OpenRailwayMap/Tagging/Signal

Preface

Railway signals are a very topic which differs much between countries. Therefore the OpenRailwayMap tagging scheme cannot provide a tags for you which are ready to use. As an replacement, the authors of OpenRailwayMap tagging scheme decided to create an abstract tagging scheme. Therefore, you have to derive a tagging scheme adapted to the local signalling rules. You cannot map the details of railway signals if there nobody has created a tagging scheme for railway signals in your country.

There are currently following tagging schemes:

Australia
Austria, currently only available in German
Belgium
Czechia (Czech only)
Finland, currently only available in Finnish
Germany (ESO, i.e. heavy railways and narrow gauge railways), full version currently only available in German, English translation not finished yet
Germany (BOStrab, i.e. trams, light rails and subways) (under draft), currently only available in German
Netherlands
North America (United States, Canada, and Mexico)
Poland (not yet finished, see also the earlier German version)
Russia and post-soviet countries
Switzerland, currently only available in German
Sweden
United Kingdom
China (currently only available in Chinese)

Your country is missing in this list? Adapting the tagging scheme to another country is a lot of work. Therefore currently only some countries are supported. If you need help adapting the tagging scheme to your country, don't hesitate to seek for help at OpenRailwayMap mailing list. (You have to subscribe the list before you can send emails to it)

The term "signal"

This page (and the whole OpenRailwayMap tagging scheme) is based on following definition of a signal:

Signals are not only light and semaphore signals but also signs (boards) along the tracks which give instructions to the driver. Milestones (and mileage signs) are no signals.

Where to Map

Signals are mapped as nodes. The node of the signal is placed on the track (and is part of the way which represents the track).

General Tags

There are a few tags which are equal all over the world:

Key	Value	Property	Description
Note: Disused and abandoned signals can be mapped by adding `disused:` or `abandoned:`. (Example: `disused:railway=signal`).
railway	signal	signal	a signal
ref	<signal designation>	signal designation	The name or designation of a signal.
railway:position	<distance value, such as `40.6`>	distance	The rounded distance position of a signal. If using miles, prefix the number with `mi:`.
railway:position:exact	<distance value, such as `40.625`>	exact distance	The exact (three-place) distance position of a signal. If using miles, prefix the number with `mi:`.
railway:signal:position	left/right/bridge/overhead/in_track	location	Indicates the location of the signal in references to the track. `bridge` means the signal is located on a signal gantry overhead the track. `left` or `right` determines on which side of the track the signal is located in reference to the way direction in OpenStreetMap. `overhead` means a signal is attached to the catenary and `in_track` is intended for signals in the midle of the track - such as one attached to a buffer stop.
railway:signal:direction	forward/backward/both	direction of displaying	Determines how you have to drive to have a view on the signal. Values are in reference to way direction in OpenStreetMap.
railway:signal:catenary_mast	yes/no	catenary mast	Is the signal attached to a catenary mast?

Other Tags

This tagging scheme has a strong separation between keys and values. Keys are equal all over the world while values differ from country to country. If you find a node with railway:signal:main=* (values is not no), you can be sure that it is a main signal independent from the country where the signal is located. The key describes the general type of the signal (i.e. main, distant, speed, shunting, …), the value describes the exact type.

The keys follow this scheme:

railway:signal:CATEGORY=PREFIX:VALUE

to describe the type of the signal. CATEGORY is one of the signal categories listed in section Signal Categories. PREFIX is a prefix which describes the country (ISO code) – sometimes the ruleset or the railway company in addition. VALUE is the name of the signal (usually the local language because translations are error-prone).

To tag additional properties (e.g. aspects the signal can show, speed of a speed limit signal, …), we use

railway:signal:CATEGORY:PROPERTY=*

CATEGORY is the signal category. PROPERTY is a predefined property (see below)

Examples:

railway:signal:main=AT-V2:hauptsignal is a main signal (German "Hauptsignal") in Austria. We use the category "main" because it is a main signal. AT is the alpha-2 ISO 3166-1 country code of Austria. V2 is the name of the guideline which describes how signals look in Austria and what they mean. If ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahn) were the only railway operator which used this signals in Austria, we would use ÖBB instead of V2.
railway:signal:main:form=light describes that the signal is a light signal. (There are also some semaphore main signals in Austria)
railway:signal:main:states=AT-V2:halt;AT-V2:frei is an additional tag for a main signal in Austria. It describes that the signal can display the stop aspect ("Halt") and the proceed aspect ("frei").

