What is a Slice?
A Slice is a cross section that uses LiDAR data to render a 2D cross-section (usually 5 metres in depth) of real world artifacts. Measurements along the rail corridor are taken from the left (running) rail-head to the objects and Structures that surround it for each Slice.
Note: a Slice is only generated when points are found inside the structure gauge.
Slices are represented using the .SC* file format when treated as system input / output files which also informs many of the fields when we represent them in a database. Slices contain metadata that is tangential to data in the .SC* format.
🔗 Slices
What is a Structure?
A Structure in Clearance Connect represents any 'real-world' physical entity such as a platform, bridge, tunnel etc found to be within a particular proximity to a railway track. Typically, clearance measurements are made from the rails to the surrounding Structures.
A Slice might contain part of a Structure, or a whole Structure. For searchability and data management, each Structure is assigned a Track Structure ID, or TSID.
🔗 Structures
What is a Track Segment?
A Track Segment represents a defined section of the railway network, used to manage and organise Track Intervals data. Where structure gauging assigns Slices to Structures, Track Intervals assigns Slices to Track Segments. Track Segments are generated automatically as part of the project configuration and delivery process.
🔗 Track Segments
What is a Survey?
A Survey is a collection of Slices, grouped according to logical inputs/outputs and business specific data workflows. Surveys include data that relates to the physical measurements, and this information is encompassed in each individual Slice.
Surveys currently have four entry points into Cordel Connect:
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Direct upload through Cordel Connect from Cordel capture hardware.
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Upload through a REST API provided to third party organisations.
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Data migration from customer provided BYOD (Bring Your Own Data).
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Manual upload.