Listed in alphabetical order.
A "Route Element" is small, elemental feature in a route that is a transition or adjustment to a different type of route. They are usually a quick, sudden reaction to the terrain or an alteration in the route (which also makes them distinctive, recognizable and classifiable).
These are elements of a route independent of the terrain - only a two-dimensional view. For a three-dimensional perspective, see Route Subtypes or pathways
Since routes go both directions, it is arbitrary to choose between begin/end, past/before a crossing
Illustrations are scematic diagrams of each element. different routes are denoted by different colors.
[To combine with Glossary? Nomenclature?]
A kind of curve that is a sudden, abrupt change in route from one tangent to another - one bend with a change of the direction of the route.
Bend vs. dogleg - A dogleg is two bends with no change of the direction of the route. The Bend has one bend with a change of the direction of the route.
Same as Jog.
One route begins on another route and heads off on a different course.
Branch vs. wye - A wye is two routes splitting off from a common point, both routes heading off on diffent courses. A branch is one route begining on another route and heading off on a different course.
Branch vs. crossing - A crossing is two entire routes crossing each other and retaining their general courses. A branch can be considered to have been two routes crossing each other, but half of the second route has been abandoned, leaving the other half to appear to start on the one route.
Webster:
Two routes cross each other and retain their general courses
Same as Node.
Webster:
A kind of curve that is a Bend that bends suddenly, at a right angle or near-right angle, and then bends back again to parallel its original course, creating a Z or fortissimo or sharp music notation (for lack of better pictographs).
Two Bends or jogs close to each other that create a slight shift in the direction of the route, but not a change in its course.
Bend vs. Sway vs. Dogleg - A Bend is one bend with a change of the heading of the route. A sway is three bends with no change of the heading of the route; or, two doglegs that cancel each other out. The dogleg has two bends with no change of the heading of the route; or, two bends that cancel each other out.
Webster: (Dogleg) Noun: 1) A route, way or course that turns at a sharp angle.. Verb: To proceed around a sharp angle or along an angular or zigzig course. 1885-1890. (Doglegged) Adjective: Bent like the hind leg of a dog; zigzag. 1695-1705.
[should = sway! or too confusing - too broad a common term to use for technical definitions...] See bend: A kind of curve that is a sudden, abrupt change in route from one tangent to another - one bend with a change of the direction of the route. "A bend in the road."
Webster: Noun: 1) An irregularity of line or surface; projection, notch. 2) A bend or turn. Verb: To bend or turn. 1705-1715; variant of "jag."
A node with more than two beginning/ending routes or more than one crosssing route.
See also crossing.
See Crossing: Two routes cross each other and retain their general courses.
See also nexus.
See Wye: Two routes splitting off from a common point, both routes heading off on a diffent course than the route they sprout from.
Webster:
A kind of curve that is a dogleg that returns to its original course and heading; or, two doglegs that cancel each other out.
Sway vs. dogleg and Bend: A sway has three bends with no permanent change in the course and direction of the route. A dogleg has two bends with a change in the course of the route, but no change of the direction of the route. A Bend has one bend with a change of both the course and direction of the route.
Webster: Sway: Noun or verb: 1) To move or swing to and fro. 2) To move or incline to one side or in a perticular direction. Swayback: Excessive downward curvature in the spine of animals (1865-70 American).
The route abrubtly reverses direction, with no choice but for a vehicle to also reverse direction not by turning around, but by going into reverse (and then alternating forward and reverse).
Webster:
A normal segment of a route: a stright stretch that is consistently on the course and heading.
Webster:
Two routes splitting off from a common point, both routes heading off on a different course than the route they sprout from. Named after the letter "Y" which illustrates the concept elegantly.
Wye vs. branch - A branch is one route begining on another route and heading off on a different course. The wye is two routes splitting off from a common point, both routes heading off on diffent courses.
Same as Split.
Webster:
To combine with Route Elements?
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