---
title: "Plot cross-section data"
slug: "how-to-produce-a-plot-of-cross-sectional-data"
description: "Learn how to produce a plot of cross-sectional data from a user-specified location. "
tags: ["viewing results", "2D modelling"]
updated: 2023-06-21T15:48:29Z
published: 2023-06-21T15:48:29Z
canonical: "help.floodmodeller.com/how-to-produce-a-plot-of-cross-sectional-data"
stale: true
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.floodmodeller.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Plot cross-section data

To view a plot of cross-sectional data, you must first have a completed 2D or 1D-2D linked simulation.

The plot displays model results across a user specified location - this could be an existing shapefile, or a temporary line drawn on the map. The plot can be animated to show the levels vary over the course of the simulation.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/5074bc26-a9ef-4bf4-b1de-a5c6ce628aca/Images/Documentation/2dplotsection.PNG)

Note:

Initially load additional files, such as the underlying ground grid DTM, into your project. These can be added to your plot alongside results data.

### Steps

1. In the **2D Results** section of the **Results** tab, click the **Plot Section** button.
2. A new window will open to define the cross section location. You can either select from any polyline shapefile loaded in the **Layers** panel, or click **Draw** to draw a new line to define your cross section.

Note:

To draw a new line, click the **Draw** button and click anywhere on the map to start drawing. Each subsequent click will add a new point to the line. Double-click to complete the line and stop drawing.
3. The plotting tool will then open, displaying the ground elevations if your DTM is loaded into the **Layers** panel. If not present, select your results files by clicking the button on the top right of the plotting window. Select a variable to plot by clicking in the box next to the dataset. A tick will appear in the box and the associated data will be displayed in the chart.
4. Animate your plot using the controls provided in the chart toolbar.

Tip:

The chart toolbar also contains access to various other functions, including the **Quick-Edit** tool to effortlessly customise charts. Please see the [technical reference](/v1/docs/2d-section-plot) for full details.