Overview
EN ISO 19118:2011 - Geographic information - Encoding (ISO 19118:2011) defines requirements for creating interoperable encoding rules used to interchange geographic information within the ISO 19100 series of standards. The standard covers three main areas: requirements for encoding rules based on UML application schemas, requirements for encoding services, and requirements for an XML-based encoding rule intended as a neutral, platform‑independent interchange format. It supersedes the earlier 2005/2006 editions and is aligned with related ISO geographic information standards.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Encoding rules from UML schemas: Specifies how to derive system‑independent encoding structures from UML application schemas, including input/output data structures and conversion rules.
- Generic instance model: Defines a generic instance model and the relation between UML conceptual models and concrete encoded instances.
- Encoding services: Requirements for services that encode, decode or generate output data structure schemas; conformance classes and associated test cases are defined.
- XML-based encoding rule (Annex A): A normative XML-based encoding intended for neutral data interchange; relies on XML 1.0 and the ISO/IEC 10646 character repertoire for universal character support.
- Conformance and testing (Annex B): Abstract test suites and conformance classes (e.g., encoding rules with instance or schema conversion, encoding services) that encoding implementations must pass.
- Normative references: Includes ISO 8601, ISO/IEC 10646, ISO/TS 19103, ISO 19109, and W3C XML 1.0 as foundational inputs.
- Scope limits: The standard does not specify digital media, transfer protocols/transfer services, or encoding methods for inline large images.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
ISO 19118 is essential for organizations and professionals involved in GIS data interoperability and exchange:
- GIS software developers and system integrators implementing robust encoding/decoding services
- Data providers and national mapping agencies producing standardized geographic datasets for cross‑system interchange
- Standards bodies and interoperability test labs validating conformance against abstract test suites
- Enterprise architects and IT teams specifying neutral interchange formats for spatial data workflows
Practical uses include defining platform‑independent data exchange schemas, implementing encoding services that convert UML application schemas into transportable data structures, and ensuring conformance for cross‑organizational GIS data sharing.
Related standards
ISO 19118 is part of the ISO 19100 series and is closely related to:
Keywords: ISO 19118, geographic information encoding, encoding rules, XML encoding, GIS data interchange, UML schemas, encoding service, ISO 19100 series.
