OpenRailwayMap/Tagging in France
Signalling
All railway signals have the following tags:
- ref=*: unique signal identifier
- railway=signal
- railway:signal:prefix=*
- railway:signal:direction=* according to the direction of the way.
- railway:signal:position=* position of the signal according to the direction of the way.
- railway:position:exact=365.913 where 365.913 is an example. Kilometric point (PK) of signal installation relative to the start of the line.
If there are multiple signals or signs at a given position, include tags railway:signal:*:id=* to specify the unique identifier of each of them; tag ref=* becomes the signal identifier of the primary signal.
Main Signals
Carré
Signal equipped with a (Non franchissable) plate as well as a clearing light (called œilleton); the latter is lit in all states except when the signal is set to the FR:C state.
- railway:signal:main=FR:CARRE
- railway:signal:main:height=(dwarf/normal)
- railway:signal:main:clearing_light=(yes/no)
- railway:signal:main:form=light
- railway:signal:main:plates=FR:NF (implicit)
- railway:signal:main:shape=(FR:C/FR:F/FR:H) (only if railway:signal:main:height=normal)
- railway:signal:main:states=* (→ States, separated by
;
)
Carré violet
Signal equipped with a (Non franchissable) plate.
- railway:signal:shunting=FR:CV
- railway:signal:shunting:form=light
- railway:signal:shunting:height=(high/low)
- railway:signal:shunting:plates=FR:NF (implicit)
- railway:signal:shunting:shape=(FR:A/FR:K)
- railway:signal:shunting:states=* (→ States, separated by
;
)
Sémaphore
Signal equipped with an (Franchissable) plate.
- railway:signal:main=FR:S
- railway:signal:main:form=light
- railway:signal:main:plates=(FR:F/FR:PR/FR:BM) (identification plate)
- railway:signal:main:shape=(FR:A/FR:C/FR:F/FR:H)
- railway:signal:main:states=* (→ States, separated by
;
)
Disk (Disque)
Signal equipped with an A or D plate.
- railway:signal:distant=FR:D
- railway:signal:distant:form=light
- railway:signal:distant:plates=(FR:A/FR:D) (identification plate)
- railway:signal:distant:shape=FR:R (implicit)
- railway:signal:distant:states=* (→ States, separated by
;
)
Disabled Signal
Use
Speed Limits
Speed limits are signaled by Speed Indicators. They are called Tableau Indicateur de Vitesse (TIV); TIVs can be either mobile, fixed or pentagonal.
Mobile Speed Indicators
Turnouts that can only be crossed at reduced speed in the thrown direction (approximately 60 km/h) are typically preceded by two mobile TIVs: a diamond-shaped TIV à Distance (TIV-D) followed by a speed limit reminder called TIV de Rappel (TIV-R).
Sign | Light (Open) | Light (Closed) |
---|---|---|
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant=FR:TIV-D
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:form=(sign/light)
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:speed=*
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:mobile=yes
- railway:crocodile=yes (if equipped with crocodile)
The TIV-R is always paired with the Carré signal preceding the turnout.
Sign | Light (Open) | Light (Closed) |
---|---|---|
- railway:signal:speed_limit_reminder=FR:TIV-R
- railway:signal:speed_limit_reminder:form=(sign/light)
- railway:signal:speed_limit_reminder:speed=*
- railway:signal:speed_limit_reminder:mobile=yes (optional)
Chevron
Additionally, if necessary, the location of the point (or the first point in the case of successive turnouts) is identified by a downward-pointing Chevron.
- railway:signal:speed_limit=FR:CHEVRON_BAS
- railway:signal:speed_limit:form=sign
- railway:signal:speed_limit:type=downwards (optional; downwards by default)
Fixed Speed Indicators
Fixed Distant Speed Indicators (Ordinary Type)
Fixed distant speed indicators of ordinary type (TIV fixes à distance du type ordinaire) are usually square in shape. They are diamond-shaped when the speed limit is less than or equal to 40 km/h.
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant=FR:TIV-D
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:form=(sign/light)
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:speed=*
- railway:crocodile=yes (if equipped with crocodile)
The Z sign (pancarte) is the execution signal indicating the start of the zone to be traveled at limited speed.
- railway:signal:speed_limit=FR:Z
- railway:signal:speed_limit:form=sign
- railway:signal:speed_limit:function=entry
The R sign (pancarte) indicates the end of the zone where the speed limit is required and the return to normal speed (Reprise de vitesse).
