Cross-section data includes the typical cross-sections that define channel bathymetry and profile (longitudinal) lines that can be used to represent centerline, bank line, or other "stream" paths within the channel defined by the cross-sections. Important line (material properties) and point (thalweg, bank) properties associated with cross-sections are stored as well as other attributes.

A 1D cross-section consists of a set of distance (station) and elevation values (Figure 3). If the cross-section is to be used in conjunction with terrain data, it must also be georeferenced. This means that the distance or station value can be converted into X and Y values, and the elevation is assumed to be a Z value. The georeferencing can be provided on a point by point basis, in which case, each point of the cross-sections has an X and Y coordinate defining its Cartesian location. Georeferencing can also be established using one or two points on the cross-section. Single point georeferencing provides the X and Y value associated with a distance along the section as well as an azimuth. Two point georeferencing requires the specification of two (X,Y) pairs as well as two distances along the section.

A cross-section group in XDMF includes a set of cross-sections, geo-referencing parameters and other properties associated with portions of or positions on the cross-section.