Yard Expansion Planning

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A shortline railway in Western Canada has plans to expand its rail yard and is looking to develop additional siding tracks. This includes addressing the complexities of turning points, loops, and big Y configurations along with a land contours analysis.  As well, past surveys and wetland analysis were reviewed for planning purposes. It was discovered that an elevation profile in a wetlands area has water draining issues. As a result, the shortline is required to assess environmental needs and the impact on the wetland area before proceeding with any expansion development. .

Using drones and TrackSense for the development analysis, engineers were able to complete their planning, timelines and budget development faster, and with more accuracy, in comparison to traditional methods using survey crews. With drone flights, data is captured to show contours providing a digital elevation model and an analysis of elevation changes. These metrics save considerable planning costs, include precise and up to date imaging along with a baseline of results for any future inspection or environmental analysis. Determining specific fill material requirements avoids additional costs to purchase new fill and assists addressing the water flow concerns.

· Elevation and Land Contours: Using data collected by drones, TrackSense analysis determined the land profile and providedaccurate calculations on material volumes needed.

· Outdated Data: The project produced fresh, high-resolution data to account for changes in the landscape. By using drone technology and TrackSense, planning engineers were able to produce an exact, current overview of the area. 

· Drainage and Environmental Considerations: Using a water body analysis layer, TrackSense can uncover flow patterns and draining impacting infrastructure