The authors cover the following modes through comparing and contrasting them: sounding,
spot elevation, isobath, contour, hachure, hatch, shaded relief, land classification, figure-ground, stratigraphic column, cross section, line symbol, and conventional sign over the course of the bookAEs ten chapters.
Another form of identifying elevations is to mark proposed heights of objects by labeling the object with a
spot elevation. It is important that drainage away from structures and important improvements be maintained when establishing elevations.