Capitalizing on Data Collected by Track Surveillance Vehicles (3D Factory Project)

[Page created in 2024 for translation of original content]

In the series of articles labeled 'R&D,' we invite you to delve deeper into the research projects in which we participate with other companies. In this article, discover the 3D Factory research project.

The challenge surrounding the use of data from Track Surveillance Vehicles (ESV)

On March 17, 2023, the 3D Factory project was officially launched.

This project aims to capitalize on data collected by Track Surveillance Vehicles and provide Lidar point cloud measurements on a large scale.

These data will notably enable the systematic analysis of railway clearances with 100,000 kilometers of point clouds available each year.

Additionally, it will optimize the measurement of catenary geometry over 7,500 kilometers per year and facilitate the analysis of ballast profile compliance over 35,000 kilometers per year. Initiated in 2019 at the request of the Surveillance and Supervision Directorate (DGOP), the project materializes this year through the combined expertise of several entities within the group.

The objective of Altametris

Altametris has built and industrialized data processing algorithms. The DGNumérique contributed to creating the foundation of the factory by organizing the IT system for data storage.

The National Infralog and Eurailscout circulate ESV and EMI vehicles to capture data. Eurailscout also structures the data production process to ensure quality before delivering it to Surveillance and Supervision.

Results and Development Perspectives 

"This is a key project for the performance of the French railway network! Thanks to the joint work between Altametris, Eurailscout, and SNCF Réseau, 80,000 kilometers of point clouds are already available and accessible to engineers and maintainers.

Today, the main business needs addressed are clearance, catenary geometry, and ballast, but we can imagine multiple uses based on the same technologies," emphasizes Jérome Karmierczak, Director of the Surveillance & Supervision Program.

Did you find this article interesting? Would you like to learn more about this project? Are you interested in being supported in creating your industrial digital twin?