Overview
ISO 23629-7:2021 - "UAS traffic management (UTM) - Part 7: Data model for spatial data" defines a standardized data model for spatial information exchanged between UAS service providers and operation‑control systems (for example, UTM). The standard specifies the names and minimum attributes of spatial data items (ground features, obstacles, virtual constructs and dynamic phenomena) but does not define communication architecture or actor responsibilities. It is intended as a reference model to improve interoperability, reduce implementation costs and support consistent map data compilation and maintenance.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Four primary data packages form the overall model:
- Ground map package - entities such as takeoff and landing areas and land with attributes like Identifier, Generate time, Disappearance time, Elevation, Geoid undulation, Time zone, Magnetic declination, Shape and Location.
- Obstacle data package - static and temporal obstacles (e.g., buildings, towers, scaffolding) with attributes including Height, Type of height, Shape, Location and Type of obstacle.
- Virtual data package - virtual representations (airspace, flight routes, CNS coverage, geo-limitations and other intangible constructs) with named attributes for consistent interpretation.
- Dynamic data package - transient objects and phenomena that change over time (object sub‑package and phenomena sub‑package) to support real‑time situational awareness.
- Data quality: implementations are expected to apply a data quality management system in accordance with ISO 19157.
- Terminology alignment: uses definitions from ISO 21384-4 and references common geospatial concepts (e.g., elevation, height above ellipsoid, shape, magnetic declination).
- Annexes provide examples of information (Annex A) and use cases (Annex B) to guide implementation.
Practical applications and who would use it
- UAS service providers and UTM system developers - to standardize the spatial datasets they exchange and consume for flight planning, deconfliction and authorization.
- Map and geospatial data providers - to compile consistent ground map and obstacle layers for UAS operations.
- UAS application developers and avionics vendors - to reduce integration effort by adopting a common data model for spatial inputs.
- Regulators and air navigation service providers - to define requirements and verify conformity of spatial information used in traffic management.
- Infrastructure owners and vertiport operators - to publish takeoff/landing area attributes and operational constraints in a machine‑readable form.
Benefits include improved interoperability, streamlined data maintenance, clearer semantics for safety‑critical spatial information, and facilitation of scalable UTM services.
Related standards
- ISO 19157 - Geographic information - Data quality
- ISO 21384-4 - Unmanned aircraft systems - Part 4: Vocabulary
- Other parts of the ISO 23629 UTM series (see ISO catalogue for list)
Keywords: ISO 23629-7:2021, UAS traffic management, UTM, data model for spatial data, unmanned aircraft systems, geospatial data, obstacle data, ground map package, dynamic data package.
