Nomad’s partnership with Network Rail extended

Nomad Digital has extended its partnership with Network Rail (NR) to enable the provision of rail infrastructure maintenance data.

NR’s Network Measurement fleet regularly surveys rail lines to identify any issues using Plain Line Pattern Recognition (PLPR) technology, with the PLPR trains providing constant real-time analysis of track conditions. Nomad’s on-board connectivity server enables NR engineers to gain access to valuable raw data picture files which they can then monitor to identify any concerns with the track.

“Network Rail has faith in our systems and their ability to deliver this vital information for analysis through the provision of our connectivity infrastructure,” said Jean-Philippe Tissot, Nomad’s Chief Commercial Officer. “We are glad they have decided to extend that relationship for a further 12 months to support them in their vital work.”

The technology works by having four 3D cameras and two thermal imaging cameras on the trains to scan the track as it passes beneath, with the raw images being captured at up to 76kHz to allow access of images at speeds up to 125mph. The images are then relayed to a database system enabling NR staff to spot any issues. The on-board technology supports the filtering and prioritisation of data so that staff can spot issues more quickly and resolve them.

The data is then decoded using machine vision software, synchronised with real-time positioning system and geometry data, and then analysed by an on-train inspector.

Reports are then dispatched to the teams on the ground helping them accurately locate any faults found.