The RailMap.net Electronic Map is a client-server web application. Its main purpose is to provide information about railway infrastructure in graphic form. It contains many useful functions, for example tracking of objects (wagons, containers, cars, etc.) on the map. It also shows names of towns and cities, depending upon the currently selected map scale.

The application itself is divided into seven modules (Home, Map, Locations, Stations, Tracking, Infrastructure and Corridors). The application menu is structured accordingly.

2 Basic Operations

2.1 Start and Login

To start the application you need to have a web browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox) installed. Javascript has to be allowed in the browser. You can work with the application in two modes: in the DEMO mode you have access to the electronic map with Google data and in the REGISTRATION mode you have full access to the RailMap.net application using your login and password. But first you have to register, sign a contract and pay an advance.

First you see a login form (in the DEMO mode). Here you enter your login and password. When entering your password be careful to correctly type in the upper and lower case letters ("Password123" and "password123" makes difference). You have to enter both your login and your password, otherwise you will get an error message – “Login not entered!” or “Password not entered”.

If the entered login does not exist or if you enter an incorrect password, you will see the following error message: “Incorrect login or password!”.

If you login correctly, you will see the main form.

2.2 Quit and Automatic logout

You can quit the application by clicking on the Logout button and by closing the web browser page. To logout it is NOT enough to just close the browser page! The application also has a set idle time, in which you will be automatically logged out, if you do not use the application. The current idle time is 20 minutes.

2.3 Help

The Help function is available in all application forms. You can open it by clicking on the

icon found in the right upper corner of the form, next to user identification data.

3 Application Description

In the DEMO mode, before logging in you will see a default form, which is divided into three main parts.

The first (upper) part contains the company and application logo, flag buttons to change languages and login items (“User” and “Password” text fields, Login button). The default language is English.

In the upper part of the form you can also find a menu containing seven pages, which allow you to access the corresponding modules. The pages are: Home, Map, Locations, Stations, Tracking, Infrastructure and Corridors (in the DEMO mode only the Home page is accessible).

In the left part of the form you can see an interactive Google map, as well as all electronic map controls.

In the upper left part of the map there is a control, which allows you to change the map scale and position. You can change the map scale by clicking either on the plus or on the minus button. You can move the map by clicking on one of the four arrow buttons; you always move the map in opposite direction that the one represented by the arrow button. The current map scale is also shown in the upper left part. Another electronic map control is a form containing buttons that can be used for changing the map type (Basic, Satellite, Earth, Hybrid).

The upper part contains a form, which is individual to each module and includes pages corresponding with application functions. These functions allow you to efficiently and quickly display the map on basis of the searched coordinates, which are highlighted by markers. This form can be either hidden or shown.

After login (REGISTRATION mode) you will see the application main form containing an interactive blind JERID map. The form containing buttons changes according to user settings. Now you have the possibility to display layers of Railways, Stations, Markers and Infrastructure. In the lower right corner of the map there is an Overview form, which shows the map in a larger scale and a highlighted cut of the currently displayed map area. By moving the cut you move the map as well. The Overview form can also be hidden.

According to the user rights you can further see the pages used for module selection, the name of the currently logged in user and the Logout button (in place of the Login button). Otherwise, this form is more or less similar to the main form.

3.1 Menu

3.1.1 General

The menu structure corresponds with the application division into modules. It therefore contains the following seven items: Home, Map, Locations, Stations, Tracking, Infrastructure and Corridors. The contents of the form located in the upper part and the pages will change in dependence on the selected item.

3.1.2 “Home”

The “Home” module displays basic information about the application. It contains following pages: “General”, “Layers”, “WebServices” and “Contacts”.

3.1.3 “Map”

The “Map” module allows you to define individual settings for displaying selected graphic information and for using selected map functions. It contains two pages: “Map” and “Settings”.

3.1.3.1 “Map” Page

The “Map” page contains following items:

Layers – there are three check boxes that allow you to select (switch on/off) which layers will be displayed on the map. These three layers are:

Railway – it is only displayed at a particular scale, i.e. each railway belongs to a category and categories are displayed according to the selected scale.
Station – stations are also displayed at a particular scale, see the “Station” item in the “Settings” page.
Markers – the currently displayed map area shows markers saved by the currently logged in user, regardless of group. Each marker contains saved information which will be displayed if you move the mouse cursor on the marker.

Show stations –here you can select which stations are to be displayed.
Other –here you can switch on/off the Overview form.

3.1.3.2 “Settings” Page

Here you can define the scale, from which the railway stations will be displayed on the map. You can also select which “pin” will be used for marking the stations. Furthermore, you can set which buttons will be displayed (Railway, Station, Markers). And last, the page contains a check box: “Remember current map setting”.

3.1.4 “Locations”

This module allows you to find and display a location on the electronic map. The module has three pages: Find, Coordinates and Markers).

