A building is set out in order to clearly define the outline of excavation and the Centre lines of the walls, so that construction can be carried out exactly according to plan. The centre line method of setting out is generally preferred and adopted.
The setting of the corner points is checked according to diagonals AC, BD, CF and EG. During excavation, the centre points A, B, C, … may be removed, Therefore, The centre lines are extended and the centre points marked about 2 m away from the outer edge of excavation. Thus the points A1, A2, B1, B2, are marked outside the trench. The centre lines are shown clearly by stretching thread or rope. The centre points fixed 2 m away from the excavation are marked with stout pegs.