Overview
ISO 19157:2013/Amd 1:2018 is an International Standard amendment developed by ISO Technical Committee 211 (ISO/TC 211), focusing on the quality of geographic information. This amendment enhances the core ISO 19157:2013 standard by introducing systematic methodologies for describing data quality using coverages. The update reflects changes in references to related standards and refines the approach to reporting and documenting data quality results, supporting improved consistency, transparency, and interoperability in geospatial data.
Key Topics
- Data Quality in Geographic Information
Emphasizes rigorous assessment and reporting of the quality of spatial datasets, ensuring users can trust, interpret, and compare geospatial information.
- Coverages for Data Quality Reporting
Introduces standardized mechanisms to describe data quality using coverage models. Coverages enable spatially explicit representation of data quality metrics, enhancing the granularity and usability of quality results.
- Normative Reference Updates
References are updated to:
- ISO 19103:2015 (Conceptual schema language)
- ISO 19135-1:2015 (Procedures for item registration - Fundamentals)
This ensures alignment with the latest terminology and schemas.
- Conformance with Metadata Standards
Mandates compliance with ISO 19115-1:2014 for reporting data quality as metadata, supporting harmonization across geospatial data infrastructures.
- Enhanced Data Quality Result Structures
Refines classes and associations for expressing data quality outcomes, including quantitative, descriptive, conformant, and new coverage-based results.
Applications
ISO 19157:2013/Amd 1:2018 brings significant value for a wide range of geospatial data stakeholders:
- Geospatial Data Producers
Consistently document and communicate the quality of digital maps, satellite imagery, sensor data, and GIS layers, using standardized coverage models for spatial quality measures.
- Decision Support Systems
Integrate quality metadata into spatial data infrastructures for improved decision-making in planning, environmental monitoring, emergency response, and infrastructure management.
- Metadata Management
Streamline quality documentation and validation as part of metadata catalogues, ensuring accuracy and completeness of geospatial records.
- Interoperability and Data Exchange
Facilitate seamless sharing, reuse, and integration of geospatial data by applying globally recognized data quality descriptors, especially important in multi-source or cross-border data workflows.
- Compliance and Certification
Help organizations demonstrate compliance with international best practices for geospatial data quality, supporting contractual, legal, or regulatory assertions.
Related Standards
This amendment to ISO 19157:2013 aligns with and references several key international standards relevant to geographic information and metadata quality:
- ISO 19157:2013 - Geographic information - Data quality (core standard)
- ISO 19115-1:2014 - Geographic information - Metadata - Part 1: Fundamentals
- ISO 19103:2015 - Geographic information - Conceptual schema language
- ISO 19135-1:2015 - Geographic information - Procedures for item registration - Part 1: Fundamentals
ISO 19157:2013/Amd 1:2018 supports users, developers, and data managers in maintaining rigorous, interoperable, and transparent geospatial data quality practices with a focus on practical application and compliance in modern data workflows.
Open preview (PDF)Geographic information — Data quality — Amendment 1: Describing data quality using coverages
