Overview
EN ISO 19107:2019 (ISO 19107:2019) - Geographic information - Spatial schema - defines a conceptual spatial schema for describing the geometric and topological characteristics of geographic entities. The standard addresses vector geometry and topology, specifying standard spatial operations and data structures to support access, query, management, processing and data exchange of spatial objects. It is part of the ISO 19100 series for geographic information and supersedes the 2005 edition.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Conceptual schemas for geometry and topology: formal models for geometric primitives and topological relationships used in GIS and geodata systems.
- Coordinate systems and reference surfaces: support for geometric coordinate spaces (typically up to 3 spatial dimensions and one temporal dimension), including compound and homogeneous coordinate systems.
- Data types and interfaces: definitions such as DirectPosition, RSID, Envelope, GeometryData, and interfaces for Point, Curve, Surface, and higher-order constructs.
- Primitive and complex geometry: definitions and encodings for primitives (Point, Curve, Surface) and composite geometries, with interpolation and boundary semantics.
- Spatial operations and queries: standardized operations for 2D and 3D querying (e.g., spatial predicates, topological relations) and encoding/query interfaces (Query2D, Query3D).
- Conformance and profiles: conformance classes, requirement classes, and codelists to express vendor or application capabilities and geometry metrics (geodesy), interpolation schemes, and dimensionality limits.
- Modeling and documentation: use of UML notation, naming conventions and metadata roles to describe and exchange spatial schema definitions.
Practical applications and users
ISO 19107 is aimed at enabling interoperable spatial data models and services. Typical applications:
- GIS software design and data modeling (desktop, web, and mobile GIS)
- Spatial databases and spatial indexing implementations
- Web and enterprise geospatial services (WFS, WMS, APIs that serve vector data)
- Geospatial data exchange and cataloguing (data producers/consumers)
- Mapping, cadastral systems, utilities, transportation planning, environmental monitoring, urban planning, and remote sensing data integration
Primary users:
- GIS developers and architects
- Spatial data modelers and integrators
- National mapping agencies and cadastral authorities
- Software vendors and system implementers
- Standards bodies and metadata specialists
Related standards
- Part of the ISO 19100 series managed by ISO/TC 211 (geographic information/geomatics).
- This edition updates and replaces EN ISO 19107:2005; implementers should consider companion ISO 191xx standards for coordinate reference systems, metadata and encoding when designing interoperable geospatial solutions.
Keywords: ISO 19107, spatial schema, geographic information, vector geometry, topology, coordinate systems, GIS standards, spatial operations, spatial data exchange.
