technet-rail 2010 GmbH

Geographic Information Systems for the railway industry

How data becomes solutions.

Railway transportation is a sector that is

constantly in upheaval. As a significant mo-

bility factor, the railway industry is in the

never-ending process of having to prove

its strength and competitiveness day in

day out. Innovative and customer-oriented

services for passenger and cargo transport

are in demand as never before.

technet-rail helps the railway industry to

develop innovative and future oriented ser-

vices. We are among the market leaders in

the area of geographic data-based products

for railway companies.

Thanks to our more than 20 years of expe-

rience in surveying, we develop software

programs that enable state of the art cus-

tomer-specific software solutions. This also

includes 3-D capture and 3-D data process-

ing of infrastructure data, the development

of navigation and simulation models as well

as the conception of passenger information

systems.

Every one of our solutions aims at giving

our customers a head start in the field of

their market. That advantage gives our cus-

tomers the significant benefit for their work.

The technet-rail team looks forward to work-

ing with you.

Dr. Ivo Milev

Managing director

technet-rail 2010 GmbH

How data becomes solutions.

Our philosophy

technet-rail was established in 2010 emer-

ging from technet GmbH founded in 1989.

Our scope of services encompasses custom-

er consulting and software development for

several applications in the railway industry.

We offer our clients individual, innovative

and complex software solutions in the area

of transport and railway construction, sur-

veying, integration of geographic data, 3-D

laser scanning, inertial systems, satellite-

aided navigation as well as multi-sensor sys-

tems in road and railway construction.

Bundled knowledge creates new solutions

technet-rail‘s team of specialists has been

bundling years of knowledge from the sur-

veying and engineering sectors, from the

fields of computer science, mathematics

and cartography. As a UN consultant for

global navigation satellite systems (GNSS),

technet-rail 2010 GmbH

Foundation

Company headquarters

Managing director

Employees

Services

2010 (previously technet GmbH since 1989)

Berlin

Dr. Ivo Milev

10

Software development and consulting, including

surveying, geographic data-based applications,

3-D laser scanning, satellite navigation, multi-sensor

systems, customized programming

Managing Director Dr. Ivo Milev attends

to upcoming trends and perspectives of

geographical data-based information. Our

state-of-the-art specialist knowledge ena-

bles us to constantly further develop soft-

ware programs and to be able to adapt these

to ever-changing requirements.

The industry trusts in us

Our current customer base consists of

more than 200 engineering offices and

major railway companies. We work with

Deutsche Bahn AG, Leica Geosystems AG,

Schweizerische Bundesbahnen (SBB),

Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB),

Luxembourg Railways (CFL), the Rus-

sian State Railways as well as key en-

ergy providers and chemical com-

panies in Europe and the USA (e.g.

BayerCorpScience).

Creative hotspot for railway software.

The company: technet-rail

technet-rail uses 3-D laser scanning technol-

ogy to capture and process terrestrial data.

The benefits of this method: extreme speed,

precision and seamless recording of the en-

vironment with the aid of millions of 3-D ob-

ject points as well as a broad range of usage

of the acquired data.

Track and close topography seam-lessly captured

3-D data is the basis of the most various

types of analyses in rail traffic. technet-rail

uses the captured track geometry to calcu-

late driving dynamics or to test the target

track geometry (Quality Control). Further

applications are clearance measurements

and the identification of clearance gauge.

These applications are used to assess and

secure transports with bulky or oversized

loads. The topography in the vicinity of the

track, such as buildings, masts and other

facilities can be assessed within a radius of

200 meters and analyzed.

Innovative surveying method makes use of satellites

technet-rail is one of the very few data inte-

grators that uses state-of-the-art kinematic

surveying systems. This process involves

the combination of 3-D laser scanners with

real-time navigation and the use of satellite

systems (GNSS), such as GALILEO, GLONASS

and GPS. These innovative surveying sys-

tems have been applied numerous times by

technet-rail in projects for customers from

Germany, the Netherlands and Russia, in

particular in the monitoring and control of

rail and road conditions as well as volume

calculations and deformation analyses.

technet-rail – Partners of system leaders

technet-rail cooperates with leading manu-

facturers of 3-D laser scanners, such as

Riegl, Topcon, Leica, Zoller & Fröhlich and

Faro, which is why we have direct conver-

sion codes of all binary manufacturer for-

mats. This allows an easy and quick import

and further processing of nearly any kind of

scanning data.

High-tech as a foundation formodern data management.

The process: 3-D laser scanning

Many national railway networks already

have railway databases. technet-rail has de-

veloped complex solutions with which we

can visualize, analyze and process existing

infrastructure data – in line with customer

requirements.

