Rijsegment

Rijsegment is a term used in transportation planning, GIS, and road network modeling to refer to a discrete portion of a road between two successive nodes or intersections. It functions as an edge in a network graph, linking endpoints that represent junctions, cross streets, or other reference points along a road.

A rijsegment typically carries a set of attributes that describe its physical and operational characteristics. Common attributes include the segment’s length, geometry (often a polyline), start and end nodes, road class or functional class, number of lanes, speed limits, capacity, and any traffic or access restrictions (such as one-way directions or weight limits). Travel time or travel cost can be derived from length and speed, and may be updated with historical or real-time data.

In data models, rijsegments are used as the fundamental units for routing, traffic simulation, and demand modeling. They are usually stored as directed or undirected edges in a road network database, with endpoints defined as nodes. Segmentation may occur at intersections, changes in traffic rules, or mid-block points where attributes change, ensuring stable routing results and accurate traffic representation.

Rijsegments are related to rijstroken (lanes) but are typically modeled at a higher level of abstraction. In some models, a single rijsegment may encompass multiple lanes, while in more detailed simulations, segments can be subdivided or associated with lane-level data to reflect varying lane counts or speed limits along the same stretch of road.

Etymology derives from Dutch, with rij meaning row or drive and segment indicating a distinct portion of a continuous road. See also road segment, network edge, and traffic modeling.