Overview
EN ISO 19146:2018 - Geographic information - Cross-domain vocabularies (ISO 19146:2018) defines a standardized methodology for vocabulary cross-mapping and specifies an implementation of ISO 19135-1:2015 to register cross-mapped vocabulary entries. The standard is focused on enabling consistent semantic reconciliation between vocabularies used across different domains in geospatial data and tooling. It does not cover methods for developing ontologies or taxonomies themselves.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Vocabulary cross-mapping methodology: a staged process covering governance, reference vocabulary selection, cross-mapping (identification of candidate entries, term comparison, domain specification, concept comparison), and documentation/publication.
- Conformance classes: structured conformance requirements such as the vocabulary cross-mapping methodology conformance class and vocabulary cross-map registers conformance class.
- Cross-map register model and schema: a conceptual schema for registering and managing cross-map entries, including core classes like CrossMapRegister, CrossMapRegisterItem, ReferenceVocabularyEntry, OperatingVocabularyEntry, and change classes (CrossMapAddition, CrossMapAmendment, CrossMapClarification).
- Register governance and roles: definitions and requirements for register stakeholders - register owner, register manager, submitting organisations/communities and management processes.
- Relationship enumerations: standardized enumerations for TermRelationship and ConceptRelationship to express semantic links between vocabulary items.
- Testability and documentation: includes a normative abstract test suite and informative annexes with terminology, examples and backward-compatibility guidance.
Applications and practical value
- Semantic interoperability: enables reliable mapping between domain-specific vocabularies (e.g., transport, cadastral, environmental datasets) to support data fusion, analysis and automated processing.
- Data integration and cataloguing: useful for GIS data integrators, metadata managers and data portals that combine datasets from multiple communities with differing terminologies.
- Registry implementation: provides a basis for building cross-map registries and governance frameworks to maintain authoritative mappings over time.
- Software and API design: informs the design of vocabulary management systems, semantic middleware, and ETL tools that require deterministic mapping rules.
Who should use this standard
- GIS architects, semantic interoperability specialists, metadata custodians
- Standards bodies, national mapping agencies and geospatial registries
- Software vendors building vocabulary services, catalogues or data integration platforms
Related standards
- ISO 19135-1:2015 (applied for registration of geospatial concepts)
- ISO/TC 211 family of geographic information/geomatics standards
EN ISO 19146:2018 is essential for organizations needing consistent cross-domain vocabulary mapping to improve discoverability, integration and automated use of geographic information.