Infrastructure

The railML® infrastructure subschema is used to describe the complexities of modern railway networks. The main objective is to provide a comprehensive, standardised way for representing the detailed aspects of railway infrastructure. This enhances interoperability among different railway systems and facilitates efficient planning, operation, and management of railway networks.

Key components of the railML® infrastructure schema:

• Topology: The infrastructure subschema uses a topology concept to represent the track network like a graph. It describes how the railway network is built and where connection points are located. It also allows for aggregation of network layers, so that the actual railway infrastructure elements can be located in several layers which helps exchanging data with systems that may not support the full level of detail of a railway infrastructure. This component is based on a systemic data model - the RailTopoModel.
• Coordinates: It tells us the exact location of elemets in the railway system. For instance, the WGS84, commonly used in modern navigation software by GPS, can be used to pinpoint the exact positions of these elements. This is linked to geography markup language (GML). Additionally linear positioning systems are supported that allow exchange of mileage information as well as screen coordinates that help exchanging information layout between systems.
• Geometry: This describes the physical characteristics of the track, such as its radius and gradient to help understanding the layout and design of the railway tracks. For example, railway planning tools can use the topology and geometry data to design new routes or optimize existing ones. (run time calculation tools or ATO/DAS systems that use this information to calculate the trains speed on the network)
• Railway Infrastructure Elements: They enclose a variety of railway relevant assets that can be found on, under, over or next to the railway track, e.g. balises, signals, track circuits, platforms, platform edges or level crossings.
• Further Located Elements: They encompass elements that are closely linked with the railway infrastructure, but that "cannot be touched", e.g. speed profiles that are used to specify individual maximum speeds for different types of trains depending on their capabilities or information on track conditions which can be used to ensure safe train operations.

Example use cases of the railML® infrastructure schema:

• Network Statement (NEST) provides technical and operational information necessary for entities to operate their rail traffic services and rolling stock. Article 27 of Directive 2012/34/EU states the obligation for each rail Infrastructure Manager to publish a Network Statement.
• Schematic Track Plan (SCTP) involves creating a representation of graphical visualisation of the railway infrastructure, showing the layout and connections of tracks and other key elements.
• Driver Advisory System (DAS) is aimed at advising train drivers on the most energy-efficient speed profile to meet the train’s current schedule.

To explore more detailed features and elements of the infrastructure schema, please visit the railML wiki3 page.

For further inquiries, you may contact Christian Rahmig, the current coordinator for the railML.org infrastructure subschema.