You can designate data collection runs that meet exemplary quality standards as reference runs. Reference runs are preferentially selected as targets for run alignment and automatic rail section identification. Marking a run as a reference run makes it easier to align runs and correct rail types to a consistent standard.
Profile, geometry, or combined runs may become designated reference runs. To select reference runs, choose Reference Runs from the Run menu of the Profile View window. You are presented with a list of all runs belonging to the currently selected subdivision. Check those that best meet your quality standards in each territory.
Alternatively, reference run status may be turned on or off through the Run Table Maintenance dialog.
Reference runs have two functions: alignment (location shifting) and automated rail section identification. If you will be using a reference run as an alignment target, verify that it is a good locational reference: that is, its mileposts are accurately located with respect to nearby curve starts and ends (and to GPS data if available). If you will be using a reference run to control automated rail section identification for other runs, be sure that all profiles in the reference run have been correctly identified, and that there are no large gaps where profiles are missing or if a gap exists, there are no rail section changes within the gap.
Reference runs for the same subdivision and track may overlap in mileage. In case they do, you can specify a rule for using either the earliest or the latest run in the overlap area.