- railway:signal:speed_limit=FR:R
- railway:signal:speed_limit:form=sign
- railway:signal:speed_limit:function=exit
- railway:signal:speed_limit:speed=none
Fixed Distant Speed Indicators (Type B)
Fixed distant speed indicators (TIV-D) of type B indicate that the speed limit must be observed by trains authorized to travel at speeds greater than 140 km/h. When only TIV-D of type B signals are present, the speed limit also applies to self-propelled trains (automoteurs).
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant=FR:TIV-D
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:type=FR:B
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:form=sign
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:speed=*
Fixed Distant Speed Indicators (Type C)
Fixed distant speed indicators (TIV-D) of type C exclusively apply to railcars and self-propelled trains (autorails et automoteurs). When a TIV-D of type B is supplemented with a TIV-D of type C, the speed limit indicated by the TIV-D of type B applies only to trains authorized to run at speeds greater than 140 km/h. The TIV-D of type C serves as a reminder of the upstream speed limit observed by railcars and self-propelled trains.
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant=FR:TIV-D
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:type=FR:C
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:form=sign
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:speed=*
Speed Limit Announcement (P board)
The P board announces a distant speed indicator (TIV-D) for lines equipped with pre-announcement signalling. This sign applies only to trains running at speeds higher than 160 km/h and requires the train to pass the next TIV-D at a speed lower than 160 km/h. This sign is lit at night.
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant=FR:P
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:form=sign
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:speed=*
Pentagonal Speed Indicators
Pentagonal TIVs typically concern freight trains and possibly certain locomotive series. The TIV figure specifies the maximum speed in tens of kilometers per hour (e.g. 5 stands for 50 km/h).
A distant upward-pointing pentagonal speed indicator (TIV-D) announces a special speed restriction. When the restriction applies only to certain locomotive series, the pentagonal TIV-D is accompanied by an L plate placed below it.
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant=FR:TIV_PENDIS
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:form=sign
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:plate=FR:L (optional)
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:speed=*
A downward-pointing pentagonal TIV, with a white digit on a black background, serves as the execution signal indicating the beginning of the track section to be traversed at a limited speed.
- railway:signal:speed_limit=FR:TIV_PENEXE
- railway:signal:speed_limit:form=sign
- railway:signal:speed_limit:function=entry
- railway:signal:speed_limit:speed=*
A downward-pointing pentagonal TIV without any markings indicates the end of the track section to be traversed at a limited speed.
- railway:signal:speed_limit=FR:TIV_PENREP
- railway:signal:speed_limit:form=sign
- railway:signal:speed_limit:function=exit
- railway:signal:speed_limit:speed=none
Milestone Speed Limit Markers (Km sign)
The Km sign (pancarte) is used in conjunction with TIVs to indicate transition points of the speed limit when these do not coincide with notable landmarks.
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant=FR:KM
- railway:signal:speed_limit_distant:form=sign
- railway:position:exact=*
Routes
Routes are signaled with either a Route Indicator or a Distant Route Indicator, or both; they are called Indicateur de Direction (ID) and Tableau Indicateur de Direction à Distance (TIDD) respectively. The TIDD indicates the position of the next point, either left or right unless the next signal displays a closed Carré in which case, the TIDD is turned off.
Route Indicators
- railway:signal:route=FR:ID
- railway:signal:route:form=light
- railway:signal:route:type=(FR:ID2/FR:ID3/FR:ID4/FR:ID5)
- railway:signal:route:count=* (number of possible routes, between 2 and 5; one light per route, from left to right)
Distant Route Indicators
Embranchements
The BIF board announces a trailing switch junction with multiple tracks.
The Y board announces a facing switch junction.
Cab Signalling
Conventional Railway Lines
Cab signalling of type Contrôle de Vitesse par Balises (Speed control by beacons, KVB) or European Train Control System (ETCS).
The train is directed towards a cab signalling line. One or more boards of this type precede the entry.
- railway:signal:train_protection=FR:CAB_E
- railway:signal:train_protection:form=sign
- railway:signal:train_protection:type=distant
The train enters a cab signalling line. This sign is at the position of the last signal or immediately downstream of that signal.
- railway:signal:train_protection=FR:CAB_R
- railway:signal:train_protection:form=sign
- railway:signal:train_protection:function=entry
- railway:signal:train_protection:type=(FR:KVB/FR:ETSC)
The train is returning to a traditional lateral signalling line.
- railway:signal:train_protection=FR:CAB_S
- railway:signal:train_protection:form=sign
- railway:signal:train_protection:function=exit
Highspeed Railway Lines
Cab signalling of type Transmission Voie-Machine (TVM) or European Train Control System (ETCS).
