Sando and Adif will combine their technical and technological capacities with the creation of a work group to develop projects in high precision cartography and topography.
The president of Adif, Antonio González Marín, and José Luis Sánchez Domínguez, president of Sando, have reached a Framework Partnership Agreement to work together in research and development projects in technology and innovation at the CFT (Centre for Railway Technology) of Adif in Malaga. The goal is the development of a methodology to improve processes for the gathering of cartographical-topographical information for civil construction (motorways, railway lines, etc) through high precision cartography technology.
To further these efforts, Adif will provide Sando with the facilities at the CTF and the Testing and Experimentation Laboratory in Antequera. The project will benefit the entire region, attracting new companies to Andalucia and laying the foundation for economic and business growth.
This new infrastructure will mobilise investments of over 400 million Euros, positioning Spain at the forefront of railway technology development, enhancing the international competitiveness in this key sector of the economy. To this end, Adif has recently invested over 9.5 million Euros in laboratory facilities and workshops at the CISF (Centro Integral de Servicios Ferroviarios) in Bobadilla.
Areas of research
The agreement, in effect until December 31, 2012 and which can be tacitly extended for two additional years, will create a work group for the development of R&D+i projects.
The purpose of this work group will be the development of a methodology to improve processes for the gathering of cartographical-topographical information for civil construction (motorways, railway lines, etc). This information will be gathered through high precision cartography, using airborne and land-based imaging equipment (digital cameras) and sensors as well as through direct on-site measurement (laser scanners and Lidar sensors).
Additionally, the framework agreement between Adif and Sando will further actions of common interest in the areas of railway technology, as well as project study and execution, research and development initiatives. The agreement also includes mutual consulting and support services, the exchange of information regarding the promotion and development of scientific and technological R&D+i programs, personnel training and the sharing of facilities.
Both parties agree to participate in the creation of public/private consortiums for R&D+I projects seeking national and EU funding or international tenders and other activities of mutual interest.
The Centre for Railway Technology in Malaga
Adif has always been dedicated to innovation and technological research and development. It currently has over 57 R&D+i projects underway with various organisations and institutions, representing a total investment of over 107 million Euros, including partnerships with 125 Spanish companies, 22 research centres and 24 universities.
With the creation of CTF, Adif consolidates the position of Spanish rail at the forefront of European and global technology.
The Centre is conceived as an open forum to promote innovation and business collaboration in the development of railway technologies through R&D+I projects. Current participants in the Centre’s activities are some of the leading companies in technological development, including in addition to Sando, Abengoa, Acciona, Azvi, CIAC, Elecnor Deimos, Huawei and Indra, soon to be joined by other organisations.
During the initial phase, the CTF will contain two specialised laboratories: the GSM-R laboratory, developing RBC-Train communications technology and data engineering for ERTMS; the second is the TIC laboratory, dedicated to intelligent transport management systems and the development of the Da Vinci system for advanced management of railway traffic.
Thus, Adif is meeting one of its strategic objectives: to increase the cooperation between public and private entities to further research and innovation in key business areas; and to promote projects by public administration and the European Union through the R&D+i Framework Program.
Sando
Sando is an international company specialised in civil construction projects with over thirty five years of experience in the sector, participating in the principal civil engineering and development projects in the country.
Sando has offices throughout Spain as well as offices in Poland, Colombia and Morocco. The company has diversified its activities into five main areas, all related to its main construction division: Concessions, Environment, Materials and Supply and Real Estate. Sando has the experience and infrastructure to undertake any project.
Sando is the cofounder, sponsor and member of the CTA Foundation (Fundación Corporación Tecnológica de Andalucía), as well as the founding sponsor of the HABITEC Foundation (Centro tecnológico de Investigación, Tecnologías, Energías y Construcción para el hábitat).
Download file
