Generate Topology

Process:

•Generate the Track Topology

 
Requirements:

•Import the Track Set from GND for new planning based on a GND file
or

•Extract the Track Set for the migration of a project from version 6

Description:

When it is ensured that all track layout elements (lines and arcs) are clearly linked to each other, the topology of the track layout can be created in the Signalling layout plan.

If the topology is created from a track layout consisting of lines and arcs (e.g. drawn, from a migration or imported from GND), then proceed as described on the current page.
 
When updating the topology, if GEO objects have to be handled then proceed as described in Update the Topology.

Supporting video sequence:
 

Generieren_der_Topologie.mp4 (Size 3 MB)

Procedure:

1.Execute the 'Generate Topology' function.

Command Line: TOPO_GEN

Ribbon: ProTop -> Track Set/Topology -> Generate Topology

oAfter calling the function, the prompt 'Input Track Set (Yes/No) <Y> :' appears.

▪If the track layout is already imported into the project using the function Input Track Set and no longer edited, you can answer 'No' at this point. The topology is then created.
 

▪If the prompt is confirmed with 'Yes', a further prompt 'Select objects manually? (No for all objects)(Yes/No) <N> :' appears.

•If only one area of the track set is to be imported, confirm with 'Yes' and select the track set elements.
 

•If the prompt is confirmed with 'No', all track set elements are imported into the project.
 
 

2.After creating the topology, the topological edges and nodes are stored on the respective layers PRS-TOPOLOGICAL EDGE and PRS-TOPOLOGICAL NODE.
 

oThe attribute 'Node type' of the topological nodes are determined automatically. Topological nodes are automatically assigned symbols according to the determined Node type.

oThe representation of the node type is only symbolic and does not always correspond to the switch direction, for example: with the Node type 'Weiche'.
 

Illus.: Representation of a topological node of the type 'Betrachtungsende'
 

Illus.: Representation of a topological node of the type 'Weiche' for a switch

 

Illus.: Representation of a topological node of the type 'Weiche' for two switches (Switch toe at Switch toe)

3.The topology then needs to be checked. The function Check Topology is used to check the topology. Topological nodes are zoomed one after the other and the track layout can be modified if required.

Command Line: TOPO_CHECK

Ribbon: ProTop -> Tools -> Verify -> Check Topology

oIf GEO objects have to be handled when updating the topology, then proceed as described in Update the Track Topology, Step 4. In this case, GEO edges which have to be updated should always be replaced through deletion and construction of new track elements (lines and arcs).
 

oIn the following, the possible cases of track layout which has to be corrected (lines and curves) are explained. Before correcting the track layout, activate the variable selection (AutoCAD system variable SELECTIONCYCLING = 2), the selection of the objects before function start (AutoCAD system variable PICKFIRST = 1) and the grips (AutoCAD system variables GRIPS = 1 or 2):
 

▪Case 1: Gap in Track Layout:
 
When processing the topological nodes, it is important to note that symbols for end of considered ranges should only be present at real end of considered ranges or at end of tracks. It is necessary to check whether there is a gap in the track layout. Gaps in the track layout can be corrected by pulling the grips of the track elements.
 

Illus.: Track Layout with gap before correction	Illus.: Representation of the topology after the update in step 4

▪Case 2: Unbroken Track Element at the Switch Fork:
 
If a node of the type end of considered range is represented at a switch fork, three edges possibly do not meet here. It is necessary to check whether the continuous track element is broken at the corresponding point.
 

Illus.: Track layout with unbroken Track element at Switch Fork before correction	Illus.: Representation of the Topology after the Update in Step 4

▪Case 3: Overlapping of track elements:
 
If a topological node is generated on a topological edge, it is necessary to check whether multiple track elements are present. Unnecessary track elements needs to be deleted.
 

Illus.: Track layout with multiple Track elements before correction	Illus.: Representation of the topology after the update in step 4

 
When all obvious double track elements have been deleted and the node is further displayed, it might be a short double track element. In this case the unnecessary track element needs to be marked with a frame (drag from left to right) and then deleted (see also case 4, left illustration).
 
 

▪Case 4: Repeatedly created Nodes at Switch Junctions:
 
If multiple node symbols are displayed on switch junctions, it is necessary to check whether multiple track elements are present. In general, repeatedly generated nodes indicate multiple track elements, see also case 3. Unnecessary track elements needs to be deleted and if necessary existing gaps should be closed.
 

Illus.: Track layout with multiple Nodes at the Switch Fork and unnecessary short Track element	Illus.: Representation of the topology after the update in step 4

4.After the correction of the track layout the topology needs to be created again, see also Step 1. Thereby, prompt 'Input Track Set (Yes/No) <Y> :' needs to be confirmed with 'Yes', in case the track layout is edited in Step 3.
 

oNewly generated topological nodes and edges are reported.
 

oThe representation of the topology in the drawing is also updated, see also step 3 on the respective right illustration.