workflow ensures that site elevation information is managed consistently and accurately throughout the project lifecycle. Correct use of levels supports grading design, drainage coordination, construction documentation, and the production of reliable landscape and civil engineering deliverables.