Overview
ISO 19137:2007 - "Geographic information - Core profile of the spatial schema" - defines a compact, core profile of the ISO 19107 spatial schema to enable low-cost, widely compatible implementations of geometric data models. The standard specifies a minimal set of geometric elements (0D, 1D and 2D primitives) and constrained relationships needed to create application schemata that map easily to common spatial data formats and description languages.
Key topics and requirements
- Core profile of ISO 19107: a deliberately small subset that preserves compatibility while reducing implementation complexity.
- Geometry primitives supported: points, curves and surfaces (0D, 1D, 2D).
- Single coordinate reference system (CRS): all geometric primitives in a conforming dataset must reference one CRS; individual DirectPosition instances cannot carry their own CRS.
- Curve and surface constraints:
- Curves are restricted to linear interpolation (line segments only).
- Surfaces use planar interpolation (planar facets) or have no specified interior.
- Multiplicity and association restrictions: several associations and attributes from ISO 19107 are tightened (for example, curve/segment and surface/patch segmentation require ownership; primitives cannot be coincident).
- Simplified topology: topology packages from ISO 19107 are excluded to keep the profile simple and low cost; topology can be added via extensions if needed.
- Class adjustments: certain ISO 19107 concrete classes are made abstract or constrained to limit capabilities (e.g., GM_CompositeCurve abstracted).
- Conformance testing: Annex B provides an abstract test suite to verify compliance; Annexes A, C and D list supported specs, extension guidance, and examples.
Applications and users
ISO 19137 is useful when you need a lightweight, interoperable geometry model for:
- GIS software vendors building basic geometry engines or export/import components.
- Data architects and modelers creating application schemata for national or regional spatial datasets.
- Agencies and organizations exchanging vector spatial data across systems and formats.
- Developers implementing spatial data formats or services that require a minimal, predictable geometry profile.
Benefits include reduced implementation cost, easier data interchange, and clear mapping to many existing spatial data formats.
Related standards
- ISO 19107:2003 - Spatial schema (full geometry model).
- ISO 19111:2003 - Spatial referencing by coordinates (CRS definitions).
- ISO 19106 - Conformance classes (profile conformance rules).
- ISO 19136 - GML implementation (comprehensive profile, not the core profile used here).
Keywords: ISO 19137, core profile, spatial schema, ISO 19107, geographic information, geometry primitives, coordinate reference system, linear interpolation, planar surfaces, GIS interoperability.