Signal Categories

Type	Name	Description
main	Main signal	A signal that gives the permission to enter a station, leave a station or enter the next block section of a track. A main signal controls mainline and shunting movements and indicates the clearness of a track up to the next signal.
main_repeated	Duplicated signal	A signal to indicate the state of the main signal. Not to be confused with a Distant signal.
distant	Distant signal	A distant signal is placed at braking distance from a main/combined signal and indicates the aspect of the following signal to ensure that a train can stop before reaching the main/combined signal.
minor	Minor signal	A signal with a lower priority than main signal. In most cases they are used inside stations to protect occupied sections or control low speed (shunting) movements. It does not require any distant signal and applies to both mainline and shunting movements.
minor_distant	Minor Distant signal	A Distant signal for Minor signals.
combined	Combined signal	A signal that combines the function of a main and a distant signal. It indicates the state of the next two block sections and is valid for all train movements.
shunting	Shunting signal	A signal that controls low speed shunting movements inside stations. It does not apply to mainline movements.
crossing	Level crossing signal	A signal that indicates that the technical equipment (lights, barriers, bells) of a level crossing is active to warn automobile drivers about an approaching train.
crossing_distant	Level crossing distant signal	A signal which notifies the train driver to attend a level signal which will follow.
crossing_info	Level crossing marker board	A signal which describes the level crossing. It is usually mounted next to the level crossing and shows information like the current position (kilometre/miles) or the crossing number.
crossing_hint	Level crossing announcement board	A signal which notifies about a level crossing he will reach soon.
electricity	Catenary signal	A signal for electric locomotives indicating when and where the pantograph or other collector needs to be lowered. (e.g.: between different electrical systems.)
humping	Hump yard signal	This signal controls the speed of locomotives pushing cars towards the hump.
speed_limit	Speed Limit indicator	A signal that displays the maximum permissible speed in a track section.
speed_limit_distant	Distant Speed Limit indicator	A signal indicating an upcoming speed limit change.
whistle	Horn signal	A signal indicating the operator should use the horn.
ring	Bell signal	A signal indicating the operator should use the bell.
route	Route indicator	A signal that indicates the set up route.
route_distant	Route Change Distant	A signal indicating an upcoming route indicator.
wrong_road	Wrong Road signal	A signal indicating the movement to a track that normally would have traffic in the oncoming direction.
stop	Stop post / Stop Board	In general, this signal marks a position on a track, where a train needs to stop. In most cases it indicates the position where a passenger train should stop at a platform. On branch lines with simplified operational rules, this signal may also be used to mark a position where a train has to stop to wait for a permission to proceed.
stop_demand	Stop-on-demand indicator	A signal at small halts that is operated by waiting passengers to visualize their demand for a stop of the next train.
station_distant	Upcoming Station	A signal indicating an upcoming station.
radio	Radio Change	A signal providing instructions on radio usage.
departure	Departure signal	A signal indicating that a passenger train is ready to leave the station.
resetting_switch	Resetting Switch signal	A signal indicating the status of a resetting switch.
resetting_switch_distant	Resetting Switch Distant	A signal indicating an upcoming resetting switch.
snowplow	Snowplow signal	A signal that give instructions to vehicles with a snowplow. In most cases they are placed to warn the crew to raise the snowplow to avoid hitting any obstructions such as level crossings or bridges.
short_route	Short entry indicator	A signal which shows the train driver that he has to stop earlier than usual (usual = exit signal). Used if the train drives into a dead-end signal or joins another train.
brake_test	Signal used for break tests	This signal supports the communication between the train driver and the personnel checking the breaks.
fouling_point	Clear-of-points marker/Track contact marker	A signal that indicates up to which limit a track may be occupied to avoid collisions and malfunctions of signals and switches.
helper_engine	Signals related to helper engines	A signal giving instructions for helper engines at steep railroad lines (e.g. in mountain areas).
train_protection	Signals related with train protection system topics	Signals of this category show beginning/end of railway sections with a specific or any train protection system. This category also covers the signals (usually signs) mounted along railway lines with cab signalling. This section has been replacing the old sections lzb and lzb_start since 2014.
steam_locomotive	Signals related to steam locomotives	Signals that give instructions to the staff of steam locomotives.

Additional Properties

Property	Name	Description
form	Display/Style	The physical format of the signal: (`semaphore`), (`light`) or (`sign`).
deactivated	Signal Activity	Is the signal still operational? Either (`yes`) or (`no`).
height	Signal Height	Height design of signal: either (`dwarf`) or (`normal`). Alternatively, you can specify the exact height measurement.
states	Signal Aspects	For variable signals, a list of possible signal aspects, each separated by a semicolon (e.g.: `clear;aproach_limited;limited_clear;approach_medium;...`).
shortened	Shortened Braking Distance	Is the signal placed closer than usual to the next signal? Either (`yes` or `no`).
repeated	Repeater signal	When a main/combined signal is not visible from distance (e.g. because of track curves), a repeater is installed to repeat the aspect of the main/combined signal. Use `yes` to mark these signals, otherwise use `no` or omit this tag.
frequency	Frequency	When activated, the frequency reading of the signal in Hertz (Hz).
voltage	Voltage	When activated, the voltage reading of the signal in Volts (V).
speed	Signal Speed	The displayed signal speed in Kilometers/Hour. For values in Miles/Hour, it is necessary to prefix it with `mph`.
function	Signal Function	The exact function of the signal, such as an Entry Signal (`entry`), Exit Signal (`exit`), Block Signal (`block`) or Intermediate Signal (`intermediate`). In the past, the deprecated value `between` was used for intermediate signals.
caption	Additional Text	Additional text specified on a signal. This tag was merged with the deprecated `description`, which was in use until 2014.
~~marker_light~~	~~Marker Light~~	~~Does the signal have a special light to show that it temporarily is invalid? Either (`yes` or `no`).~~ Deprecated and moved to DE:OpenRailwayMap/Tagging in Germany.
only_transit	Valid only for Passing Trains	Does the signal only apply to trains that go through the following breakpoint/station? Either (`yes`) or (`no`).
substitute_signal	Substitute Signal	A signal added to another signal, and indicates the behaviour in cases of failures of the actual signal. Also known as caution signal. For example the train may pass the signal at low speed and must be prepared to stop at any obstacle. Either (`yes`) or (`no`).
twice	Double Signal	Is the signal instruction to be carried out twice? Either (`yes` or `no`).
type	Subtype or order	The subtype of a signal or what has to be down at/after this signal.
for	Vehicle type	Specifies for which types of vehicles this signal is valid. This can be multiple units (`multiple_unit`) or locomotives (`locomotive`). This tag can also be used for specifying locomotive classes or the type of traction (steam, diesel, electric, ...).
shape	Signal shape	Can be used to distinguish signals that are visually distinct, but have otherwise identical tagging. Used e.g. for different generations of German H/V light signals.

