The WIN-ALC automatic guiding computer forms the heart computer-assisted controller technology for tamping machines. The hardware and software of the WIN-ALC together with the networked complex measuring and controller systems form an interactive automatic function unit. It is continually further developed and functions are added which not only utilise to high quality the constantly improved input data from the survey measurements, but also enable simple and safe guidance of the machine.

The WIN-ALC processes the track geometry data and takes over automatic guidance of the measuring and working functions. The software enables, for example, the control of tamping machines when the track geometry is known or measuring of the track geometry with subsequent calculation of the correction values when the target geometry is unknown. The well proven software in use worldwide on the WIN-ALC works under the application of the Windows® user interface.

A further application for laser measuring technology - ballast profile measurement - enables the planning engineer to make decisions in terms of possible lifts depending upon the ballast requirements. With the help of a laser scanner this unit records the ballast profile. When the laser pulse hits the ballast profile, it is reflected and the distance and measuring angle are registered. The contour of the ballast profile is computed from the sequence of received pulses. On the computer display the measured profile is superimposed with the image of the target profile which is chosen by the operator before start of work appropriate to the line.

Very efficient ballast management is possible using this ballast profile measuring device as an optional extra to the EM-SAT track survey system. Ballast can be reclaimed from areas with a surplus and placed in areas where there is a deficit. This enables accurate ballast management and checks that are relevant for safety.

The track distance measurement is used to measure the horizontal distance and the difference in height to the next rail. The measuring unit used here consists of the scanner and an evaluation computer. The laser distance scanner is mounted at the side of a track maintenance machine. At the starting point the rail to be measured is aimed at. The scanner is adjusted using a visible laser point at the side of the rail head. Then the rail head is scanned continually over the complete height and the scanner is always held in the centre of the rail head. The attached computer evaluates the data.