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Status Future consideration
Created by Guest
Created on Feb 23, 2023

Use different feature definitions (FDs) within the same complex Element

In Rail track engineering, it is common to have an existing track and a client wants to modify its geometry, but only partially. That means that parts that are changed VS parts which remain unchanged should be marked with different FD. However, one cannot use different FDs within the same complex element


An example: One has a track called 45 (existing). Somewhere in the middle, one modifies the track geometrically. Then one must combine all the elements into a single geometry. However one must choose between assigning an FD for planned track or for existing track, One cannot use both. Currently the problem can be solved by partitioning the track and assigning different names with different Fds (for example both ends of the track which remain unchanged constitute two separate complex geometries called track 45 left and track 45 left. The mid section constitutes another separate complex geometry called track 45 planned). But at the end of the day all complex geometries belong to the same track.


When one delivers digital files with track geometries it is unpractical to deliver separate geometries for the same track with different FDs. It would be better instead to deliver one geometry for the track where elements have the fexibility to be assigned a different FD, depending on the case.


This will help the workflow to be more time and cost-effective.


//Filipp Zarov


Civil Product Used OpenSite Designer, OpenRoads Designer, OpenRail Designer