Profile board

A crossbar on posts carrying a line and a level.

Also known as: Batter board, Profile marking survey

Engineering & technicalMaps & navigationQuiet profile

Meanings

A profile board is a horizontal board fixed across two posts beside an excavation, carrying marks that define the line and level of the work being built.

Common modern usageVerified fact
Carries the line and level of work being built, set clear of the excavation itself.
Contexts: Maps
Common modern usageVerified fact
Stands outside the dig precisely so the reference survives the excavation that would destroy a peg on the line.
Contexts: Maps

Visual description

A horizontal board fixed across two upright posts, with nails or saw cuts marking positions along its upper edge.

A fuller structured visual breakdown is not yet documented for this symbol.

Confidence

IdentityModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the identity is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.
Historical originLow confidence: Low confidence because the historical origin is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far, but early or supporting evidence is limited, but the regional or cultural match to this specific claim is not precise.
Current useModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the current use is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.
Visual matchModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the visual match is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.

Sources

Surveying: methods, control and setting out
Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-08-24
Tertiary reference. Used for the marks and notations of control networks, traverses and setting out, and for what each is for. Not used for any procedure or accuracy claim.

Last reviewed 2026-08-24

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Meanings

A profile board is a horizontal board fixed across two posts beside an excavation, carrying marks that define the line and level of the work being built.

Common modern usageVerified fact

Carries the line and level of work being built, set clear of the excavation itself.

Contexts: Maps

Common modern usageVerified fact

Stands outside the dig precisely so the reference survives the excavation that would destroy a peg on the line.

Contexts: Maps

Confidence

IdentityModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the identity is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.
Historical originLow confidence: Low confidence because the historical origin is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far, but early or supporting evidence is limited, but the regional or cultural match to this specific claim is not precise.
Current useModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the current use is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.
Visual matchModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the visual match is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.