railVIVID: The railML Viewer & Validator
railVIVID® is an advanced tool for viewing and validating railML® files. The versatility of railVIVID allows users to visualise and validate a range of railway data, including timetable, infrastructure, rolling stock data.
Objectives
railVIVID provides users with full access to view the railML files without a comprehensive understanding of XML and railML syntax. It combines visualization tools with an integrated validator which allows users to check the railML file for syntax correctness and several semantic aspects. Thus, railVIVID gives users all the convenience necessary for successful interaction with the railML import and export interfaces of their software.
Visualisation Tools:
- Timetable data: Graphic viewer for visual representation and tabular viewer with spreadsheet export for easy data handling;
- Infrastructure data: Tabular viewer for structural insights and geographic viewer for the tracks;
- Rolling stock data: Detailed data viewer for managing rolling stock information;
Validation Features:
- Schema validator: Syntax validation for railML® files and partial semantic validation based on the constraints;
- Error reporting: Comprehensive feedback on errors, warnings and schema extensions.
Not all of the above features are available yet. We are constantly extending railVIVID, so they will be released step by step.
History
railVIVID was initially developed by TU Dresden and the Institute of Traffic Telematics in response to a UIC project in 2014. It was first introduced as an alpha version in 2015 at the 4th UIC RailTopoModel Conference.
The last version of railVIVID 1 was published at the 45th railML.org conference on June 6th, 2024. The latest enhancements in that version contain semantic checks for various railML 2.5 constraints, such as operating periods, designators and circulation data. In addition, the update incorporates bug fixes that were tested by the railML community and could be used by all users.
Please note that railML.org ended the support for this version in 2024 and the organisation does not accept any liability for any errors.
railVIVID 2
The development of railVIVID 2 began in August 2024 following the announcement at the 45th railML® Conference. The new version is focused to enhance maintainability and usability. Key features will include:
- A desktop and web application built on .NET 8, available for free.
- Extended validation capabilities for railML® 2.x and 3.x versions.
- New features like partial semantic validation and integrated reference checking.
- Visualisation of railML subschemas with tabular and graphic views.
The initial focus of visualisation will be on railML® 3.x, with the goal of delivering results quickly by targeting essential data. Further extensions and support for railML® 2.x is planned for subsequent updates.
The latest version of railVIVID 2 is publicly available now and the source code for key modules will be made available as open source for collaboration and further development later.
If you have any questions, feedback or want to take part in discussions about railVIVID, contact railML.org.
Download
To download railVIVID and source code for personal use, you must agree to the provided license conditions, available on our licence terms page.