Overview
ISO 19127:2019 - Geographic information - Geodetic register defines management, operations and required data elements for the ISO geodetic register (geodetic registry). It aligns geodetic codes and parameters with ISO 19111:2007 (spatial referencing by coordinates) and the core schema of ISO 19135‑1:2015 (procedures for item registration). The standard specifies how geodetic items (coordinate reference systems, coordinate operations, parameters and codes) are recorded, maintained and published in a centrally managed registry.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and conformance: Defines conditions for conformance (Annex A normative test suite) and requires that the geodetic register satisfy the specified tests.
- Management roles: Responsibilities for the register owner, register manager, registry manager, control body (optional), submitting organizations and users are defined in line with ISO 19135‑1:2015.
- Management rules & procedures: Uses ISO 19135‑1:2015 core schema to define unmodified, modified and additional requirements for registration workflows, including submission, review, approval, appeals and change-recording.
- Registry operational requirements: The ISO geodetic registry must be publicly available with a web-based human interface and web service APIs, a stable domain name, at least 95% annual availability, and an authoritative review process.
- Content requirements: Specifies the data elements required in the register by referencing ISO 19111:2007 and ISO 19135‑1:2015; some ISO 19111 optional elements are made mandatory for clarity and interoperability. Annex B (normative) lists required geodetic codes and parameters; Annex C–E provide best practices, metadata guidance and a requirements list.
- History & lifecycle: Defines item lifecycle terms such as retirement and supersession, and mandates a publicly available record of changes so historical items remain accessible.
Practical applications
- Standardizes how coordinate reference systems, geodetic parameters and transformation methods are published and referenced across software, data portals and national geodetic services.
- Enables consistent, interoperable exchange of geodetic metadata and well-known text (WKT) representations when combined with ISO 19162:2015.
- Supports authoritative registries used by GIS vendors, survey agencies, mapping authorities, spatial data infrastructures (SDI) and software developers to ensure unambiguous spatial referencing.
Who should use this standard
- National mapping and geodetic agencies, spatial data infrastructure operators, registry managers, GIS software implementers, and anyone responsible for publishing or consuming geodetic coordinate reference systems and transformation parameters.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 19127:2019, geodetic register, geodetic registry, geodetic codes and parameters, ISO 19111, ISO 19135, coordinate reference systems, geodetic metadata.
