Railroads

Abstract: This data set is a line shapefile representing railroads in Wisconsin, derived from the Wisconsin DOT's '1:100,000-scale Rails Chain Database,' an ArcInfo coverage representing the centerline of Wisconsin railroad lines. WisDOT Metadata for the Rails Chain Database is reproduced here, together with additional information about minor modifications to the data carried out by WDNR. The WisDOT Rails Chain Database is an ArcInfo coverage representing the centerline of Wisconsin railroads lines which was compiled from the 100K Digital Line Graph produced by the US Geological Survey and from rail industry track charts and timetables. This data set includes all main track and sidings identified in railroad timetables; does not include abandonments. Some lines extend beyond state borders, however, data outside of Wisconsin is for cartographic purposes only and will not be maintained.

Purpose Description: This data set was created to support comprehensive state-wide rail and intermodal system planning in the Bureau of Planning, and is a component of the Rail Infrastructure Database System and the Commodity Information Management System. This data set is intended for planning purposes only at 1:100,000 scale. This data set is not designed for use as a primary regulatory tool in permitting and citing decisions, but may be used as a reference source.

Access Constraints: In accordance with Wisconsin State Statutes regarding open records, in particular, Subchapter II - Public Records and Property, Sections 19.31 through 19.39 (data access and distribution).

Use Constraints: None

Currentness Reference: Publication date of source data

Geographic Extent: Statewide

Native Data Environment: ArcView version 9.0

Maintenance Update Frequency: Irregular

Progress Type: Complete

Date: 2006

Process Step Description: 1). The Rails Chain database was produced by changing the 1:100000 scale DLGs from planar to nonplanar, altering the number, names and content of attributes, and re-tiling the quadrangles to statewide extent. For a more detailed explanation, see the Rail Chain Conversion documentation Rails Chain Database section of the Location Control Management (LCM) Manual, WisDOT, Madison, Wisconsin. 2). Updates to track centerline coordinate geometry and milepost stationing at various scales for the shape and node identification. 3). The WDNR obtained a copy of the Roadway Chain database from WisDOT. DNR projected the coverage from WTM27 to WTM83/91 using the ArcInfo PROJECT command, and renamed the coverage to be consistent with DNR's naming convention for geographic data. A line shape file version of the data was then created using the ARCSHAPE command.

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