Five integrated modules

Our five modules for the railway industry can

be purchased as standalone solutions or as a

package (SiRailData).

The SiRailScan module encompasses ex-

tensive software for the evaluation of laser

scanning data. Various functional scopes

such as the Basic, Architecture and Railway

modules are available.

The SiRailViewer module is used to view

scan data and to load geometric data. The

module is suitable for clearance measure-

ments (e.g. to calculate the platform edge

with automatic distance measurement to

the axis of track, collision test) and the ex-

port of measuring points.

ATrack stands for automatic track recog-

nition. The module offers automatic track

and gradient calculation. It enables error

analyses to bridge measurement gaps and

transformations of measured points to the

calculated track geometry.

The module Verm.esn is used for track plan-

ning. This software has been further devel-

oped by technet-rail. It is used, for example,

to create track plans, to optimize tracks and

to calculate different transformations.

We use the SiRailManager database mod-

ule to process, administer and update our

customers‘ databases. An important role in

this respect is the enhancement and harmo-

nization of data such as track networks and

IvL plans. The latter does not only document

the current track geometry but also the

property ownership of the railway operator.

Railway infrastructure data – modular and sophisticated.

SiRailViewer

ATrack

Verm.esn

SiRailManager

SiRailScan

The service package: SiRailData

SiRailScan enables the direct import of pro-

prietary (in-house) data formats from all sig-

nificant laser scanner manufacturers. With

this, the universal visualization and analysis

of any 3-D scan material is possible without

any problems whatsoever.

Conversion to several graphics formats

SiRailScan works with a special graphics en-

gine that was optimized to cater to the char-

acteristics of 3-D raster data. The program

can generate all standard output formats

such as DXF, DGN, 3DS, GeoTIFF/ECW and

provides high-resolution visualization in the

image file formats BMP, TIFF and AVI.

SiRailScan determines the actual track ge-

ometry without any constrains and high

precision manner. In this process, the inner

sides of the toprail are modeled on the basis

of point cloud data and the track‘s actual po-

sition and height are calculated.

Potential collision points – clearly visible

The program can simulate train passages

and conduct collisions tests based on the

determined track geometry. Potential colli-

sion points are colored in and displayed in

a separate window for initial analysis. The

program can also perform axle-based meas-

urements. The clearance gauges that are de-

termined by the collision test undergo vec-

torization and can then be exported in the

desired file format.

Perfect for infrastructure modeling

In addition, the determination of the ac-

tual track geometry can also be used for

comparisons with the planning status

(actual-target comparisons). SiRailScan is

the perfect tool for modeling railway infra-

structure, e.g. semi-automatic modeling of

overhead line and their digitalization.

A point cloud is a list of Cartesian 3-D coordinates that is created by scanning objects or surfaces e.g.

with 3-D scanners.

3.4833 m

Track distance neighboring track

MODULE: SiRailScan

SiRailScan (SRS) is a technet-rail-developed, cross-platform software for the evaluation and analysis of 3-D laser scan

data. It can be used to simulate train passages to determine and localize clearance gauge and to conduct target-actual

comparisons of track geometries.

Further applications are orthoviews, registration of static scans, point-cloud-based sections, creation of digital surface

models and coloring a point cloud with a hand-held picture.

Analyzing track data. Manufacture independent.

Because of a special component, the soft-

ware SiRailViewer can analyze data in a

geographic context. The benefit for the user

is that georeferenced scans can be portrayed

in their geographic surroundings.

SiRailViewer can combine scans with vari-

ous types of data. The program combines

also data of several origins and precisions

such as airborne topographic data, ORTHO-

photos, LIDAR data, digitized raster data as

well as LIMEZ data. This facilitates the hand-

ling of large volumes of data and simplifies

the evaluation.

Quick view of track dimensions

The evaluation functions of the SiRailViewer

focus on the important area of clearance

gauge analysis (pursuant to the Obstacles

gauges standard EN 15273-1). In this case, the

software combines the track network data of

the railway company with the data acquired

by the survey train. This visualizes all relevant

data in real-time, showing for instance the

track axis, radius, superelevation, gauge, track

ID and chainage.

With the SiRailViewer the user can deter-

mine a freely configurable part of the track.

Within that part all platform points and their

distance to the axis are mapped. The narrow-

est area is shown automatically. The edge

points can be saved and exported with all

information.

Plans of railway systems in any desired detail

SiRailViewer also contains measurement

functions, clearance frames and a collision

test pursuant to the Euronorm for Obstacles

gauges. In addition to scan data, extensive

map material can also be fed into the system.