Block Markers
- railway:signal:train_protection=FR:REP_TGV
- railway:signal:train_protection:form=sign
- railway:signal:train_protection:function=block
Shunting Markers
A shunting marker or Jalon de Manœuvre is placed at a point where certain train movements are executed. These movements may include reversing, shunting, or departing trains from a work site. The white chevron points to the track involved.
Wrong Ways (Contresens)
The train enters a wrong way zone, which is indicated by a Tableau d'Entrée de Contresens (TECS).
- railway:signal:wrong_route=FR:TECS
- railway:signal:wrong_route:form=light
- railway:signal:wrong_route:function=entry
The train is exiting a wrong way zone, which is indicated by a Tableau de Sortie de Contresens (TSCS).
- railway:signal:wrong_route=FR:TSCS
- railway:signal:wrong_route:form=light
- railway:signal:wrong_route:function=exit
Stations and Facilities
Announcements
- railway:signal:station_distant=FR:APPROCHE_ETS
- railway:signal:station_distant:form=sign
- railway:signal:station_distant:caption=* (e.g. "Chailles à 200m")
- railway:signal:station_distant:distance=* (specified distance in meters)
- railway:signal:station_distant=FR:ARRET_A
- railway:signal:station_distant:form=sign
- railway:signal:station_distant:distance=* (specified distance in meters)
- railway:signal:station_distant=FR:STOP_A
- railway:signal:station_distant:form=sign
- railway:signal:station_distant:distance=* (specified distance in meters)
Stops
The Stop Marker is similar to the Carré signal; it commands a stop before the point where it is placed and cannot be crossed.
Passenger Stops
Stopping point for the front of the train (Tête de Train), regardless of the number of vehicles in the train.
Stopping point for the front of the train (Tête de Train), regardless of the number of vehicles in the train, including the locomotive.
Stopping point for trains equipped for driver-only operations, referred to as Équipé Agent Seul (EAS).
- railway:signal:stop=FR:ARRET_TT_EAS
- railway:signal:stop:form=sign
- railway:signal:stop:for=driver_only
Stopping point for trains composed of the number of carriages indicated on the sign.
- railway:signal:stop=FR:ARRET_V
- railway:signal:stop:form=sign
- railway:signal:stop:for=vehicles
- railway:signal:stop:vehicle_count=* (number of vehicles specified on the sign)
Stopping point for TGVs. The number indicates the number of rakes: 1=single unit, 2=multiple units.
- railway:signal:stop=FR:ARRET_TGV
- railway:signal:stop:form=sign
- railway:signal:stop:for=(single_unit/multiple_unit/any_unit)
Departure
Departure Request Plate (DD)
Plaque de Demande de Départ (DD).
Departure Light Signal (SLD)
Half white, half green signal, or Signal Lumineux de Départ (SLD).
Service Tracks and Shunting
Track Indicators (TIP)
At the exit of some service track yards, a Track Indicator, or Tableau lumineux Indicateur de Provenance (TIP), complements the chevron. It can display any of the numbers designating each of the tracks. When the TIP displays a number, the driver on the corresponding track is allowed to cross the chevron. When the group signal is closed, the driver can advance to an agreed point, usually in preparation for a reversing movement.
Luminous Connection Boards (TLC)
Luminous Connection Board, or Tableau Lumineux de Correspondance (TLC) **pour voies convergentes**, is a signal installed at ground level to the left of the track it addresses and is normally off. It can display:
- either the fixed letter T;
- or, if applicable, the Signal Lumineux de Départ (SLD) ;
- or, a red and white checkerboard with the same meaning as the Jalon d'Arrêt and used instead of the Chevron.
Shunting Light Signal
Signal Lumineux de Manœuvre (SLM).
Garage Tracks (G board)
Limit for Shunting to Garage (LGR board)
Limite pour Garage par Refoulement (LGR).
Depot Tracks (D board)
Shunting Limits (LM board)
Marche à Vue (MV board)
Dead-end Track (IMP board)
Upward-pointing Chevrons
Upward-pointing chevrons indicate either an exit from a junction of converging tracks or, in some stations, the point beyond which trains must not proceed when a stop is required.
Buffer Stop Announcement
Announcing a buffer stop at the specified distance.
- railway:signal:shunting=FR:HEURTOIR_A
- railway:signal:shunting:form=sign
- railway:signal:shunting:type=buffer_stop
- railway:signal:shunting:distance=* (specified distance in meters)
Short Tracks (SAS board)
The SAS sign indicates that the train is directed towards a generally very short section of track (sas) with Carré signals at each end.
Electrified Railway Lines
Neutral Zones
A neutral zone (or zone de sectionnement) is a grounded catenary zone, isolated on both sides, used to separate portions of track either powered by different substations or phases, or when switching voltages from 1500V DC to 25kV AC and vice versa, or to accommodate different voltages and frequencies in cross-border areas.
