Standardizing and systematically managing railway infrastructure data exchange in Finland
Kuismin, Johanna (2025)
2025
All rights reserved. This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121034477
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121034477
Tiivistelmä
This master's thesis at the University of Applied Sciences examines how the exchange of railway infrastructure data can be standardized and systematically managed in Finland. The research focuses particularly on the Digirail project and the national implementation of the European ERTMS system. In connection with the digitalization of the railway sector, the study discusses the importance of harmonized data management as an enabler of technological innovations, such as digital twins, and as a support for industry processes.
The work utilizes a qualitative research method, which includes the review and comparative analysis of international standards such as IFC Rail, RailSystemModel, EULYNX DataPrep, Transmodel, and RailML, as well as best practices from European ERTMS projects. Data collection was carried out by sending a survey to representatives of railway network owners to gather insights on current and planned procedures for railway infrastructure data management during ERTMS implementation, data quality assurance, and maintenance of data exchange models.
The thesis combines a constructive and case study approaches to assess the possibilities of centralized data management. The research explores how the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency could utilize standardized data exchange formats in implementing the new railway signaling system. Data was collected by combining the aforementioned survey and standards analysis, which formed the basis for a data exchange plan. The final outcome was evaluated by experts involved in the Finnish ERTMS project.
The study develops a Data Exchange Plan for Finland, which defines the technical standards for data transfer (e.g., RailML, IFC), interfaces and file formats, responsibilities of the parties, as well as processes for data quality assurance and updates. Legal and administrative aspects, such as data ownership, oversight, and compliance with the ISO 8000-150 standard, are also included to support a sustainable model.
The results show that centralized and standardized information management practices promote decision-making, infrastructure maintenance, and the deployment of the ERTMS system. Collaboration between authorities, standardization organizations, and technology suppliers is seen as essential in building a sustainable railway system. The thesis concludes with recommendations for further research and development, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and adaptive management in railway infrastructure data exchange.
The work utilizes a qualitative research method, which includes the review and comparative analysis of international standards such as IFC Rail, RailSystemModel, EULYNX DataPrep, Transmodel, and RailML, as well as best practices from European ERTMS projects. Data collection was carried out by sending a survey to representatives of railway network owners to gather insights on current and planned procedures for railway infrastructure data management during ERTMS implementation, data quality assurance, and maintenance of data exchange models.
The thesis combines a constructive and case study approaches to assess the possibilities of centralized data management. The research explores how the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency could utilize standardized data exchange formats in implementing the new railway signaling system. Data was collected by combining the aforementioned survey and standards analysis, which formed the basis for a data exchange plan. The final outcome was evaluated by experts involved in the Finnish ERTMS project.
The study develops a Data Exchange Plan for Finland, which defines the technical standards for data transfer (e.g., RailML, IFC), interfaces and file formats, responsibilities of the parties, as well as processes for data quality assurance and updates. Legal and administrative aspects, such as data ownership, oversight, and compliance with the ISO 8000-150 standard, are also included to support a sustainable model.
The results show that centralized and standardized information management practices promote decision-making, infrastructure maintenance, and the deployment of the ERTMS system. Collaboration between authorities, standardization organizations, and technology suppliers is seen as essential in building a sustainable railway system. The thesis concludes with recommendations for further research and development, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and adaptive management in railway infrastructure data exchange.