3.1.4.1 “Search”

This page contains the “Find” function which allows you to find a location according to the entered text. There are following controls:

Location – it is a text field where you can enter the name of the searched location.
Search – this button activates the “Find” function.

3.1.4.2 “Coordinates”

This page is used for finding and displaying places on the map on basis of entered coordinates. It is possible to search the coordinates in two coordinate systems (GPS and WGS84). The page contains following items:

Width, Length – these are text fields where you can enter the coordinates.
Show – by clicking on this button you activate the “Show according to coordinates” function.

3.1.4.3 “Markers”

This page is used for working with markers. Markers are locations marked on the map by the user. Each user can define their own markers. The markers are saved in user-defined groups; therefore each marker has to be assigned to a group.

There are following functions:

- New group – using this function you create a new user group.

- New marker – using this function you create a new marker belonging to a selected group.

- Show markers – this function allows you to display all markers belonging to a selected group or all markers of all groups.

- Show marker – this allows you to display and centre the selected marker on the map.

- Edit marker – here you can edit the selected marker.

- Delete group – using this function you delete the selected group including all its markers.

- Delete marker – using this function you delete the selected marker.

The page also contains following controls:

Groups – a list containing all created groups with their respective markers. The Group and Marker boxes contain graphic buttons, which activate the above mentioned functions.
Show all, New marker, New group – these buttons activate corresponding functions.

3.1.5 “Stations”

The “Stations” module is used for finding and displaying a particular railway station or for displaying a route between stations selected in a list. The module contains two pages: Station and Route.

3.1.5.1 “Station” Page

This page is used for finding and displaying selected railway stations on the map. For this purpose the page contains one derived control: “Select and enter station”.

3.1.5.2 “Route” Page

The page contains a function which displays a route (by a highlighted line) between stations entered in the list. This page therefore contains following controls:

Stations list – a table containing stations list, “Number” and “Name” columns and “Delete” function.
Show route – this button activates the corresponding function.

3.1.6 “Tracking”

The “Tracking” module is used for displaying tracked objects (wagons, trains, engines, etc.) in a graphic way. It contains functions such as displaying current position or displaying objects movement history as well as four pages: Positions, History, Objects and Settings.

3.1.6.1 “Positions” Page

This page contains the “Search positions” and the “Show positions” functions, which are used for finding and displaying current positions of selected objects. The page also allows you to export positions into a XML and CSV file. It contains following controls:

For the last days – this is a text field where you can enter the number of days determining the time period within which the object positions are to be searched.
Number of items on page – this is a combo box where you can select how many items will be displayed in the table.
Automatic update – this is a check box which allows you to switch on/off the automatic page update.
Search – this button activates the “Search positions” function; after clicking on this button you will see all known positions of all objects within the selected time period.
XML Export, CSV Export – these buttons enable you to export the positions displayed in the list into the respective files.
Positions – this is a table containing positions list where you can mark items (all | none | reversely) and sort them according to Name and Date and time.
Sort – this is a combo box where you can select the way by which positions will be sorted in the table.
Show selected – this button activates the “Show positions” function.

3.1.6.2 “History” Page

This page allows you to display the history of object positions of the currently logged in user, i.e. you can see the positions within a pre-selected time period. The positions are marked on the map with markers.

The page contains two forms: “Positions history” (it is used for displaying searched objects) and “Historical positions” (it is used for displaying selected objects positions on the map).

3.1.6.2.1 “Positions history” form

The “Positions history” form contains following controls:

Tracked object type – this is a combo box where you can select a particular means of transport.
From, To – here you enter date and time; you can also do that by selecting a date from the calendar.
Number of objects on page – this is a combo box where you can select how many positions will be displayed in the table.
Search – this button activates the “Update objects list” function; after clicking on this button you will see a table containing all objects that fulfil the selection criteria. At the same time the number of the tracked object positions will be counted and displayed in the “Positions” item.
Extended search – it contains items that allow you to narrow down the selection. These items are: the “Find” text field (where you can enter the first letters of the searched object name) and the “Tracked” combo box (where you can select the type of the tracking mode).
In positions list – it contains two check boxes: “Display name of nearest station” and “Do not display duplicate positions”.
In map – it contains four check boxes: “Name”, “Date”, “Time”, “Nearest stations”; if you check them, the corresponding data will be displayed on the map.
Objects – this is a table showing objects and containing the following columns: “Picture”, “Name”, “Number”, “Find”, “Display”, “Connect” and “Azimuths”.
Number of positions on page – this is a combo box where you can select how many items will be displayed in the table.
Search – this button activates the “Search and display positions” function; after clicking on this button you will see the “Historical positions” form.

3.1.6.2.2 “Historical positions” form

The “Historical positions” form contains following items:

· Name – this is a combo box where you can select a particular object, the positions of which should be found.

· Sort – this is a combo box where you can select the way in which the positions will be sorted in the table.

· XML Export, CSV Export – these buttons enable you to export the positions history into the respective files.

