ISO 17572-4-2020 PDF

Full title and description

Intelligent transport systems (ITS) — Location referencing for geographic databases — Part 4: Precise relative location references (precise relative profile). This International Standard specifies the Precise Relative Location Referencing Method (PRLRM) used to describe precise relative locations (lane-level and intersection-related) for transport-related objects in geographic databases, including requirements for message contents and conformance criteria.

Abstract

This document describes the characteristics of the Precise Relative Location Referencing Method (PRLRM). It defines a conceptual data model for location referencing methods, specifies how to represent precise relative information (including lane-level and 3-D positional support), sets requirements for physical formats (but does not mandate a single physical format), and provides informative use cases and examples (including an implementation example). The standard is intended for use on both encoder and decoder sides of location-referencing systems.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 14 April 2020 (Edition 1, 2020‑04).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: Transport in general — 03.220.01; IT applications in transport — 35.240.60.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2020).
• Number of pages: 28 pages (ISO published PDF length).

Scope

Specifies the Precise Relative Location Referencing Method (PRLRM) for exchanging lane-level and intersection-related location information in geographic databases. The document defines the conceptual model, rules and components for representing precise relative locations, requirements that location-referencing messages must satisfy for conformance, and provides informative annexes with use cases and an implementation example. It does not mandate a single physical implementation format but describes requirements that physical formats must meet.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and characteristics of the Precise Relative Location Referencing Method (PRLRM).
• Conceptual data model for Location Referencing Methods (LRMs) and components required for precise relative references.
• Two example methods for precise relative positioning (e.g., lane number counting; displacement from a reference point) and rules for message contents.
• Structure and definition of location-referencing messages, including mandatory/optional components and conformance test criteria (abstract test suite).
• Informative annexes with use cases and an example implementation (including a Japanese example) to illustrate message content and practical use.

Typical use and users

Intended users include ITS architects, digital map and geographic database producers, automotive OEMs and suppliers (C-ITS and ADAS/automated driving teams), traffic management authorities, telematics and location-services developers, and software engineers implementing encoder/decoder systems that exchange lane‑level location information. The standard is used where lane-level precision and relative positioning (rather than only geographic coordinates) are required.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 17572 series (Location referencing for geographic databases). Closely related documents include ISO 17572‑1 (General requirements and conceptual model; latest edition 2022), ISO 17572‑2 (Pre-coded location references; 2018), and ISO 17572‑3 (Dynamic location references; 2015). These parts define the broader conceptual model, pre-coded and dynamic LRM profiles that complement the precise relative profile defined in Part 4.

Keywords

Intelligent transport systems; location referencing; geographic databases; precise relative location; PRLRM; PRLRS; lane-level referencing; location referencing method (LRM); encoder/decoder; ITS data exchange; 3-D positioning.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 17572‑4:2020 is the part of the ISO 17572 series that specifies the Precise Relative Location Referencing Method for representing and exchanging lane-level and intersection-related location information in geographic databases.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the conceptual model and specification for precise relative location references, message structure and components, conformance requirements (abstract test suite), and provides informative use cases and an implementation example; it sets requirements for physical formats but does not define a single mandatory physical format.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Map and geographic database vendors, ITS system integrators, automotive OEMs and Tier‑1 suppliers working on cooperative ITS or automated driving, traffic authorities, and software developers who need lane‑level precision for location-based messages.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 17572‑4 was published in April 2020 and is the current Part 4 edition published by ISO; ISO standards are reviewed on a periodic basis (typically every five years) for confirmation, revision or withdrawal. Users should check ISO or their national body for any published updates or revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 4 of the ISO 17572 series (Location referencing for geographic databases). Other parts include Part 1 (general requirements and conceptual model), Part 2 (pre‑coded profile) and Part 3 (dynamic profile). Together the series defines multiple LRMs for ITS applications.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Precise relative location, PRLRM, location referencing method, lane-level referencing, geographic database, ITS, encoder/decoder, location message, 3‑D positioning.