Railway surveying – the key to precise measurements and safe infrastructure
What is railway surveying?
This term refers to all surveying measurements related to the construction and operation of railway lines and stations. Measurements on closed railway areas are regulated by the provisions of Technical Standard GK1 “on the organization and performance of measurements in railway surveying.” The surveying and cartographic resources for railway areas are maintained by the Railway Surveying and Cartographic Documentation Centers (KODGiK).
Types of surveying and cartographic studies on railways [2]
- Situational and elevation measurements for closed railway areas, including underground utilities and boundaries of registered plots (situational and elevation map of closed areas at a scale of 1:500 (railway station areas) and 1:500 or 1:1000 (railway route areas). The content of the map is based on the provisions of the Regulation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration on technical standards for performing geodetic situational and elevation measurements [5]
- Situational and elevation measurements for the preparation of MDCP (maps for design purposes) are performed on the basis of horizontal and elevation points of the geodetic grid, and in the absence of such points, new points are stabilized by means of appropriate measurements.
In the case of MDCP implementation, the following are subject to measurement:
1) track and turnout axes (e.g., using a horizontal level with a distance mirror)
2) rail heads, slopes, excavations, embankments, and characteristic terrain features (height measurements using, for example, a GPS receiver with an antenna or a tachymeter).
3) underground devices (e.g., utility network cables) – using cable locators
4) track layout and railway infrastructure points – using the geometric leveling or trigonometric leveling method with an average error of no more than +/-0.01m
5) above-ground fittings for underground utilities – using the geometric levelling method. Deviations from tachymetric measurements should not exceed +/-0.01m.
6) boundary markers within the scope of the study
7) All terrain details that need to be measured to update the map, e.g.- signals, curves, platforms, ramps, kilometer and hectometer points in the terrain.
- Geodetic as-built survey, i.e. the so-called inventory – based on the railway geodetic grid. The scope of as-built measurements includes:
- measurement of railway infrastructure elements;
- measurement of buildings and structures (e.g. technical infrastructure);
- measurement of underground utilities (performed in the excavation before backfilling)
The results of the as-built measurements are supplemented by:
- situational and elevation maps;
- railway line profiles;
track alignment adjustment reports. - A post-construction geodetic survey is an essential part of the acceptance process for any investment.
A geodetic as-built survey is an essential part of the acceptance process for every investment.
Differences between classical and railway surveying [3]
The main difference between surveying on railway areas and classic surveying on other areas is the difference in the requirements for accuracy and the content of the studies that must be fulfilled. The activities and methods of conducting surveying works are regulated by other, additional standards and instructions, e.g.:
- the above-mentioned GK1 technical standards;
- the IG-1 instruction specifying the types and circulation of surveying and cartographic documentation [6]
- the IG-6 instruction specifying, among other things, standards for the railway surveying network and the performance of surveying measurements and map studies [7]
Another important aspect is the fact that railway areas are defined as closed areas of a restricted nature due to national defense and security [4]. No base map is created for such areas; instead, separate maps are created (Article 4(2) of the Geodetic and Cartographic Law), and the body responsible for issuing and maintaining the resource is KODGIK – the Railway Geodetic and Cartographic Documentation Center.
Our company’s activities related to railway surveying:
Our company has a rich history of projects, including both complex work carried out on railway areas and projects related to the development of documentation and construction of tram tracks. Thanks to many years of experience, advanced technical facilities, and cooperation with specialists in various fields, we are able to effectively combine the requirements of railway infrastructure with dynamically developing urban transport.
What is more, we also carry out work in the field of power infrastructure, such as the preparation and construction of connections for photovoltaic farms located in the vicinity of railway areas. Such investments require precise planning, industry agreements, and adaptation to the restrictive standards applicable in railway areas. Our experience allows us to effectively integrate renewable energy solutions with existing infrastructure, ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance with technical and environmental requirements.
For us, each project is not just another job, but above all an opportunity to create functional, safe, and sustainable solutions that support the development of transport and modern energy in Poland.
[1]https://geoforum.pl/news/24315/geodezja-w-procesie-inwestycyjnym-na-terenach-kolejowych
[3]https://www.pkp.pl/pl/geodezja-kolejowa/geodezja-i-kartografia/kodgik
[4]https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/download.xsp/WDU19890300163/U/D19890163Lj.pdf
[5]https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/download.xsp/WDU20220001670/O/D20221670.pdf
