CPKC Railway Asset Management GIS Modernization Using LiDAR

LiDAR-Based Spatial Validation of Infrastructure Assets Across the CPKC Network 

Integrating infrastructure databases and spatial datasets to create a unified railway asset management system. 

Project Summary

OGL Engineering partnered with CPKC Railway to support the validation and enhancement of their asset management GIS databases as part of a major database modernization initiative. The work includes integrating and reconciling asset information from the former Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) networks following the creation of CPKC. The objective is to establish a unified, accurate database linked to high-resolution spatial data derived from LiDAR, enabling teams across North America to access reliable, real-world asset information for operations and maintenance.

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Problem / Objective

With a rapidly expanding network following the combination of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern, CPKC Railway requires a single, authoritative source of truth for asset management across North America. Existing datasets contain conflicting or duplicated information spread across multiple systems.

The transition to a new consolidated database requires a full data “scrub”, ensuring accuracy and alignment with real-world locations captured through LiDAR.

The end goal is an all-in-one GIS system that provides precise, spatially linked asset information to support day-to-day operations, planning, and long-term maintenance.

Approach

Working collaboratively with the CPKC Railway team, we conducted a detailed, system-wide review of assets across Canada.

This process included verifying asset existence through database comparisons, imagery evaluation, and on-the-ground operational confirmation.

Milepost locations were reviewed and updated using LiDAR data and railway timetable information.

Through a structured 1:1 verification workflow, we ensured each asset was accurately aligned with its true spatial position.

Outcome / Lessons Learned

Ongoing collaboration with the CPKC Railway team has allowed for continuous refinement of methods to ensure the highest accuracy.

Throughout the engagement, we enhanced processes for visualizing and comparing analog and spatial datasets and strengthened our expertise in railway-specific asset management systems.

The project is on track to deliver a robust, modern digital representation of the railway’s full asset network.