Number hydraulic cross-sections in multiples of 10
To make it easier to insert new surveyed elements later, numbering hydraulic cross-sections in multiples of 10 can help you keep your output clean and consistent.
Paolo Corradeghini
9/16/20241 min read
When you draft hydraulic cross-sections (transverse to the flow direction of a river or stream), assign numbers that are multiples of 10.
This way you can always add new sections later without messing up the numbering you already set.
Usually, section names follow the flow direction, one way or the other.
I start upstream and go downstream.
Most hydraulic modelling software prefers the opposite: downstream to upstream.
Your call.
Either way, you’ll end up with sections that stay neatly ordered along the channel’s longitudinal profile.
Quick recap
Use 10, 20, 30… so you can insert 15, 25, 35… later
Pick a direction (upstream → downstream or the reverse) and stay consistent
Cleaner ordering in profiles and outputs
