Need easy program to draw simple railroad maps? - Trains Magazine

Anyone in surveying or GIS should tell you that they're two different fields used for different purposes. Management doesn't always get this. -Management doesn't know the difference between GIS and GPS...and then espouse gabage regarding PTC.

mudchicken

GIS and railroads usually don't mix.

Let's see. Mapping thousands of miles of a rail system. Check. Storing the attributes for the millions of segments of those thousands of miles (division, radio channels, signal system type, trackage rights, track speed, rail weight, max. tonnage, crosstie type, construction dates, etc.). Check. Points and additional attributes for grade crossings, signal masts, communications equipment, etc. Check. Being able to query this data in a matter of seconds. Check. Being able to access all this data from a laptop, tablet, or phone in the field. Check. I can't think of a single benefit the railroads might gain by using a GIS.

Anyone in surveying or GIS should tell you that they're two different fields used for different purposes. Management doesn't always get this.