Overview
EN ISO 19137:2008 (ISO 19137:2007) – Geographic information - Core profile of the spatial schema - defines a compact, implementable core profile of the spatial (geometry) schema specified in ISO 19107. Its goal is to provide a minimal set of geometric elements needed for efficient creation of application schemata and broad interoperability across spatial data formats and description languages. The profile is intentionally small to lower implementation cost and increase market acceptance while supporting primitives in 0, 1 and 2 dimensions.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Core profile of the spatial schema: a reduced, well-defined subset of ISO 19107 focused on essential geometry constructs.
- Geometry packages: simplified class model (points, curves, surfaces) with constraints and retained classes for compatibility with ISO 19107.
- Mandatory dataset constraints:
- 1:1 mapping between features and geometric primitives.
- Single coordinate reference system (CRS) per dataset - individual DirectPosition objects do not carry their own CRS.
- Curves composed of line segments and surfaces composed of planar facets (ensures simpler implementations).
- Multiplicity and association restrictions:
- Curve segments and surface patches cannot exist independently - they must be part of a parent GM_Curve or GM_Surface.
- Surfaces are required to have an exterior boundary (no “universe face”).
- Coincident primitives and coincident complexes are excluded (no overlapping primitive instances).
- Conformance and testing:
- Annex B provides an abstract test suite for conformance assessment.
- The profile conforms to ISO 19106 conformance class 1 and satisfies a designated conformance test of ISO 19107.
- Extensibility:
- Annex C discusses how to extend the core profile for communities with broader needs.
- Annex A lists supported specifications; Annex D provides examples.
Applications
- Building interoperable GIS application schemata and spatial data models that are simple to implement and exchange.
- Implementing lightweight spatial data services and formats where minimal geometric capability is sufficient (web mapping, basic spatial analysis, data ingestion pipelines).
- Ensuring consistent geometry rules for national mapping agencies, geospatial data providers, and software vendors who need a standardized core schema.
- Creating conformance tests and validation tools for spatial datasets.
Who uses this standard
- GIS developers and software vendors
- Data architects and integrators working with spatial data formats
- National mapping and geospatial agencies
- Standards bodies and system implementers seeking a minimal, interoperable geometry profile
Related standards
- ISO 19107 - Spatial schema (source specification)
- ISO 19111 - Spatial referencing by coordinates (CRS references)
- ISO 19106 - Conformance framework
- ISO 19136 - GML (comprehensive profile, contrasted with this core profile)
Keywords: EN ISO 19137:2008, ISO 19137, core profile, spatial schema, ISO 19107, geographic information, coordinate reference system, geometry packages, conformance.