Overview
ISO 19103:2015 - Geographic information - Conceptual schema language - defines rules and guidelines for using a conceptual schema language for geographic information. The standard adopts the Unified Modeling Language (UML) as the conceptual schema language and provides an ISO-specific UML profile. Its target is the creation and conformance of UML schemas describing geographic information, enabling consistent specification of geospatial data models.
Key Topics
- UML profile for geographic information: rules for applying UML constructs (classifiers, attributes, relationships) to conceptual geospatial schemas.
- Conformance classes: definitions for UML version conformance (UML 2, UML 1→UML 2 mapping), data types conformance (core vs. extensions) and model documentation conformance.
- Core data types and collections: standardized primitive types (Date, Time, DateTime, Number, Decimal, Integer, Real, CharacterString, Boolean), vector and collection templates (Set, Bag, Sequence).
- Name and record types: scoped names, generic names, namespace constructs and record/field types for structured model elements.
- Enumerations and code lists: guidance on representing controlled vocabularies and codelists in UML.
- Relationships and behavior: treatment of associations, generalizations, realizations, operations and services in conceptual schemas.
- Stereotypes, keywords and constraints: standardized modelling vocabulary, optional/mandatory/conditional attributes and association ends, and model constraints.
- Documentation and testability: model documentation requirements, an abstract test suite (Annex A) and normative mapping rules (Annex B) for UML 1→UML 2.
- Annexes: formal UML profile (Annex D), extension data types (Annex C), and modelling guidance (Annex F).
Applications
ISO 19103:2015 is practical for:
- GIS data architects and modelers creating conceptual schemas for spatial datasets and services.
- Software developers and system integrators implementing geospatial information systems that must interoperate across organizations.
- Standards bodies and metadata teams specifying interoperable geospatial models and codelists.
- Vendors and implementers producing UML-based documentation, model repositories or code generation tools for geospatial applications.
Benefits include improved data interoperability, consistent modelling practices, clearer documentation, and easier migration between UML versions.
Related standards
- ISO 19103:2015 complements other geographic information ISO standards that address metadata, schemas and interoperability. See the wider ISO standards for geographic information for complementary guidance on implementation and exchange formats.
