Overview
ISO 19111:2019/Amd 1:2021 is an important amendment to the ISO 19111:2019 international standard titled Geographic information - Referencing by coordinates. Developed by the ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 211 in collaboration with CEN/TC 287, this amendment refines key definitions and metadata specifications related to coordinate referencing systems used in geographic information systems (GIS) and geomatics.
This standard focuses on establishing a precise framework for defining, referencing, and transforming geographic coordinates, which are fundamental to geospatial data interoperability. The document ensures consistent use of coordinate reference systems (CRS) and provides updated recommendations for coordinate operations-mathematical processes that translate coordinates from source to target reference frames or epochs.
Key Topics
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Coordinate Operation Definition Update
The amendment expands the concept of coordinate operation to a generalized process that includes coordinate conversion, transformation, and point motion operations. This clarification enables a unified understanding of how geographic coordinates are mathematically adjusted within or between coordinate reference systems or over time.
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Coordinate Metadata Enhancements
Updated definitions for coordinate metadata elements improve the description and referencing of coordinates. The metadata interface now clearly specifies necessary attributes:
- crsID: Identifier of the coordinate reference system used
- crs: Full description of the coordinate reference system
- coordinateEpoch: The epoch time at which the coordinates are valid, especially critical for dynamic reference frames
These enhancements promote rigorous metadata quality for geospatial coordinates, which is essential for accurate spatial analysis and data exchange.
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Updated UML Diagrams and Tables
The amendment includes revised UML diagrams illustrating relationships between coordinates and their metadata, improving conceptual clarity for implementers. Updated attribute tables provide precise constraints and conditionality rules to ensure compliance with coordinate referencing protocols.
Applications
ISO 19111:2019/Amd 1:2021 serves a wide range of geospatial and mapping applications, including but not limited to:
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GIS Software Development
Enabling developers to implement coordinate referencing functions that conform to international standards, ensuring interoperability across platforms and datasets.
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Geodetic Surveying and Mapping
Providing surveyors with standardized procedures for defining coordinate systems and applying coordinate transformations, including adjustments for dynamic or time-dependent reference frames.
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Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) Implementation
Facilitating authoritative maintenance and sharing of geographic data by standardizing coordinate metadata practices and transformation operations.
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Remote Sensing and Earth Observation
Supporting accurate geolocation referencing for satellite imagery and sensor data, enhancing the reliability of downstream geospatial analyses.
Related Standards
To fully leverage ISO 19111:2019/Amd 1:2021, familiarity with associated geospatial standards is recommended:
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ISO 19111:2019
The base standard detailing geographic coordinate referencing systems, upon which this amendment builds.
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ISO 19107 - Spatial Schema
Covers geometric and topological spatial constructs associated with coordinate systems.
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ISO 19115 - Geographic Information - Metadata
Defines standards for describing geographic datasets and services, complementing coordinate metadata specifications.
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ISO 19136 - Geographic Markup Language (GML)
Supports encoding spatial referencing information in XML, used in geospatial web services and data exchange.
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ISO 19162 - Well-Known Text Representation
Description format for coordinate systems and transformations.
These standards collectively underpin global geospatial data interoperability and reliable referencing practices.
Keywords: ISO 19111 amendment, geographic information standard, coordinate referencing, coordinate operation, coordinate metadata, coordinate reference system, GIS interoperability, geodetic coordinate transformation, dynamic coordinate system, spatial data standards, ISO geomatics standards.