This enables the visualization of plans in vari-

ous degrees of detail, thus facilitating analy-

sis. Of course, photos, videos and geometric

data such as LIRA profiles (clearance gauge

vectorised lines), sections and surfaces can

be embedded.

SiRailViewer by technet-rail harmonizes all

data and ensures clear access.

Kinematic scans are point clouds generated with the use of moving laser scanners instead of stations.

Here, two or more laser scanners are mounted to a vehicle. This procedure is particularly suitable for

long-distance objects such as track routes, streets, bridges, tunnels and large-scale building complexes.

MODULE: SiRailViewer

MODULE: ATrackVisualizing scan data. Straight to the point.

With SiRailViewer technet-rail has developed a module that is particularly suited for the visualization of static and

kinematic scan data. It enables the execution and visualiza-tion of clearance analyses and collision tests.

In the railway sector, the gradient is used to describe the height of the track route. The gradient reflects the

inclination ratio.

Curvatures are scaled graphic representations of the element progression of a track. Therefore it is an inte-

gral element of railway planning.

All relevant parameters are visu-alized

Automatic track recognition and calcula-

tion including of track elements (e.g. circle,

clothoid, straight line), track element param-

eters (radii, lengths, tangent direction) and

main track points (coordinates, kilometer

stations). ATrack enables the graphic visu-

alization of tracks, curvatures and measure-

ment points with descriptions and distances.

In terms of gradients, ATrack calculates

the height of a certain track at the press of

a button. This also applies to the gradient

variation and the determination of start and

end points of the gradient. The respective

tangent length on main gradient points is

automatically calculated.

A further benefit that ATrack has to offer:

Preceding filtering of measurement data al-

lows the detection of major errors and clos-

es measurement gaps.

The ATrack module automatically calculates

the track geometry with regard to position

(track) and height (gradient). This is based

on the positions and heights of points as a

result of continuous measurements.

NW = 182.79

NW = 182.82NW = 182.83

AE

AE

AE

Result gradient.GRA

Old gradient.GRA

Constructive

Visualization of gradients

Automatic track calculation – Curvature

BÜ-Master

Km: 194.9476 R.: 448.4137 Seperator: 194.7830

182.9697 < < 222.7675194.7830

Kilometrierung

Program add-on BÜ-Master for railroad crossings

Verm.esn is optimally complemented by

BÜ-Master. BÜ-Master is a high-performance

graphic and construction software used for

the documentation of railroad crossings. It

also complies with the standards of Deutsche

Bahn AG: Railway station and track plans of

the geographic information system of the

Deutsche Bahn AG (DB-GIS) are imported

here and symbolized pursuant to pertinent

standards.

The software enables the import, e.g. of the

DB-GIS work order and the generation of out-

put files at a scale of 1:200 and access an ex-

tensive symbol library of traffic and road signs.

The geographic information system of the Deut-sche Bahn AG encompasses all railway geodata and

topology, topography, buildings, technical facilities and railway crossings. They are geometrically and geo-

graphically precision captured and visualized in the railway-specific DB-REF-System.

50.23 90.24

85.89

6.498 6.492 6.505

13

60– 500– 1:14

13.87 12.22

1.134 0.888 2.2174.110 2.7785.000 4.998 4.9994.997 4.985

1409537236798

116

121

1148869341544543321

26.178 26.187-506( )

( )

-487( )

( )

271( )

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253

2.498( )

( )-388

2.492( )

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26.572

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2.504( )

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1.134 0.897 2.2574.105 2.7485.000 5.002 5.0055.003 5.005

1409537236798

116

121

11488

69341544543321

WA = 85.9313.86 65.90

50.20 90.22

12.25

25242219161396310

r = 19Iu = 40.00UA UC

MODULE: Verm.esn

ATrack is an efficient module for the automatic measure-ment-point-based determination of tracks and gradients. The

program is also suited to process large volumes of data. Track elements and inclination ratios can be calculated in a few

seconds. The GUI is very user-friendly.

Calculating tracks. Efficient and user friendly.

The basic functions of Verm.esn are track

planning. This includes the position and

height of the track as well as geodetic calcu-

lations. The program enables e.g. the analy-

sis of driving dynamics and ATrack-based

determination of track geometry pursuant

to the guidelines of Deutsche Bahn AG.

Track plans, railway switch layouts and rail-

way switch height plans can be created. Any

potential correction values can be trans-

ferred to the track laying machinery of the

track system.

