Deck height and head gasket checking

[a pontiac]

How does NHRA tech check deck height and v-8 head gasket thickness? I use a depth mic at 12, 3, 6, 9 clock points and take average of 4 points. The head gasket on v-8, i measure 3 points between cylinders then take average. Are either of these correct? Also, should MLS type gaskets be measured different? Thanks for any and all comments or corretions.