Overview
ISO 14823-1:2024 - Intelligent transport systems - Graphic data dictionary - Part 1: Specification - defines a Graphic Data Dictionary (GDD): a language‑independent coding system for existing road traffic signs and pictograms used to deliver traffic and traveller information (TTI) within intelligent transport systems (ITS). The standard provides a structured catalogue of pictogram codes and supporting metadata so ITS messages can consistently encode, transmit and decode sign and pictogram information across countries and platforms.
Key technical topics and requirements
- GDD structure and conformance
- Defines how pictogram codes are formed and the rules for a conformant implementation. Implementations must use the categorized pictogram codes and follow the document’s requirements for encoding and transmission.
- Pictogram code taxonomy
- Codes are organized by service category and pictogram category (examples in Clause 8 include ranges for danger/warning, regulatory and informative signs), with serial numbers and nature/category identifiers.
- Country codes and OID support
- Uses international country codes (ISO 3166‑1) and a relative object identifier (OID) mechanism (Clause 7.3) to provide global identification and flexible extensibility.
- Attributes and qualifiers
- Pictograms can include attributes and quantitative qualifiers to clarify meaning (e.g., direction, size, conditions). Annexes list attributes and allowed specializations.
- Data models and encodings
- ASN.1 descriptions (Annex A and E) and UML diagrams (Annex C and G) are provided for machine‑readable encoding and schema design. Supports backward compatibility with the 2017 edition and two GDD versions.
- Additional features
- Allows up to four pictograms in a single GDD entry, deletion of redundant items, and addition of new country‑requested pictograms. Normative and informative annexes provide examples and mappings.
Practical applications and typical users
- Traffic authorities and road operators: standardize sign databases for national/regional deployment.
- ITS service providers and message brokers: embed consistent pictogram codes in TTI messages (in‑vehicle signage, VMS, traveler information apps).
- Automotive OEMs and HMI developers: decode and display standardized signs in in‑vehicle systems.
- Mapping and navigation vendors, C‑ITS integrators, and emergency services: translate or map signs between countries while preserving meaning.
- Standards implementers and software architects: use ASN.1 and UML artifacts to build interoperable encoders/decoders.
Related standards and implementation notes
- Normative references include ISO 3166‑1 (country codes), ISO 8601‑1 (date/time), and ASN.1 / encoding rules (ISO/IEC 8824‑1, 8825‑5) for data representation.
- The GDD supports cross‑border translation of signs and is intended for integration into ITS messaging standards and services (TTI, in‑vehicle signage).
For deployment planning, consult the full ISO 14823‑1:2024 text and the annexed ASN.1/UML artifacts to implement conformant, interoperable pictogram encoding in ITS solutions.