· Positions list – this is a table showing positions and containing following columns: “Nearest station”, “Position date and time”, “Date and time of receiving” and “Detail”.

· Back – this button enables you to go back to the “Positions history” form.

3.1.6.3 “Objects” Page

This page allows you to work with the tracked objects. Each object is identified by its name (it usually is a wagon number), description, type of means of transport and icon. This page also contains several forms: “Tracked objects list”, “Import positions from XML”, “Tracked object detail” and “Tracking requirement” (this form contains other below mentioned forms).

3.1.6.3.1 “Tracked objects list” form

The “Tracked objects list” form is used for displaying all objects belonging to the currently logged in user. It contains following controls:

· Tracked object type – this is a combo box where you can select a particular means of transport.

· Number of objects on page – this is a combo box where you can select how many items will be displayed in the table.

· Find – this is a text field where you can enter the first letters of the tracked object name.

· Search – this button enables you to display all objects according to the text entered in the “Find” item and the selected tracked object type.

· Objects list – this is a table showing found objects and containing following columns: “Picture”, “Name”, “Description”, “Edit” and “Detail”.

· Positions import, New object – after clicking on these buttons, you will see the “Import positions from XML” form and the “Tracked object detail” form respectively.

3.1.6.3.2 “Import positions from XML” form

The “Positions import from XML” form contains following controls:

· Browse – after clicking on this button, you will see the “Load file” dialogue form where you can select an XML file.

· Import – by clicking on this button, you will start the import of objects positions from the selected XML file.

· Back – this button enables you to go back to the “Tracked objects list” form.

· Example of XML positions file and XML file scheme – these links allow you to display examples of XML files.

3.1.6.3.3 “Tracked object detail” form

The “Tracked object detail” form is used for creating a new object and editing an existing one. It contains following controls:

· Name – it is a text field where you can enter the name of a new object.

· Description – it is a text field where you can enter additional information concerning the object.

· Tracked object type – this is a combo box where you can select a particular means of transport.

· Picture – this is a combo box where you can select graphic elements – icons.

· Use azimuths – it is a check box which allows you to select (switch on/off) whether “Azimuths” are displayed in the “Objects” table on the “History” page.

· Save – after you click on this button, the name (of wagon or container) will be checked and the new or edited object will be saved.

· Back – this button enables you to go back to the “Tracked objects list” form.

· Delete – using this button you can delete the selected object. This button is accessible only in the edit mode.

3.1.6.3.4 “Tracking requirement” form

The “Tracking requirement” form can be opened by clicking on the object in the “Name” column in the “Objects list” table and it is used for selecting the mode of tracking. It contains following controls:

· Name, Tracked object type

· Last position – it shows information about the date and time of the position, about the nearest station (including railway) and links to a position on JERID blind map and on Google map.

· Groups – this tree view contains following items: “External systems” (Tracking with UZ, CEVIS Tracking), “Own tracking units” (Tracking with Racapoun SMS) and “Manual position setting”. These items contain following controls:

o Tracking with UZ

§ Currently tracked – it shows the state of tracking.

§ Stop tracking – if you click on this button, tracking of the selected wagon will be stopped.

§ Start tracking – if you click on this button, a form will be opened where you can enter the Dispatch and Destination station.

§ Get current position – by clicking on this button you can display the current position of the selected wagon.

o CEVIS Tracking

§ Currently tracked – it shows the state of tracking.

§ Stop tracking – if you click on this button, tracking of the selected wagon will be stopped.

§ Start tracking – if you click on this button, tracking of the selected wagon will be started.

o Tracking with Racapoun SMS

§ Currently tracked – it shows the state of tracking.

§ Code – this is a text field where you can enter code.

§ Stop tracking – if you click on this button, tracking of the selected wagon will be stopped.

§ Start tracking – if you click on this button, tracking of the selected wagon will be started.

§ Tracking detail – if you click on this button, the “Tracking with Racapoun SMS” form will be opened.

o Manual position setting

§ Manual position setting – if you click on this button, the “Manual position setting” form will be opened. The form contains controls and items which allow you to enter date and time, information (description) and GPS or WGS84 coordinates.

· Back – this button enables you to go back to the “Tracked objects list” form.

3.1.6.4 “Settings” Page

The “Settings” page allows you to define the time period of tracking, the number of items and objects that will be searched or displayed on the “Positions”, “History” and “Objects” pages. You can save the settings by clicking on the “Save” button.

3.1.7 “Infrastructure”

The “Infrastructure” module is used for displaying infrastructure on basis of defined parameters. It also provides information about track parameters based on the National Network Statement (e.g. track owner, track gauge, track leg length, traction type, traction system, number of rails, etc.). The module contains three pages: Show, Route and Info.

