Acquisition of infrastructural and environmental data in preparation of research work in the open digital test field of the DZSF

German Centre for Rail Traffic Research (DZSF)

Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, August 2023 to April 2024

TRAXIMIZER

Dynamic image data acquisition and fully automated evaluation to record specific route characteristics and infrastructure elements.

As project of the DZSF, a collection of infrastructure data in the Open Digital Test Field (ODT) is carried out as a basis for the planning of future research projects of various use cases (e.g. in the areas of noise protection, intermodal mobility offers, testing of innovative solutions, automation and digitization). For this purpose, geo-referenced image data will be acquired for the entire railway network in the ODT and enriched with specific information to enable a fast localization of a wide variety of technical facilities and environmental conditions.

The data acquisition will be carried out by using a mobile mapping system specifically developed for the measurement of railway infrastructure. The recording system can be mounted on railway traction vehicles and records high-resolution image data. This data is then georeferenced, analyzed by intelligent evaluation algorithms and supplemented with information on recognizable infrastructure elements and features of the railway tracks. In this process, automatic anonymization also takes place to comply with the DSGVO. The project results are finally integrated into the DZSF database and can subsequently be used for other projects.

Key areas of service

Dynamic acquisition of image data during operation (two perspectives)
GDPR-compliant data processing
Fully automated evaluation based on machine learning
Georeferenced image data provision including track properties and infrastructure elements

Special features

The entire ODT covers over 2.500 kilometres of track and is carried out with the TRAXIMIZER multi-sensor system during ongoing operations without interrupting operations. Due to the wide variety of track conditions, the project involves cooperation with several railway companies and infrastructure operators. By using machine learning, it is possible to efficiently analyse the resulting data volumes and create a comprehensive basis for future projects in the ODT.

Contact person

Here you will find your contact person for Data management

Dr Benedikt Wenzel

Member of the Executive Board, Head of Railway Data

Berlin office

Profile

Dr Benedikt Wenzel is a member of the Executive Board and Head of Railway Data and system/RAMS engineering department at NEXTRAIL GmbH in accordance with EN 5012x. He has over ten years of experience in the fields of European Train Control System (ETCS) and safety. He is also a specialist in data management, including recording, processing and validation.