GIS-based applications for rail infrastructure analyses

Computer modeling and analysis techniques are important tools being used to evaluate impacts associated with transporting high-level radioactive waste to the proposed national repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. While computer models may be powerful, the availability of data sets significantly affects their usefulness. The primary objective of this paper is to discuss the development of Geographic Information System (GIS) based data sets (coverage) for evaluation of the potential mainline rail access routes to the proposed repository. Specifically the paper describes the development of GIS databases and some basic analytic tools useful for analyzing infrastructure elements. These include geographic alignment , longitudinal gradient and elevation, location and length of siding, location and characteristics of bridges and culverts, and location and characteristics of at-grade rail/highway crossings. The database allow for modelling and analyses of rail access routes identified by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Mapping and graphical display procedures have been implemented in preliminary technical route analyses and result in effective display of spatial data.