3.1.7.1 “Show” Page

This page is used for displaying infrastructure according to selected parameters. It contains following controls:

Railway – this is a combo box where you can select a railway.
Track number – this is a text field where you can enter track number.
Traction – this is a combo box where you can select a traction type.
Number of rails – this is a text field where you can enter the number of rails.
Track class – this is a combo box where you can select a track class.
Colour – these radio buttons represent different colours used for highlighting connecting lines.
Set cut – by checking/unchecking this check box, you select whether the map cut should be set so as all connecting lines are visible. Otherwise, the current map cut will be shown.
Show – this button activates the “Show infrastructure” function.

3.1.7.2 “Route” Page

This page enables you to find the shortest route between two stations (dispatch and destination station) with the possibility to find a route going via another selected station. You can also select parameters for the route; these parameters are: Traction, Number of rails, Axle load and Ferries allowed. Furthermore you can restrict the selected route by means of “forbidden” infrastructure, which consists of stations, tracks or track legs that cannot be included in the shortest route.

The page contains:

Route selection – it contains following items for defining a route:

Dispatch station, Destination station and Station via – these are derived items of the “Select and enter station” function, which allow you to select stations.
Traction – this is a combo box where you can select between “All” and “Electric only”.
Number of rails – this is a text field.
Axle load – this is a text field where you can enter decimal number.
Ferries allowed – this is a check box, which allows you to select whether ferries can or cannot be included in the shortest route.

Forbidden infrastructure – it contains following controls for entering route restrictions:

Forbidden stations – this is a derived item of the “Select and enter station” function, which allows you to select stations.
Add – by clicking on this button you add selected stations to the “Forbidden stations” list.
Stations list – it is a table containing three columns (“Name”, “Railway”, “Number”) and a “Remove” icon.
Forbidden tracks – this is a combo box where you can select a track, which is part of the selected railway infrastructure.
Add – by clicking on this button you add selected tracks to the “Forbidden tracks” list.
Tracks list – it is a table containing two columns ( “Railway”, “Track number”) and a “Show” and “Remove” icon.
Forbidden legs – this is a combo box where you can select a leg (dispatch – destination station), which is part of the selected railway track infrastructure.
Add – by clicking on this button you add the selected track legs to the “Forbidden legs” list.
Legs list – it is a table containing four columns ( “Railway”, “Track number”, “Leg number”, “Leg name”) a “Show” and “Remove” icon.
Show all forbidden legs – if you click on this button, all tracks and legs will be displayed on the map.

Set cut – by checking/unchecking this check box, you select whether the map cut will be displayed or not. The function is the same as the one on the “Show” page.
Search – this button activates the “Find shortest route” function.

3.1.7.3 “Info” Page

This page displays detailed information about the track leg, which is currently selected on the map. It contains parameters associated with the given national railway network. These parameters usually are: Railway, Track number, Description, Number of rails, Length, Track gauge, Track class, Axle load, Track speed, Traction, Profile, Line safety system, Communication system, Maximum ascent and Maximum train length. Ferries have these parameters: Ferry number, Description and Length. Moreover, the page contains two buttons: Add leg among forbidden legs and Add track among forbidden tracks. The legs or tracks are added to the “Route” page.

3.1.8 “Corridors”

This module is used for displaying corridors. This is done by clicking on the “Show corridor” button. The railway legs belonging to the selected corridor are shown on the map in the selected colour.

3.1.8.1 “Corridors” Page

The “Corridors” page contains following items:

· Corridor type – this is a combo box where you can select a corridor type.

· Corridor – this is a combo box where you can select a corridor belonging to the previously selected corridor type.

· Colour – these radio buttons represent different colours used for highlighting corridors.

· Show corridor – this button activates the “Show corridor” function.

3.2 Controls and items

Each application page contains following controls and items for entering or displaying data:

3.2.1 Basic controls

3.2.1.1 Text field

By means of the keyboard you can type in and edit texts, numbers or dates in the text box. This is done in the usual way, using the Insert, Delete, Home, End keys, etc., as well. There are several types of text boxes: one for characters and numbers, one for number values and one for dates.

3.2.1.2 Combo box

A combo box contains several options, from which you can choose only one. The combo box is displayed by clicking on the header . You can select an option by clicking on it or by using the cursor keys and the Enter key.

3.2.1.3 Check box

Check box is a simple item that can have two states: On or Off . You can check or uncheck the check box by clicking on it or by pressing the space key.

3.2.1.4 Button

Buttons are used for activating functions. This is done by clicking on them. The graphic aspect of buttons may vary.

3.2.1.5 Calendar

This control allows you to select and enter a date into a text field.

3.2.1.6 Table and List

Both of these controls look the same, i.e. they consist of a header and a list of items. But in a table it is possible to put the items in order according to the selected column.

a) table

b) list

3.2.1.7 Tree views

There are two types of tree views used in the application. One type of the tree view allows you to display or hide a part of the list by clicking on the list header. The example used here shows the displayed/hidden items contained in user-defined groups.

The other type differs from the first one in the way a part of the list is hidden: this is done by “opening” (i.e. clicking on) another part of the list.