Tagging Examples

Bild	Tags	Objekt
Distant Signal
	`railway=signal` `ref=51VA` `railway:signal:direction=forward` (depends on direction of OSM way) `railway:signal:position=right` (depends on direction of OSM way) `railway:signal:distant=DE-ESO:ks` `railway:signal:distant:form=light` `railway:signal:distant:height=normal` `railway:signal:distant:states=DE-ESO:ks1;DE-ESO:ks2`	1609205513 1609205513
Main Signal
	`railway=signal` `ref=Z` `railway:signal:direction=backward` (depends on direction of OSM way) `railway:signal:position=left` (depends on direction of OSM way) `railway:signal:main=DE-ESO:hp` `railway:signal:main:form=semaphore` `railway:signal:main:states=DE-ESO:hp0;DE-ESO:hp1;DE-ESO:hp2` `railway:signal:main:function=block` `railway:signal:main:substitute_signal=DE-ESO:db:zs1`	1572006873 1572006873
	`railway=signal` `ref=H503` `railway:signal:direction=backward` (depends on direction of OSM way) `railway:signal:position=right` (depends on direction of OSM way) `railway:signal:main=AT-V2:hauptsignal` `railway:signal:main:form=light` (Standard) `railway:signal:main:states=AT-V2:halt;AT-V2:frei;AT-V2:frei_mit_60` `railway:signal:main:function=exit`
Combined Signal
	`railway=signal` `ref=04 ZT2` `railway:signal:direction=forward` (depends on direction of OSM way) `railway:signal:position=right` (depends on direction of OSM way) `railway:signal:combined=DE-ESO:ks` `railway:signal:combined:form=light` `railway:signal:combined:states=DE-ESO:hp0;DE-ESO:ks1;DE-ESO:ks2;DE-ESO:kennlicht` `railway:signal:combined:function=intermediate` (im konkreten Fall, nicht am Bild erkennbar) `railway:signal:combined:substitute_signal=DE-ESO:dr:zs1` `railway:signal:speed_limit=DE-ESO:zs3` `railway:signal:speed_limit:form=light` `railway:signal:speed_limit_distant=DE-ESO:zs3v` `railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:form=light` `railway:signal:minor=DE-ESO:sh1` `railway:signal:minor:form=light`	1744457967 1744457967

Porting this tagging scheme

There are currently implementations of this tagging scheme in some countries. This sections lists some decisions those people had to make.

Germany

In Germany signal types are more often known by their abbreviations. Therefore the German tagging scheme uses the official abbreviations.

Because many railway companies use the same signalling rules in Germany, we use ESO instead of DB (DB = Deutsche Bahn). ESO is the abbreviation of “Eisenbahnsignalordnung” (Railway Signalling Act).

From 1945 to 1994, the two parts of Germany had their own national railway company. Therefore signalling rules were different between the two parts. East Germany had some different abbreviations in use. Sometimes the same abbreviation has/had two different meanings in East and West Germany. Abbreviations with different meanings are prefix with either db: or dr: (DB = Deutsche Bundesbahn/West Germany, DR = Deutsche Reichsbahn/GDR): DE-ESO:zs6 became DE-ESO:db:zs6.

Trams have their own signalling rules, they use the DE-BOStrab prefix.

Weak Points of This Tagging Scheme

To make this scheme not more complex and difficult as it already is, some occasions of reality cannot be covered by this scheme perfectly.

Signals for both directions

If there is a signal which is valid for both directions it has to have the same properties for both directions. If you want to map a speed signal at a location where the speed limit changes in both directions, you have to map two nodes next to each other (distance ~ 1 metre).

Two Signals of same Category at a Pole

There are signal poles which carry two speed limit signals. This happens sometimes in Germany. We decided not to introduce an additional category. You have to map two nodes next to each other (distance ~ 1 metre).

Signals Which Apply To Two Tracks

If a signal applies to two tracks, you have to map it twice. We decided not to use a "signal relation" which links the signal's real location and the track it applies to" because it were too difficult to map.

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