The main circuit breaker must be opened while the train passes through this zone, which it traverses using its own kinetic energy (marche sur l'erre).
Neutral Zone Announcement
The distant signal announces a neutral zone at the specified distance in meters.
- railway:signal:electricity=FR:SECT
- railway:signal:electricity:form=sign
- railway:signal:electricity:type=power_off
- railway:signal:electricity:distance=* (specified distance in meters)
Start of Neutral Zone
Execution signal.
- railway:signal:electricity=FR:CC_EXE
- railway:signal:electricity:form=sign
- railway:signal:electricity:type=power_off
- railway:signal:electricity:function=entry
End of Neutral Zone
Signals indicating the end of the neutral zone.
- railway:signal:electricity=FR:CC_FIN
- railway:signal:electricity:form=sign
- railway:signal:electricity:type=power_on
- railway:signal:electricity:function=exit
- railway:signal:electricity:voltage=* Voltage of the current line; usually 1500V or 25kV. (optional)
- railway:signal:electricity:frequency=* Frequency of the current on the current line; usually 50Hz for 25kV. (optional)
End of the neutral zone for reversible trains or trains with multiple pantographs.
- railway:signal:electricity=FR:REV
- railway:signal:electricity:form=sign
- railway:signal:electricity:function=exit
- railway:signal:electricity:type=power_on
- railway:signal:electricity:voltage=*
- railway:signal:electricity:frequency=*
Pantographs
Distant Pantograph Down
Distant Pantograph Down signal (signal à distance "Baissez panto").
- railway:signal:electricity=FR:BP_DIS
- railway:signal:electricity:form=(sign/light)
- railway:signal:electricity:type=pantograph_down
Start of Pantograph Down
Pantograph Down execution signal (signal d'exécution "Baissez panto").
- railway:signal:electricity=FR:BP_EXE
- railway:signal:electricity:form=(sign/light)
- railway:signal:electricity:function=entry
- railway:signal:electricity:type=pantograph_down
- railway:signal:electricity:voltage=* (optional)
End of Pantograph Down
Signals indicating the end of the route with pantograph down (signal de fin de parcours).
- railway:signal:electricity=FR:BP_FIN
- railway:signal:electricity:form=(sign/light)
- railway:signal:electricity:function=exit
- railway:signal:electricity:type=pantograph_up
- railway:signal:electricity:voltage=* (optional)
Dual-Mode Traffic
Distant signal announcing traffic towards a non-electrified line.
This sign accompanies the Pantograph Down distant and execution signals when they apply only to dual-mode traffic. In this case, they are not followed by an End of Pantograph Down signal.
- railway:signal:dual_mode=FR:BIMODE_A
- railway:signal:dual_mode:form=sign
- railway:signal:dual_mode:caption=* (optional; text written on the sign)
Distant signal announcing traffic coming from a non-electrified line.
This sign accompanies the End of Pantograph Down signal when it applies only to dual-mode traffic. It is not preceded by the Pantograph Down distant and execution signals.
End of Catenaries
Beyond this sign, the line is no longer electrified and only thermal or dual-mode trains can continue.
- railway:signal:electricity=FR:FIN_CAT
- railway:signal:electricity:form=sign
- railway:signal:electricity:type=pantograph_down
- railway:signal:position=overhead
Stop Markers
The blue and white checkered Stop Marker (Jalon d'arrêt à damier bleu et blanc), which only exists on service tracks, commands the stop of shunting movements of electric trains.
Frost Sign
Level Crossings
Level crossing announcement.
- railway:signal:crossing_distant=FR:PN_A
- railway:signal:crossing_distant:form=sign
- railway:signal:crossing_distant:number=* (specified level-crossing number)
- railway:signal:crossing_distant:distance=* (specified distance in meters)
- railway:signal:crossing_info=FR:PN
- railway:signal:crossing_info:form=sign
- railway:signal:crossing_info:number=* (specified level-crossing number)
Whistle
The S board indicates the locations where the driver must sound the horn, for example, approaching unguarded level crossings, or at the entrance of tunnels, or in areas with reduced visibility.
When a J plate is present below the S sign, the obligation to whistle is only imposed on the driver during daytime (between 07:00 and 20:00).
- railway:signal:whistle=FR:SIFFLER
- railway:signal:whistle:form=sign
- railway:signal:whistle:plates=FR:J
Other Signs
Zone with reduced loading gauge.
Examples
Sources
- French railway signalling]
- Signalisation permanente (SNCF)
- Lexique des acronymes (SNCF)
- Signalisation au sol (SNCF, 2005, PDF)