Magnetic Train Localization: High-Speed and Tunnel, Experiment and Evaluation

Abstract

Magnetic train localization uses the characteristic distortions of the Earth magnetic field from the railway tracks. The magnetic train localization is able to identify the correct track and can solve an along-track location on the tracks. In contrast to GNSS, the magnetic train localization works in tunnels. In order to prove the practicality of the magnetic train localization method, a comprehensive train experiment has been conducted. Therefore, a high-speed train has been equipped with 28 magnetic and reference sensors such as wheel odometer, GNSS and inertial sensors. Measurements have been recorded in urban, high-speed and tunnel scenarios over 2200 km in eight measurement days. This paper describes briefly the measurement setup, the research questions, the experiment scenarios, the evaluation method and first results and findings.