Step 1: Understand the purpose of profile leveling.
Profile leveling is a type of differential leveling used to determine the elevations of points at regular intervals along a designated line, such as a road, railway, or pipeline alignment. It helps create a vertical profile of the ground surface along that line. This method involves:
Setting up a level at various points.
Taking staff readings at fixed intervals.
Calculating reduced levels of each point.
Step 2: Analyze each option.
Contours of an area: Incorrect; contouring involves determining elevation changes over a wide area, not just along a line.
Capacity of a reservoir: Incorrect; this involves volumetric surveying, not profile leveling.
Elevations along a straight line: Correct; this is the main objective of profile leveling.
Boundaries of property: Incorrect; this relates to cadastral or boundary surveying.
Step 3: Select the correct option.
Based on the definition and use of profile leveling: $$ \boxed{\text{Elevations along a straight line}} $$