Overview
ISO/TS 24530-3:2006 specifies the XML encoding for the Transport Protocol Experts Group (TPEG) Road Traffic Message application, known as tpeg-rtmML. It defines how road traffic events and status information are represented in tpegML (TPEG in XML) so that Traffic and Travel Information (TTI) can be generated, exchanged and rendered across multiple delivery bearers (for example DAB, DVB, ARIB, ATSC and the Internet). The Technical Specification uses a DTD-based approach and language entity files to support language-independent message rendering.
Key topics and technical requirements
- XML encoding of RTM application: formal element definitions for constructing road traffic messages (root element: road_traffic_message).
- Structure and elements: standard elements include accident, obstructions, activities, road_conditions, network_performance, moving_hazards, visibility, weather, diversion_advice, public_transport_info, and others listed in the specification.
- Location referencing: integration with tpeg-locML and the TPEG location referencing system (WGS84 coordinates, location descriptors).
- Tables and entity references: uses TPEG RTM tables (word-oriented data dictionaries) encoded as entity references (e.g., rtmX_Y) to standardize attributes like vehicle types, severity and positional descriptors.
- DTD and examples: normative Annexes provide the tpeg-rtmML.dtd and external entity files to validate and localize messages; the document includes example XML and encoding guidelines.
- Interoperability & timing: aligns with ISO date/time formats (ISO 8601) and country coding (ISO 3166-1) as referenced normative documents.
- Relationship to TPEG binary: tpeg-rtmML complements the binary RTM specification - implementers should understand the underlying TPEG-RTM binary model for full semantic mapping.
Practical applications and users
Who benefits:
- Traffic and travel service providers generating standard TTI feeds
- Broadcast operators and OTT platforms delivering traffic data via DAB, DVB, Internet or broadcast systems
- Navigation system vendors and map providers for ingesting standardized RTM feeds into routing engines
- Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) integrators and public authorities for interoperable incident reporting and infrastructure status
- Localization teams using the DTD/entity approach to present messages in multiple languages
Practical value:
- Creates a standardized message-generation interface for exchange of pre-edited traffic data
- Enables bearer-independent delivery and easier multi-channel distribution
- Improves machine readability for filtering, routing and automated driver assistance systems
Related standards
Keywords: ISO/TS 24530-3, tpeg-rtmML, TPEG, tpegML, Road Traffic Message, TTI, XML, DTD, traffic and travel information.