ISO 14817-1:2015

Overview - What ISO 14817-1:2015 covers

ISO 14817-1:2015 defines the logical structure (framework) and the data content (substance) for ITS data dictionaries (DDs). It sets out how to identify, name, document and manage ITS data concepts so that data exchanged across intelligent transport systems (ITS) is consistent and interoperable. The standard also describes how DDs relate to a central implementation - the Central ITS Data Concept Registry (CIDCR) - and clarifies that other national or regional data concept registries may conform to this part of ISO 14817.

Key technical topics and requirements

ISO 14817-1:2015 specifies:

• A framework to identify and define all ITS data concepts (object classes, data elements, value domains, messages, data frames, etc.).
• A comprehensive set of meta-attributes to describe and manage data concepts, grouped by function:
  • Identification and naming (e.g., data concept identifier, version, contextual/descriptive names, object identifier, URL)
  • Definitional (e.g., definition, source, data concept type, context)
  • Relational (e.g., parent object class, precursor/successor, synonym, multiplicity)
  • Representational (e.g., data type, format, unit of measure, valid-value rules, constraints)
• Naming conventions and rules for recording definitions to minimize duplication and ambiguity.
• A set of preferred data concepts for the ITS domain and an optional data modelling method for defining concepts.
• Requirements for conversion/migration and support for data concepts originating from different international, regional or national system-architecture methodologies.

Normative annexes include meta-attribute requirements, naming conventions and preferred data concepts; informative annexes provide guidance on data models and legacy data.

Practical applications and who uses it

ISO 14817-1 is practical for organizations and professionals working on data exchange in transport systems:

• Application developers building ITS services and interfaces
• System architects and modelers standardizing data across subsystems
• Equipment and communications providers ensuring compatible message structures
• Data concept registry managers (e.g., CIDCR administrators)
• Government agencies and standards bodies coordinating national/regional ITS data

Applied benefits include improved interoperability, easier data reuse, reduced duplication of similar data concepts, and smoother migration between architectures and tools (CASE tools, ISO 14813-based implementations, or other methodologies).

Related standards

• ISO 14817 parts: Part 2 (Governance of the CIDCR) and Part 3 (Object identifier assignments)
• ISO 14813 series (ITS system architecture), which ISO 14817 complements for data definition and exchange

Keywords: ISO 14817-1:2015, ITS data dictionaries, Central ITS Data Concept Registry (CIDCR), meta-attributes, naming conventions, data concepts, interoperability, intelligent transport systems.