Exceptional function range –simplified analysis

Verm.esn offers a user-friendly and clear

functional scope and user interface. It visu-

alize IvL plans, track drafts including all

corresponding parameters, color-coded

element groups, the output of track optimi-

zation results with constrains and control

points. Coordinates or point areas with dis-

placement lines in position and height can

be shown.

Verm.esn enables the conversion to the

track considering position and height. The

calculation with a station-guided line is also

possible. Based on existing track geometries

main and single points can be computed.

It`s possible to combine the track geometry

with geographic data.

Y: 5406859.6473X: 5653230.8932Punkt: 11142(Kreis) Km: 142.1910Abstand: -1.5157

Trassen-Darstellung

AXTRAN Darstellung

Elemente

1 Klothoide2 Gerade3 Klothoide4 Kreis5 Klothoide6 Gerade7 Klothoide

1.0000 – Länge -914.0000 – Radius 64.0000 – Länge 30.0000 – Länge 112.0000 – Radius 81.0000 – Länge 29.0000 – Länge 65.0000 – Länge

L: 81.0000R: 112.0000

Compatibility in a wide range

A further program-add on – AXTRAN – is

used for track optimization in terms of

position and height. It offers the automatic

analysis of existing track parameters with

constraints such as track or object points,

radius and length. Track geometries can be

optimized in AXTRAN within a few seconds.

The add-on GVPlan enables the automatic

drawing of track plans pursuant to the re-

quirements of Deutsche Bahn AG. It is easy

to integrate buildings and symbols.

Useful extension:

TechCAD

The graphics program TechCAD is a user-

friendly extension of Verm.esn to visualize

railway data. The track and geographic data

can be further processed with a broad range

of drawing, text and object options. It also im-

ports and exports data in the standard formats

*.DXF and *.DGN.

TechCAD also has an extensive library con-

taining all symbols used by Deutsche Bahn AG.

It is possible to edit layers and their properties.

Track optimization AXTRAN

Track planning with element parameters

MODULE: SiRailManager

Verm.esn is used to manage track data of Deutsche Bahn AG in an optimal and multifunctional manner. Among other

possibilities Verm.esn can process the results of the modul ATrack for further analysis. Verm.esn is completely compat-

ible with the rail track database and geographic information system of Deutsche Bahn AG (DB-GIS). This means: All calcu-

lations and graphic outputs are based on DB AG guidelines.

Planning and optimizing tracks. For the rail track database of DB AG.

6.505

12.22

2.217 2.7784.999 4.985

1409537236798

116

121

1148869341544543321

-487( )

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12.25

r = 19

With SiRailManager, various information

from the database can be extracted and

combined with chainage lines and IvL plans.

Based on the integrated data set, such as

tracks, chainages and IvL plans, several

functions and evaluations are provided.

Creating measuring points, tracks and layers

The user can create e.g. schematic plans or

measuring points on a certain track. Measu-

ring points can be saved, organized and edited

in various layers. Additionally, information (co-

ordinates, track, chainage, distance to track,

radius, etc.) can also be exported to PDF file.

Unlimitedly expandable

In addition, SiRailManager offers unlimited

expansion options. It offers the possibility of

integrating bridges, railway switches, tunnels

or railway crossings. Further useful functions

are the visualization and combination of air-

borne data, Ivl plans and data from web-based

map services (such as Google or Bing).

Besides the physically installed version,

SiRailManager is also available as a web

application. In that way, stored information

can be called with mobile end devices such

as smartphones or tablet PC from anywhere.

In addition to the status and location of the track facilities, IvL plans also show the property bounda-

ries of the respective railway operator. They contain information on shafts, signals, slopes and railway

crossings.

Airborne topographic data are acquired by flying over the terrain on predefined routes to capture a

seamless collection of aerial images.

Mobile application

Hannover

Breite: 50.10629357454Länge: 8.6431189263454Strecke: 3900RiKz: 1Km: 197.9 + 39.48

Flexible and mobile management of rail track databases.

SiRailManager is a program by technet-rail used to dis-play and manage complete national rail track databases. The

program is a server based solution.

technet-rail 2010 GmbH

technet-rail 2010 GmbH · Goethestraße 42 10625 Berlin · Tel. +49 30 89 65 03 90

info@technet-rail.de · www.technet-rail.de

TECH

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ImprintPublisher: technet-rail 2010 GmbH, Berlin. Con-

ception, text and design: Bergmann & Partner, Agentur für Werbung und Verkaufsförderung

GmbH, Berlin. Print: Druckerei J. Humburg GmbH, Berlin. Edition: 150. Status: September

2011. Picture credits: technet-rail 2010 GmbH, Adamus - www.fotolia.de, www.istockphoto.de