Reality Model for railway projects

Bridging the gap between railway design and implementation

Railway designs are often based on information collected several years before construction begins. During that time, conditions on and around the track may have changed. The Reality Model connects digital designs with an accurate representation of the current railway environment, helping project teams identify potential issues before work starts.

By combining detailed railway data in a single digital environment, the Reality Model supports smarter design validation, more efficient work preparation and reliable implementation of ETCS projects.

The role of the Reality Model in the design and implementation process of ETCS.

A detailed digital representation of the railway

The Reality Model is a highly accurate 3D representation of the railway infrastructure and its surroundings. It includes relevant assets both above and below ground, creating a detailed picture of the existing situation.

The model brings together information from several sources, including:

• LiDAR scans
• High-resolution line scanner data
• Visual imagery
• Track condition data
• As-built asset information
• Ground-penetrating radar
• Relevant public geographical datasets

The model acts as a single source of truth for project teams and stakeholders. Objects can be visualised in both 2D and 3D, depending on the user’s requirements.

Digital object visualisation (left) versus Real imagery visualisation (right).

From inspection data to usable information

Data for the Reality Model is collected using a specially equipped inspection vehicle. The vehicle can travel between regular train services, meaning data collection does not depend on track possessions. Its inspection systems create a 360-degree view of the track and its surroundings, including the subsurface.

Artificial intelligence and computer vision are used to interpret the collected data and recognise railway objects. Depending on the measurement technology, these can include:

• Catenary and signal poles
• Cabinets and tension rods
• Thermite welds and insulated joints
• Sleepers, fasteners and rail profiles
• Balises and axle counters
• Above-ground and underground cables
• Track crossings and structures

Recognised objects are stored with their position, orientation and other relevant characteristics. This turns large quantities of measurement data into information that can be used directly during engineering, validation and work preparation.

Proven in practice

Practical tests with engineering firm Arcadis demonstrated that data from the Reality Model could be integrated with CAD software used for ETCS design. During the test, inspection data and proposed asset positions were compared within the same digital environment.

Combining real track data with design data (source Arcadis).

Supporting automated railway installation

The Reality Model also provides essential information for the ERTMS Trackbot, Strukton’s fully electric machine for installing Eurobalises and preparing the installation of axle counters.

The model helps determine:

• Which assets need to be installed
• Where each task must be performed
• Whether preparatory work is necessary
• Which installation configuration is required
• Which task information must be provided to the Trackbot

After installation, the ERTMS Trackbot performs another scan to assess the result. The collected information supports quality verification and the creation of as-built project data.

ERTMS-Trackbot in action at Early Deployment Line (Harlingen, Netherlands).

Benefits of the Reality Model

The Reality Model enables railway organisations and project teams to:

• Work with a detailed representation of current track conditions
• Detect design conflicts before work begins
• Assess constructability earlier in the project
• Automate parts of design validation and work preparation
• Reduce the risk of human error
• Improve collaboration between clients, engineers and contractors
• Minimise rework and last-minute changes during track possessions
• Support data-driven and automated installation
• Capture accurate as-built information after execution

By identifying potential issues digitally, the model also limits the need to collect information manually along the track, helping reduce exposure to safety risks.

Towards smarter railway implementation

The Reality Model creates a continuous digital connection between inspection, design, validation, work preparation, installation and as-built information. By checking ETCS designs against current track conditions, assets can be positioned correctly before implementation starts.

Future development will focus on expanding the model to other applications, optimising the tools and further increasing automation. In this way, the Reality Model can support a smarter, safer and more efficient rollout of ETCS and other railway projects.