3.2.1.8 Radio buttons

This control allows you to choose one of several options.

3.2.1.9 State of tracking

This graphic element is used for highlighting the current state of a tracked object. It shows whether an object is or is not currently tracked.

3.2.2 Derived elements

Derived elements consist of several basic elements and are used for selecting and entering more complicated data structures.

3.2.2.1 Select and enter station

This derived element is used for selecting and entering stations in a form.

The procedure of station entering and selection is following:

Into the text field you enter the number or name of the searched station or the first letters of the station name and you press the Enter key or click on the button. If there are more stations beginning with the entered number or name, you will see a combo box, from which you can select the searched station. Then you click on the Show station button to confirm your selection.

4 Detailed description of modules

4.1 Home

You can display the pages by clicking on the headers.

4.2 Map

4.2.1 Map

You select which layer and stations will be displayed on the map by simply checking the corresponding check boxes and selecting the corresponding option from the “Show stations” combo box. You can save the setting by clicking on the Save button.

Show Railway layer – railways are displayed only at particular scales. Each line segment of the railway layer has its own category (1-5) and at certain scales only certain categories are displayed. At a scale, at which the whole of Europe is displayed, only line segments of category 1 can be seen on the map. As you zoom in on the map, other track categories can be seen as well.

Show Station layer – stations are also displayed up from a particular scale. This scale can be defined on the “Settings” page. Stations are divided into two categories and only certain stations are displayed at a certain scale. Stations of category 1 (stations with a grade 3 and more) are displayed from a scale of 1: 280 000, other stations (with a grade less than three) are displayed from a scale of 1:72 000.

Show Markers layer – if the “Markers” check box is checked, all saved markers belonging to the currently logged in user (regardless of groups) will be displayed in the currently displayed map area. According to the settings also the name and description of the marker can be displayed.

4.2.2 Settings

On this page you can set which buttons and railway station icons will be displayed. You can save the settings by clicking on the Save button.

4.3 Locations

4.3.1 Find

First, you have to enter the name or part of the name of the location you want to find, and then you can click on Search button. If you click on the Search button without entering anything into the “Location” item, you will see the same form, only with a notification saying “No items...”. If you enter a name, and you can still see the notification, it is because no relevant station was found in the database. Before you click on the Search button, it is advisable to check the entered text one more time.

If the search is successful, you will see a list of relevant stations below the Search button. If you click on the selected item, the station will be displayed on the map with a little icon marking its location. If you move the mouse cursor to the location, you will see a description of the selected station.

4.3.2 Coordinates

Another way of finding a location on the map is to enter its coordinates in either of the coordinate systems (GPS or WGS84). Into the respective text fields you enter the searched coordinates and then you click on the Show button. The searched location will then be displayed on the map. If you enter wrong, non-existing coordinates, you will see a notification saying “Invalid coordinates” and no location will be displayed.

If you enter correct coordinates and click on the Show button, the searched location will be displayed on the map with a little icon marking its position. If you move the mouse cursor to the location, you will see its coordinates.

4.3.3 Markers

Each marker must be assigned to a user group, which means that first you have to create a group. To do this you click on the New group button and enter a group name into the displayed form. Then you click on the Save button. If you do not enter any name of the group, then, after clicking on the Save button you will see a notification saying “Group name is not entered” and the group will not be saved.

After you create the “first” group, the New marker button will be available. By clicking on this button you can create a new marker. You fill in the mandatory items, which are: “Group name”, “Picture”, “Marker name”. You position the marker on the map by double clicking on the selected location. Until you save the created marker, you can change its location by dragging it with the mouse anywhere else.

You can use all available functions for working with the markers:

Centre marker – you can do this by clicking on the selected marker in the markers list.

Display markers – you can display all markers in a group in close-up, if you click on the button, which is located by the Group name. You can also display all markers of all groups by clicking on the Show all button. The map area will always be displayed so as to contain all relevant markers.

Edit marker – if you click on the button, you can edit the selected marker. The form is the same as the one used when creating a new marker.

Delete group, marker – you can remove a group or a marker by clicking on the button, which is located at each marker as well as each group.

4.4 Stations

4.4.1 Station

If you want to find a station, you first have to select a national railway (“Railway” item) and use the “Select and enter station” derived control (i.e. enter the station name or its beginning into the “Station” item, click on the Search button and select the station from a combo box).

Then, if you click on the Show station button, the selected station will be displayed on the map. If you move the mouse cursor over the station marker, you will see a window containing the railway number and the station number and name.

4.4.2 Route

The application allows you to display a route between two and more stations. First, you have to select a station (using the “Select and enter station” control) and add it to the stations list. This is done by clicking on the Add station button.

If you have selected all stations that should be comprised in the route, you can display the route by clicking on the Show route button.

