What does a "cut line" indicate on a grading plan?

A "cut line" on a grading plan indicates the specific area where earth will be excavated. In civil engineering and earthworks, grading plans are utilized to show how the land will be modified for construction, landscaping, or other purposes. The cut line delineates the boundaries of material that needs to be removed from the site to achieve the desired finished elevation. Understanding this helps engineers and contractors know precisely where excavation will take place, ensuring that the project meets specified design elevations and contours.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the function of a cut line. Compacted areas refer to soil that has been compressed to increase its density, which is unrelated to the excavation process. The boundary of a construction site pertains to the limits of where construction activities can occur, which is different from indicating excavation areas. Finally, the level of soil required for planting focuses on how soil is prepared for vegetation, rather than the specifics of excavation delineations in grading plans.