Linear referencing of road objects

The document "Regelverk for stedfesting av vegobjekter til NVDB" (PDF) provides guidelines for how road objects should be linked to the road network, for example, in complex intersections, separated lanes, ramps and roadside structures. It also covers topics such as multiple linear references, road side position code and the use of lane codes.

The document takes into account national guidelines for responsibility sharing at intersections. It includes extracts and sketches from the following documents:

• NA Circular 05/5. Guidelines on the division of responsibility for operation and maintenance at intersections (PDF)
• Clarification of responsibility for operation and maintenance at intersections (PDF)

Why linear reference road objects?

For road objects to have value, we need to know where they belong in the road network.

Linear referencing:

• places road objects in relation to the road in question
• specifies the owner and maintenance manager
• provides a basis for analysis and reporting
• ensures correct management according to road category and status

Normally, a road object should be linked to the nearest road with the same owner. There may be exceptions, for example, in the case of municipal lighting along county roads - where the owner must be explicitly stated.

Point and segment location objects

In NVDB, we distinguish between two main types of linear referencing:

• Point objects: Linked to one position on the road network
• Segment objects: Covers one segment to another on the road network. Route objects can also have multiple linear references – i.e. the same object can be linear referenced on several separate segments of the road network, for example, when the object is divided by an intersection.

Road system reference

When a road object is added to the road network in NVDB, it is linked to a specific reference link. The object then inherits the road system reference that applies at that point – i.e. information about which road it belongs to, and which phase and owner are registered there.

The object is also given an exact position on the road, expressed as a metre value. This makes it possible to accurately position and analyze road objects in relation to the digital road network.

Read more about the reference system in NVDB

More information:

For details on the linear referencing of specific object types, see the individual object type's product specification.

There is also an e-learning course on linear referencing road objects in NVDB, with practical examples and explanations. The course is available via the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's course portal.

Course: Introduction to data registration

Do you have any questions or feedback? Use our contact form for NVDB (vegvesen.no).