3D Animation of the Transpyrenean Corridor Created by GIS Tools

Abstract The Transpyrenean Central Corridor plays a vital role in the transportation of goods from the Atlantic ports to the North of Europe. In the European context, the central corridor was originally called Priority Axis Number 16th in the Trans-European Transport Network. Afterwards, it became one of the objectives of the global network for 2050. This work is part of the collaboration agreement that Zaragoza Logistics Center maintains with Fundacion Transpirenaica to promote, encourage and boost the role of rail in the Peninsula and Europe. The main objective of this work is to demonstrate the relevance of each logistic node (ports, airports, rail terminals, logistic platforms, etc.) through which the Central corridor passes using three-dimensional animation. In this way its geostrategic position is clearly in evidence and the large economic impact derived from its interconnectivity with ports, airports and transport and logistic infrastructures. The paper also aims to reflect the low environmental and territorial impact that this freight rail corridor represents, respecting natural parks and protected areas, showing in turn the viability of the route for low-slope areas. The rail corridor begins in Algeciras (Spain) and Sines (Portugal) and ends in Paris; for stretches of the route whose current state is not fully defined (under construction, projected future, studying alternatives, etc.), the most reasonable current scenario has been used. The article is a description of the methodology of a 3D animation generation of a corridor where some challenges such as the management of layers and the recording compilation have been overcome. Therefore, the methodology can be applied to any other case study, not only a road infrastructure but even a river, a valley, etc. The range of stakeholders that would benefit from this work goes from entities such as Fundacion Transpirenaica–in their promotion of the corridor capacities–, the Administration–to show the feasibility of the path–, and in general companies interested in extending the concept of supply chain management to other geographical areas and also interested in the use of intermodal modes for that end.