Overview
ISO 19105:2022 - Geographic information - Conformance and testing defines a standardized framework, concepts and methodology for conformance testing applicable to the family of ISO geographic information standards. It specifies how to structure abstract test suites (ATS), group abstract test cases into conformance classes, and define procedures for performing conformance testing. Conformance can be claimed for data, software, services, specifications, profiles or functional standards, and the standard supports a modular approach to managing dependencies and configuration across modules.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Conformance framework: Defines terminology and a modular structure for requirements, conformance clauses and conformance classes.
- Abstract test suites and cases (ATS / ATC): Formal, implementation‑independent test definitions that are complete enough to derive executable test cases.
- Conformance classes: Organized sets of abstract test cases that produce a single certificate of conformance; four classes are defined (Modular specification, Modular standard, Executable test suites, Conformance test report).
- Executable test suites and modules: Guidance on instantiating ATS into executable test cases (ETC), modules (ETM) and suites (ETS).
- Conformance test reports and results: Structure and content for reporting verdicts per conformance class and test case, and traceability between requirements and tests.
- Configuration management and dependencies: Systematic approach to managing dependencies within and between modules in modular specifications and standards.
- Logical outcomes and evaluation: Support for three‑valued logic (pass / fail / inconclusive) for overall result synthesis.
- Scope limits: Explicitly excludes robustness, acceptance and performance testing - ISO 19105 addresses normative requirement testing only.
- Informative annexes: Examples and templates (ATS examples, UML model, URI structure, test report examples, synthesis).
Practical applications
- Developing and maintaining conformance test suites for GIS standards and profiles.
- Creating traceable test plans that map requirements to tests for certification.
- Evaluating GIS software, data services and datasets for standards compliance.
- Producing consistent conformance test reports for certification bodies or procurement.
- Implementing modular standards with managed dependency and configuration control.
Who should use this standard
- Standards authors and maintainers (ISO/TC 211, CEN/TC 287)
- GIS software vendors and data providers seeking to claim conformance
- Test engineers and QA teams building executable test suites
- Certification bodies, test laboratories and procurement specialists
Related standards and references
- ISO/IEC 24765:2017 (software/testing terminology)
- ISO 19135‑1:2015 (identifiers)
- ISO/IEC 18477‑4:2017 (implementation under test definition)
- Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) modular specification concepts (used as input)
- Annexes in ISO 19105 provide sample templates, UML models and test report examples
Keywords: ISO 19105:2022, conformance testing, geographic information, abstract test suite, conformance classes, executable test suite, conformance test report, modular standard, GIS certification.
