National Electronic Sectional Appendix

As described on the respective pages for each capability measure, detailed information is contained in the National Electronic Sectional Appendix. The NESA contains a significant amount of other operational data that is not directly relevant to network capability.

The National Electronic Sectional Appendix (NESA) affords a number of advantages over the traditional paper-based publication. These are:

  • Information is stored in database form and can be accessed at the level of a specified route, irrespective of the constraint of regional boundaries inherent in the paper version.
  • Consistent presentational form of the information.
  • Network maps that enable a user to navigate through the data by linked references
  • A ‘Route Builder’ facility that allows a user to specify and create bespoke routings to match the planning need.
  • Abilities to search by locations, routes and by key words.
  • Ability to include alterations and changes more readily than via the paper-based publication.

Across the overall network changes can arise on a weekly basis (e.g. from renewal work and major construction activity) and are reflected in the NESA within a few days of the changes coming into effect. These changes are publicised in the relevant Weekly Operating Notice (WON) to coincide with the date of change.

Discrepancies

In the case of track and route mileage, gauge capability and route availability; we have verified records and where the actual capability differs from that shown in our baseline declaration, but not due to the application of the Network Change procedures, this is identified as a discrepancy. Pending their resolution, details of these discrepancies, together with a summary of the current status of each, are provided in the Discrepancy Register which should be read in conjunction with the details in the NESA. The register can be accessed via the further link provided within the NESA.

Subscribe to National Electronic Sectional Appendix (NESA) 

Users of the Sectional Appendix outside of Network Rail will need:

  • Access to the Internet
  • A Network Rail Portal Account and access to the NESA Web site
  • Installation of SVG viewer software, which will enable you to view the Route Maps and Track diagrams

A portal account and access to NESA can be obtained by sending an email to nesa@networkrail.co.uk with the following information:

  • Your name and position within the organisation
  • Your organisation
  • Your email address

Confirmation of registration and account details should be returned within 10 working days.

System requirements

The NESA track diagrams (known as Table A diagrams) and maps are rendered in a format known as SVG (Scaleable Vector Graphics). For a user to view these diagrams, they will require an SVG viewer installed on their PC. Many of these viewers are free and can be downloaded from the web
(for example, the Adobe SVG viewer can be downloaded from http://www.adobe.com/svg/viewer/install/main.html). Some viewers can be implemented as a plug-in to Internet Explorer and other browsers. If in doubt, please consult your IT department.

Accessing the NESA web site

Details of how to access NESA, together with a unique name and password, will be emailed once registration has been completed.

More information

More general information about network capability is provided in our Network Statement (Section 3), also published on this web-site.