4.5 Tracking

4.5.1 Positions

You can display the current positions of tracked objects in a table and on the map by clicking on the Search button. All found positions will be then shown on the map. Before you launch the search, you can set some of its parameters, thus restricting the extent of the search. This is done by entering any data into following items: “For the last page”, “Number of items on page” (according to the number set on the “Settings” page). If no objects are found, you will see a notification saying “No data items...”. By checking or unchecking the “Automatic update” you can set whether the page will or will not be updated every 60 sec.

You can further work with the current positions of objects. You can sort the items in the table according to columns: “Name” and “Position D/T” (Date and Time). To sort the items you click on the header of the selected column and the items will be sorted in order selected in the “In order” combo box.

You can also choose which positions will be displayed on the map. You only have to check the check box by the selected positions and click on the Show selected button (the default setting is that the check box is checked; you can also make use of the “all | none | reversely” function). The selected items will be displayed on the map and the displayed map area will be large enough to comprise all positions. By clicking on a position on the map you will centre it.

By moving the mouse cursor over the position on the map you can display detailed information on the position. You can also display the positions on Google maps (this is done by clicking on the button in the table or on the map).

Moreover, you can export the positions list into a XML or CSV file by simply clicking on the XML Export or CSV Export buttons.

4.5.2 History

If you want to see the positions of objects belonging to the currently logged in user, you have to do it in two steps:

4.5.2.1 Positions history

First, you click on the Search button. You will see a table containing a list of objects. If no objects are found, you will see a notification saying “No data items...”. Before you launch the search, you can set some of its parameters, thus restricting the extent of the search. This is done by entering any data into the following items: “Tracked object type”, “From”, “To”. The “Tracked object type” combo box contains several options: Wagon, Container, Engine, Truck, Car, Other. The “Number of objects on page” combo box allows you to selectt how many objects will be displayed in the table. More objects will be displayed on following pages.

The form also contains the “Extended search” tree view, which allows you to restrict the search by entering the searched object name (the “Find” text field) or by selecting the tracking method (the “Tracked” combo box). Both of these functions are activated by clicking on the respective Search buttons.

In the second step you set and display the historical positions of objects on the map. The setting is done in the “Objects” table by means of check boxes and it is done for each object separately.

If you check the “Show history” check box, you will see the positions history of the selected object in a new table – “Positions history”. If you check the “Show” check box, you will see the positions markers on the map. And if, at the same time, you have checked the “Connect” check box, the markers will be connected by lines. The Connect function is available only if you have the “Show” check box checked. And last, there is the “Azimuths” check box, which allows you to display azimuth icons instead of the object icons on the map. But this function is also available only if you have the “Show” check box checked. If you check the “Use azimuths” check box in the “Tracked object detail” form, the “Azimuths” check box in the table will be checked automatically.

The “History” page also contains two tree views (“In positions list”, “In map”), which allow you to select what information will be displayed for the tracked objects in the table or on the map. Both lists therefore contain appropriate check boxes.

If you then click on the Show button, the markers will be displayed on the map. As in the previous forms, in this form it is also possible to select how many items will be displayed on one page. You can do this by selecting the appropriate number in the “Number of objects on page” combo box. The option shown in the combo box can be pre-set on the “Settings” page.

4.5.2.2 Historical positions

If you have checked the “Show history” check box, then, after you click on the Show button, you will see a new form: “Historical positions”. This form contains two combo boxes, two buttons and a table. If you have selected more objects in the previous form, then there is the “Name” combo box, in which you can select the object the positions of which you want to display in the table. The “In order” combo box allows you to select the way in which the “Position D/T” (Date and Time) column will be sorted in the table. The two buttons (XML Export, CSV Export) allow you to export the positions shown in the table into the selected files. The table contains a list of particular positions. This table has only one element that can be sorted – the “Position D/T” column. To put the column in the selected order you simply have to click on the column header.

By moving the mouse cursor over the position in the table you can display detailed information on the position. Just like in all other tables in the “Tracking” module, you can also display the positions on Google maps (this is done by clicking on the button in the table).

If you have checked the “Show” check box (or the “Connect” and “Azimuths” check boxes) in the objects table, symbols marking the positions (or connecting lines) will be shown on the map. Detailed information on the positions (name, date, time, nearest station) will be displayed if you have chosen to display these in the previous form.

4.5.3 Objects

The work with the Objects modules is done in several steps, which is why this module contains many forms.

4.5.3.1 Tracked objects list

The displayed default form is the “Tracked objects list” form. When you open the form, you will see a table containing all objects of the currently logged in user, for which you have selected the “Wagon” option. The table will contain as many items as you have selected in the “Number of objects on page” combo box on the “Settings” page.

If you want to change the objects displayed in the “Objects list” table, you only need to change the options selected in the respective combo boxes. You can narrow down the set of found objects if you fill in the “Find” text field and click on the Find button. The Find function will find you those objects that have the entered text contained in their name. If no corresponding object is found, you will see a notification saying “No data items.”

