To offset an alignment

When creating an offset alignment, you can stake the alignment without saving it, or you can give the alignment a name and then save the offset alignment as an RXL file. You can also create and save node points at the vertices of the horizontal alignment.

  1. When keying in an alignment from the Key in menu or during stakeout, tap Offset in the Key in alignment screen.
  2. Enter the offset distance. To offset to the left, enter a negative value.
  3. Select the Store offset alignment check box and enter the Alignment name.
  4. Enter the String name.
  5. To store node points at the vertices of the offset alignment, select the Store points at nodes check box and enter the Start point name and the Code, if required.

  6. Tap Store.

    Alternatively, if you are keying in the alignment during stakeout, tap Next. The Stakeout screen for the alignment appears. Select the method in the Stake field. To stake out the alignment, refer to the topic for the selected method.

An offset alignment has a vertical component if the vertical geometry of the original alignment coincides with the horizontal geometry and the vertical geometry consists only of points. The offset vertical geometry cannot include curves. If the vertical geometry of an alignment cannot be offset, only the horizontal component will exist in the offset alignment. You cannot offset an alignment that includes transitions.