Bench marks are primarily used to indicate what?

Bench marks are primarily used to indicate elevations. They serve as reference points in surveying and construction, indicating a specific height or vertical datum from which other elevations can be measured. Typically, a bench mark is a permanent marker placed on a stable structure or in the ground, allowing surveyors to establish a reliable baseline for topographical elevations in relation to sea level or another reference point.

Understanding elevations is crucial for various construction, civil engineering, and land development projects. These elevations help in designing structures that need to adhere to gradient requirements, drainage systems, and any other factors where vertical measurements are essential. The precise elevation indicated by a bench mark facilitates accurate and efficient planning, grading, and earthwork activities, ensuring that all measurements are made relative to a common reference point.