What is the process of shaping earthwork to the desired grade called?

The correct choice highlights the importance of defining the land's surface contours and preparing it for construction or landscaping. Grading involves manipulating the earth to create a specific slope, flat area, or contour that meets particular design requirements. This process is crucial in civil engineering and sanitary engineering, as it ensures proper drainage, stability of structures, and compliance with design specifications.

Leveling, while related, typically refers to the adjustment to create a flat or uniform surface rather than the broader shaping involved in grading. Surveying pertains to measuring and mapping land, which is foundational but does not involve the actual physical alteration of the land itself. Excavating involves removing earth materials and is often a part of grading but doesn’t encompass the overall process of shaping land to a specific grade. Thus, grading is the most comprehensive term that captures the entire process of reshaping earthwork for intended purposes.