Spurführung

Spurführung, a German term translating to "track guidance" or "line guidance," refers to systems and methods employed to ensure a vehicle, particularly a train, remains on its designated track. In its simplest form, it relies on the inherent geometry of the railway, where the flanges of the wheels guide the train along the rails. This passive system is effective for most conventional rail operations.

However, the concept of Spurführung also extends to more advanced technologies. In the context of automatic train operation (ATO) or unattended train operations (UTO), Spurführung systems are crucial for precise positioning and speed control. These systems often involve a combination of onboard sensors, track-mounted beacons, and communication with a central control system. The onboard equipment detects its position relative to the track and communicates this information, allowing for automated steering corrections and adherence to speed limits.

In some specialized applications, such as trams or light rail operating in mixed traffic environments, Spurführung can also involve physical guidance mechanisms or inductive loops embedded in the road surface to maintain the vehicle's path. The primary goal across all applications is to ensure safety and operational efficiency by preventing derailment and maintaining the intended route.