Tree-fall forecast for securing traffic safety on railways

Project presentation

The project focuses on improving railway safety through the prediction of tree falls onto railway tracks. Its primary objective is the development of a web-based mapping application providing the Czech Railway Administration with forecasts of the probability of tree falls across the entire railway network in the Czech Republic.

The forecasting system combines vegetation data, information on individual high-risk trees, digital terrain models, meteorological measurements, and weather forecast data. By integrating these sources, the system enables the identification of vulnerable railway sections and supports effective preventive maintenance planning.

The project also evaluated available methods for mapping trees along railway corridors, selected the most suitable approach, and subsequently supported the mapping of the railway network managed by the Czech Railway Administration. In addition, a mobile application linked to the web mapping platform was developed to facilitate field data collection.

The resulting system serves not only as a forecasting tool but also as a database of hazardous trees and risk-prone railway sections. The project contributes to preventing incidents, improving railway safety, and supporting more efficient infrastructure management.

The project is carried out by Transport Research Centre (CDV).

More information about the project