We have launched another update to the RailState user interface (UI), and wanted to introduce you to some new functionality.
The biggest change is the introduction of a new 'Charts' tab, which means you can now easily see RailState data visualized!
In addition, we have added new Search parameters that allow you to select whether results show only the 'Last sightings' or 'All sightings'.
You can now add additional specificity to your multiple site searches by including an optional direction of travel to sites separately, or define a site route sequence.
The Map Search window now includes filter tokens to add clarity to what is being displayed, with additional information on the 'Detail' tab.
Further below you will find some explanations and ‘how to’ steps. As you review please reach out, or email support+UI@railstate.com with any questions.
We are continuously looking to introduce new features to the RailState UI. If you have additional suggestions or feedback, please let us know.
Charts:
The Charts tab includes many features you are used to on existing screens (Filter bar, Trains/Cars/Containers selector) as well as new controls for Group By, Aggregation Period, and Chart Type.
Use the filters to refine your search and time range, select different Group By attributes, and adjust the Aggregation Period or Chart Type to see how quickly you can transform the data.
Note: Regardless of the time period selected, depending on the aggregation period chosen we round the data to the full aggregation period so as to present all relevant data (without trailing lines).
You can hover over any data point to see additional details, or press 'Table' to see the same information laid out in a table. (Note that there are screen controls to both save the chart as an image, or download the table.)
Last sightings / All sightings:
Via a toggle within the Search cards you can now specify if you want to see the 'Last sightings' or 'All sightings' in your results. When 'Last sightings' is selected (default), results will align with what you are used to today, which is for one occurrence for the time period and filter criterium selected - the maximum date/time of a Train ID, Car, or Container (based on selection).
When 'All sightings' is selected, you will see each occurrence of a sighting at any of the sites selected for the time period and filter criterium selected.
Train Route Details:
Within Search, we have added new functionality that allows you to specify direction of travel through a site, as well as a site sighting sequence, or a combination of both.
Direction: Within Search, you can now specify a direction of travel separately for each sensor in a multi-sensor search. To do so, first add the site token via filter input. Default is 'All' directions, but to change this select the 'Set train route' icon beside the site token, and select the direction of travel for that sensor. Example, if 'Westbound' is selected, then Search results will show only the 'Westbound' movements detected at the specified sensor.
By repeating with multiple sensors with their own set direction, Search results would show any results that meet either one or more of the criterium set.
Sequence: For a more advanced Search, you can press 'Add Site' and create a sequence of sensors and directions. Results returned will show records that meet each and every criterium in the order they are listed.
Combine both the sequence and direction to define a route and effectively limit results to only those that satisfy all sites, directions, and sequences specified.
Tip: Make use of the previously released 'Add to watchlist' functionality to save complex searches so that you don't have to recreate the Search filter parameters each time.
We will continue to add additional measures and detail/descriptions. In the meantime please reach out with any additional suggestions.