Hi Tree,

In my opinion, the most important concept for the topo designer (V7 and up), is the fact that elevations are absolute.
This means that, (for example) if you are drawing a berm with elevation 5 ft, then you are drawing an overlapping berm with elevation= 3 ft you will get a berm with 5 ft with a 2ft sunken area (like a pool). In other words, your levels will be always the difference between the elevations of the different elements

To illustrate better, try this-->
Step 1--> open an empty topo file--> draw a circular topo area--> set it with any elevation (say 10 ft)--> click the Generate Topography button--> Open a liveview window--> you will see a flat lot
Step 2--> open an empty topo file--> cover all the lot with a square topo shape--> set the elevation as 0--> draw a circular topo area--> set it with any elevation (say 10 ft)--> click the Generate Topography button--> Open a liveview window--> you will the berm in the lot

Let us know if you need additional help

Patricia