In the objects table you can see this button by each item. If you click on the button, you can edit the selected object in the opened “Detail” form. This form is identical with the one used for creating a new object, only it also contains the Delete button. By clicking on this button you remove the selected object. If the last position of the object is known, you will see the button in the table. If you click on it, the last known position of the object will be shown on the Google map.

The form contains two more buttons: Positions import and New object. If you click on these buttons, corresponding forms will be opened (“Positions import from XML”, “Detail”).

4.5.3.2 Tracking requirement

The “Tracking requirement” form is another form you can work with in this module. To open the form you need to click on the name of the selected object in the objects table (in the “Tracked objects list” form). In this form you can select the mode of tracking for the selected object.

In the upper part of the form you can see following items (information about the object): “Name”, “Tracked object type”, “Last position” (date, time, railway number, nearest station number and name). But the information is displayed in the “Last position” item only if there is a known last position of the object. If it is so, then you can also display the last position of the object on a map by clicking on an appropriate button. The button allows you to display the position on the JERID “blind” map and the button allows you to see the position on the Google map.

In the lower part of the form you can find a tree view containing three items: “External systems”, “Own tracking unit”, “Manual position setting”. Each of these items stands for a mode of tracking. These items also contain several controls, which allow you to set or define the selected mode of tracking.

The item (tracking system), which was selected for the object, will be seen as active in the opened form. Otherwise, it is the “Manual position setting” item, which is active.

External systems – this item allows you to select one of two modes of tracking. These modes are: Tracking with UZ (Ukrainian Railways) and CEVIS Tracking.

Tracking in CIS countries and Baltic states – in this tree view there are three buttons and the “State of tracking” graphic control, which tells you the current state of the tracked object. To activate the tracking you have to click on the Start tracking button. After clicking on this button, you will see the “Tracking with UZ” form. There you enter the dispatch and destination station and then you click on the OK button. If you want to display the current position of the tracked object, you have to click on the Get current position button. To terminate the tracking of the object you need to click on the Stop tracking button. If everything goes well, then you will see a notification saying “Action was successful.” every time.

In the “Tracking with UZ” form you enter the dispatch and destination station using the “Select and enter station” derived control. To start the tracking you need to click on the OK button.

CEVIS Tracking – this tree view contains buttons and the “State of tracking” graphic control as well. To activate the tracking you have to click on the Start tracking button. After you click on it, you will see a notification saying “Action was successful.” To terminate the tracking of the object you need to click on the Stop tracking button.

The Own tracking unit item provides only one tracking mode – the “Racapoun SMS”.

Tracking with racapoun SMS – just like the two previous items this tree view also contains buttons and the “State of tracking” graphic control. But moreover, there is the “Code” text field, which you have to fill in before starting the tracking. If you do not enter any code and still click on the Start tracking button, you will see a notification saying “Racapoun code is missing.” and the tracking will not be activated.

If you click on the Tracking detail button, you will open the “Tracking with Racapoun SMS” form. The form contains two items: “SIM” and “Mode”, which only display information. The Administrator only can change the settings of these items.

To terminate the tracking of the object you need to click on the Stop tracking button. After you click on it, you will see a notification saying “Action was successful.”

Manual position setting – this item contains the Manual position setting button, which opens the “Manual position setting” form.

If you want to create a new position, you have to fill in the obligatory items, which are: “Date”, “Time”, “Coordinates”. You can use the calendar to fill in the “Date” item. You select the type of coordinates (GPS or WGS84) by clicking on the corresponding radio button. If you need to enter any additional information, you can do so in the “Info” text field.

By clicking on the OK button you save the created position. If you enter wrong or non-existing coordinates and click on the OK button, you will see a notification saying “Invalid coordinates.” and the position will not be saved. If you do not enter any data in the “Date” and “Time” items and click on the OK button, you will see a notification saying “Invalid date and time” and the position will not be saved either.

There are two ways how to enter coordinates: you can either directly fill in the numbers into the appropriate text fields or you can simply double click on the appropriate location on the map. If you choose to double click on a location on the map, you will see a symbol of a flag marking the selected position. Until you click on the OK button, you can freely change the position simply by dragging the flag icon anywhere else on the map.

4.5.3.3 Tracked object detail

This form is used for creating a new object or for editing an existing object. In this form you have to fill in the obligatory items: “Name”, “Tracked object type” and “Picture”. From the “Picture” combo box you select the symbol, which will be displayed by the object in tables and on the map. Objects, for which you have checked the “Use attributes” check box, will be displayed with a symbol for azimuth. After you have filled in all these items, you can click on the Save button.

After you click on the Save button, the system will check whether the “Name” item is filled in and whether it is filled in correctly (if you have selected Wagon or Container in the “Tracked object type” combo box), i.e. whether the wagon or container number consists of the correct control number. If it is so, the system will save the object.

