PPD + PDD · DAY 03EN / 中文 / ES
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SITE, ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE & ZONING
Contour density &
landform recognition
SHR.D1.TOPO.001 R2
Key takeaway
Read spacing first, then elevations, then water flow.
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Contour density &
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COURSE ROADMAPPPD + PDD
PPD + PDD — 60-Day Course
A structured path through Project Planning & Design and Project Development & Documentation.
Exam-weight rating: R3 CoreR2 StandardR1 Peripheral
01
Site, Environment, Climate & Zoning
D3–D9 · PPD focus
Contours & Topography · Photovoltaic Systems33 knowledge points
04Wind & Natural Ventilation · Climate-Type Strategies28 knowledge points
05Earth Sheltering · Hydrology & Site DrainageContinue through the module
ILLUSTRATED KNOWLEDGE POINTDAY 03
Valley V-rule
SHR.D1.TOPO.002 R2
When a contour crosses a valley or stream channel, the V points upstream toward higher elevation. Water flows in the opposite direction.
Key takeaway
The contour V points upstream; water flows downhill.
Exam trap
Check the elevation labels before choosing the flow direction.
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01
Visual explanations
See the parts, relationships and flows.
02
Key takeaways
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03
Exam traps
Understand the distinction that changes an answer.
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Course knowledge pointSHR.D1.TOPO.002Practice course reference
IN THE COURSEDAY 03
← Back to roadmap
Valley V-rule
SHR.D1.TOPO.002 R2
The V in a contour points upstream toward higher elevation. Water flows toward the lower elevation.
Key takeaway
Open the course ↗Recognize the shape. Check the labels. Follow the flow.
LESSON PRACTICE EXAMPLEPPD
Site & EnvironmentMultiple Choice
A contour line crosses a stream and forms a V. The V points northeast toward elevation 220 ft; elevations decrease southwest. Which direction does water flow?
Explanation
A valley V points upstream toward higher elevation, so water flows southwest toward lower elevation.
Course reference: Day 03 · SHR.D1.TOPO.002
Course content and lesson practice shown in the current product layout.
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PPD + PDD · DAY 03
Topography &
site design
SHR.D1.TOPO.002 R2
Understand how contours, elevations and drainage work together.
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EXAMPLESFind where a topic livesWhere is the valley V-rule explained? ↗Learn a topic in depthExplain SHR.D1.TOPO.002 step by step. ↗
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Each question costs 1 credit
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KPath AREEN / 中文 / ESGood to see you, architect.
You have 240 credits Pro
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120Questions answered
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Course + practice livePractice Management
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Practice live · course soonCalifornia Supplemental Exam (CSE)
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ARE 5.0 divisions covered, plus the California Supplemental Exam (CSE)
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Beta testers practicing with KPath since our 2026 launch
PcM0Knowledge points
PjM0Knowledge points
PA0Knowledge points
PPD0Knowledge points
PDD0Knowledge points
CE0Knowledge points
CSEPractice liveCourse coming soon
PPD and PDD, and PcM and PjM, each share a large pool of knowledge points between their paired courses — shared points are counted once for each division they apply to.
Early feedback
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Real notes from architects using KPath while they study for the ARE — shared with permission.
“I started using KPath toward the end of my ARE journey, mainly for PPD and PDD. What I found really helpful was being able to jump straight back to the relevant lesson whenever I missed a question. It saved me from digging through tons of material just to review one concept. I’ve since passed PPD, PDD, and the CSE, and I’m finally getting close to becoming a licensed architect!”
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