A contactless rail profile and separation measurement procedure samples each rail (6) using a travelling transverse plane (20) scanning distance sensor (16) and records neuralgic net turnout measurements (25) in a polar coordinate system with conversion to Cartesian coordinates and comparison of actual with required values for gap and track width, flange and tread clearance to produce individual failure reports. An Independent claim is included for equipment using the procedure to check turnouts.
Method for the contactless measurement of a transverse profile or the distance between the rails of a track