If you do not enter any name of the object, then, after you click on the Save button, you will see a notification saying “Wrong number”. If you enter a wrong number, then, after you click on the Save button, you will see a notification saying “Wrong control number” (for wagons) or “Wrong number” (for containers), or “Wrong length of number (8 or 12 digits)”.

The form also contains the “Description” text field where you can enter any additional information about the object. Furthermore, there is the “Use azimuths” checkbox. By checking or unchecking it you select whether the “Azimuth” check box will be checked or unchecked in the Objects table on the “History” page.

4.5.3.4 Import positions from XML

This form allows you to import positions from a created XML file. By clicking on the Browse button you open the “Load file” dialogue form. There you select the XML file. To start the import of positions into the database you need to click on the Import button.

If the imported XML file format does not have the appropriate structure, then, after you click on the Import button, you will see a notification saying “False input”. If you do not select any file for import, then, after you click on the Import button, you will see a notification saying “No file selected.”

The form also contains two links: “Example of XML positions file” and “XML file scheme”. These links allow you to see an example of a XML file or an example of a XML file scheme (a XSD file).

4.5.4 Settings

This page contains several items, which allow you to define the settings. You can save the selected settings by clicking on the Save button.

4.6 Infrastructure

4.6.1 Show

Infrastructure will be displayed in accordance with the selected or entered parameters. There are three combo boxes: “Railway”, “Traction” and “Track class”. The form also contains two text fields: “Track number” and “Number of rails”. If no track fulfils the selected or entered parameters, then, after you click on the Show button, you will see a notification saying “No tracks were found.”

Furthermore, the form contains radio buttons representing colours, which will be used for highlighting the infrastructure. The “Set cut” check box allows you to select whether the map cut should be set so as all connecting lines are visible. Otherwise, the current map cut will be shown.

To display the infrastructure you have to click on the Show button. If you click on a track leg on the map, the leg will be highlighted and at the same time the “Info” page will become active (unless selected before). The “Info” page contains detailed parameters of the track corresponding with the selected national railway.

4.6.2 Route

To display the shortest route between two railway stations on the map (with the total length in km) you have to click on the Search button. But before you do so, you have to enter the dispatch and destination station in the “Display/Hide route selection” form. Otherwise, you will see a notification saying “Dispatch station is not entered”, or “Destination station is not entered”. You select the stations using the “Select and enter station” derived control. For further specification of the route you can also select a “Via station” and “Traction” or enter “Number of rails” and “Axle load”. The selection of the “Via” station is done in the same way as the selection of all other stations: by means of the “Select and enter station” derived control.

The page also contains the “Show/Hide forbidden infrastructure” tree view. This form is used for defining the stations, tracks and track legs, which should not be included in the shortest route.

There are two ways of defining the forbidden infrastructure. You can do it either in the “Show/Hide forbidden infrastructure” form or on the “Info” page. To select a station you can use the “Select and enter station” derived control and to select a track or a track leg you can use combo boxes. The options contained in the “Forbidden tracks” combo box are offered in accordance with the selected railway and the options contained in the “Forbidden legs” combo box are offered in accordance with the selected forbidden track. This means that first you have to select a forbidden track and then you can select a forbidden leg.

The track or leg that you select in the respective combo boxes will be displayed on the map as well. But to add the track or leg to the forbidden infrastructure list you have to click on the Add button. It is possible to further work with the lists. By clicking on the button you can display the tracks or legs on the map or you can remove them by clicking on the button.

If you wish to display all forbidden tracks or legs, you can use the Display all forbidden legs button. This is of course possible only if the forbidden infrastructure lists contain any items. Otherwise, after you click on the Display all forbidden legs button, you will see a notification saying “No tracks or legs were forbidden”.

The “Route” page also contains the “Set cut” check box, which allows you to define the setting of the map cut.

If, after you fill in the “Show/Hide route selection” and “Show/Hide forbidden infrastructure” forms, the system finds no appropriate data, you will see a notification saying “No tracks were found”.

4.6.3 Information

Apart from information about track parameters of the currently selected track leg (the leg is selected on the “Show” and “Route” pages) this page contains two buttons: Add leg among forbidden legs and Add track among forbidden tracks. By clicking on the buttons, you activate the corresponding functions, i.e. you add the selected leg or track among forbidden infrastructure that can be found on the “Route” page.

Once you click on either of the buttons, it becomes inaccessible. To use the button again you have to select a new leg on the map. But if the selected leg or track has already been added among the forbidden legs or tracks (either on this page or on the “Route” page), the buttons will remain inaccessible, i.e. it is not possible to add the same leg or track (already added leg or track) among forbidden infrastructure again.

4.7 Corridors

4.7.1 Corridors

The “Corridor type” combo box allows you to select a corridor type. The “Corridor” combo box allows you to select the particular corridor. Moreover, the page contains radio buttons representing different colours which will be used for highlighting the selected corridor. To display the selected corridor you need to click on the Show corridor button.

After you click on the Show corridor button, the selected corridor will be shown (highlighted in the selected colour) on the map.