Overview
ISO/IEC 23090-30:2026 is an international standard that defines methods for the coded representation of immersive media-specifically focusing on low latency, low complexity light detection and ranging (LiDAR) coding. Developed by ISO/IEC Joint Technical Committee 1 (JTC 1), Subcommittee SC 29, this standard addresses the significant data storage and transmission challenges associated with LiDAR-based point clouds, which are increasingly used in modern 3D capture and rendering workflows.
By specifying efficient compression and coding techniques tailored for LiDAR point cloud data, ISO/IEC 23090-30:2026 enables real-time applications to process, transmit, and store large-scale 3D datasets with minimal delay and computational overhead. The standard is particularly relevant for applications that demand both immediate response and resource-efficient operations.
Key Topics
- Low Latency LiDAR Coding: The standard outlines methods to minimize delays in capturing, encoding, and reconstructing LiDAR point cloud data, supporting real-time use cases such as autonomous vehicles and industrial automation.
- Low Complexity Processing: Coding techniques are designed to be computationally efficient, allowing deployment on systems and devices with varying processing power and energy constraints.
- Point Cloud Attributes: It supports encoding not just 3D positions, but also LiDAR-derived attributes such as color, reflectance, opacity, material identifiers, and custom user-defined information.
- Data Structure Flexibility: Accommodates different point cloud formats, coordinate systems, and attribute coding schemes, ensuring interoperability in diverse technology ecosystems.
- Decoding Processes: Includes specifications for decoding LiDAR point cloud frames, attribute units, and maintaining consistency in output representations.
- Conventions and Syntax: The document carefully defines conventions for mathematical notation, operator precedence, and code syntax to ensure correct implementation.
Applications
ISO/IEC 23090-30:2026 provides substantial value in various industries by standardizing efficient LiDAR data handling:
- Autonomous Vehicles: Real-time LiDAR data processing is critical for navigation, obstacle detection, and situational awareness in both automotive and robotics sectors.
- Mapping and Cartography: Surveying, 3D terrain modeling, and urban planning applications benefit from fast, efficient compression and transmission of point cloud datasets.
- Industrial Automation: Manufacturing and warehousing utilize LiDAR point clouds for object detection, tracking, and safety monitoring, necessitating low complexity solutions for embedded systems.
- Immersive Media and Gaming: Virtual and augmented reality platforms rely on LiDAR-derived 3D environments, where low latency and efficient data handling are essential for interactive experiences.
- Smart Cities and Infrastructure Monitoring: Continuous LiDAR-based monitoring requires scalable, real-time data handling for infrastructure assessment and maintenance automation.
Related Standards
ISO/IEC 23090-30:2026 is part of the broader ISO/IEC 23090 series, which covers various aspects of immersive media coding. Related standards include:
- ISO/IEC 23090-5: Coded representation of point cloud data - Provides point cloud coding methods for various immersive applications.
- ISO/IEC 23090-2: Omnidirectional media format - Standardizes formats for omnidirectional video and audio, relevant in certain LiDAR-augmented media workflows.
- ISO/IEC 14496 Series (MPEG-4) - Offers foundational methods for multimedia content coding and representation.
- ISO/IEC 23008 Series (HEVC/H.265 and Extensions) - Advanced video coding standards that may supplement LiDAR data in hybrid immersive media systems.
Practical Value
Adopting ISO/IEC 23090-30:2026 ensures:
- Interoperability across diverse devices and platforms.
- Reduced transmission costs due to efficient compression.
- Enhanced scalability for real-time and embedded applications.
- Future-proof integration in evolving immersive media and 3D technology pipelines.
For organizations involved in LiDAR deployment, 3D data services, or immersive media, adherence to this standard streamlines development, increases efficiency, and strengthens market competitiveness through internationally recognized best practices.
Open preview (PDF)Information technology — Coded representation of immersive media — Part 30: Low latency, low complexity light detection and ranging (LiDAR) coding
