Responsibilities
Infrastructure Managers (IMs) are legally responsible for the data. They must collect, maintain, and submit accurate data to the register. It is not a "fire and forget" task; it is an ongoing operational requirement.
The Data Lifecycle
1. Data Upload
IMs generate their data files (RDF/XML) and submit them to the RINF application.
2. Validation (XSD & SHACL)
The system checks the format (XSD) and the business rules (SHACL). If errors are found, the submission is rejected with a report.
3. Knowledge Graph Generation
Valid data is ingested into the central triplestore, updating the European Knowledge Graph.
4. Publication
The data becomes available to RUs and NREs.
Partial Updates
A major improvement in RINF 3.1 is the ability to perform Partial Updates. IMs can submit small RDF files containing only *inserts* and *deletes*, allowing them to reflect specific daily changes without re-uploading the entire network dataset.
Route Compatibility Check (RCC)
Why do we do all this? For the Route Compatibility Check (RCC).
The RCC is the "killer app" of RINF. It is a tool used by Railway Undertakings (RUs) to automatically verify if a specific vehicle type is compatible with a proposed route.
How it works
- • Gauge: 1435mm
- • Power: 25kV AC
- • ETCS: Baseline 3
- • Gauge: 1435mm
- • Power: 25kV AC
- • ETCS: Baseline 2.3.0d
Instead of manually checking hundreds of PDFs and network statements, the RCC automates the comparison of critical parameters:
- Gauging: Will the train fit through tunnels?
- Axle Load: Is the train too heavy for the bridge?
- Energy: Is the voltage correct?
- CCS: Are the signaling systems compatible?
Accurate RINF data = Safe and seamless train operations.
If the data is missing or wrong, the check fails, and the train cannot run.
Beyond Usage: A Foundation for Digital Rail
While the RCC is the immediate operational driver, the goal of RINF 3.1 is to go significantly beyond checking if a train fits. By creating a standardized, machine-readable graph of the European network, RINF becomes the **foundation for the Digital Twin of usage**.
Investment Planning
Analyze the whole network to find bottlenecks (e.g., "Show me all lines not electrified yet").
Multimodal Transport
Link rail data with road and sea logistics for seamless door-to-door planning.
Innovation
A public, open dataset allows startups and researchers to build new tools we haven't even imagined yet.