Using Civil 3D ‘SurfaceàSpot Elevation’ labels you can’t rotate the text.  The labels will always be plan readable through the viewport.  In addition, if you are placing spots along edge-of-pavement or curb lines and the linework is moved the spots won’t move with the linework.

So what do we do if we want the text to be rotated perpendicular or parallel with the pavement or curb lines?

Pick-up some handy Line & Curve labels after the jump…

Instead of using ‘SurfaceàSpot Elevation’ labels we use ‘Line and CurveàSingle Segment’ labels.  If you think about it, it makes sense.  You are labeling the elevation of a ‘line’ or ‘curves’ at certain points.

In the file Line&Curve Spot Lbls.dwg you will find the following Line & Curve label styles:

• For Lines
  • Spot Elev (Par) [PROP] – Parallel to line
  • Spot Elev (Perp) [PROP] – Perpendicular to line
• For Curves
  • Spot Elev (Rad) [PROP] – Radial to curve
  • Spot Elev (Tan) [PROP] – Tangent to curve

(also available with "NO X" .  If you want to place the ‘X’ manually the block the style uses for the ‘X’ is "SPOT_X", which will be in the drawing inventory of blocks)

When adding these labels you will be prompted to pick two objects.  First, the line or curve, and then the surface.  You can pick either through the XREF or in the active drawing (also see post Behavior of Text Associated thru XREF).  As an added bonus if the linework in the base files is moved (not replaced) the spots will move with the linework!  🙂

If you want to flip the label to the other side of the line or curve, simply right-click the label and select "Flip Label" (see image).

THANKS, and I hope this helps!

Click HERE for a short video on the above styles.