What does the term "grade point" refer to in civil engineering?

The term "grade point" in civil engineering is primarily associated with the location where a cut or fill section intersects with the natural ground. This point is critical in various engineering and construction applications as it helps establish the transition between the earth's surface, which is the existing grade, and any modifications made to it, such as during earthwork operations for roadways, foundations, or landscaping.

Understanding this context is important because the grade point assists engineers and surveyors in planning and executing projects while ensuring that the new grade is compatible with existing conditions. This enables accurate calculations for grading and drainage, which play significant roles in site development.

While some other terms in civil engineering might involve grading calculations or elevations, they do not specifically refer to the intersection of construction modifications and natural ground, which is the defining characteristic of a grade point.