ISO 17572-1:2022

Overview

ISO 17572-1:2022 - "Intelligent transport systems (ITS) - Location referencing for geographic databases - Part 1: General requirements and conceptual model" sets out the foundations for standardized location referencing in ITS applications. The standard defines what a location reference (LR) is in the context of digital map and geographic databases and specifies general requirements and a conceptual data model for Location Referencing Methods (LRMs). It clarifies which LR components are mandatory or optional and documents an inventory of LRMs and model usage examples (Annexes A and B). The document is the third edition (2022) of the Part 1 specification.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Purpose: Create unambiguous, interoperable references to geographic objects (points, linear stretches, areas) used across ITS systems and databases.
• Defined LRMs: The series specifies three LRM profiles:
  • Pre-coded LRM (pre-coded profile)
  • Dynamic LRM (dynamic profile)
  • Precise relative LRM (precise relative profile)
• Conceptual data model: Role and components of a conceptual model for LRMs, including categories (linear, area, point), road-network constructs (links, junctions, intersections) and attribute/descriptor concepts.
• LRM requirements: Objectives for optimal LRMs and a list of functional requirements (accuracy, uniqueness, unambiguous matching to database features).
• Scope constraints:
  • The standard does not define a physical file or binary format for LRMs, although it specifies requirements that any physical format must meet.
  • It does not mandate how a Location Referencing System (LRS) is implemented in software, hardware or processes.
• Supporting material: Annex A (inventory of LRMs), Annex B (examples mapping to conceptual model), Annex C (comparison with ISO/TC 211 definitions).

Practical applications

• Inter-system exchange of traffic messages, route events, road hazards and location-based alerts.
• Enabling consistent identification of road elements, junctions and areas across different digital maps and vendors.
• Use in traffic management centers, navigation and telematics systems, map database creation and ITS data integration.

Who should use this standard

• ITS architects and system integrators
• Map database providers and GIS teams
• Automotive OEMs and navigation system developers
• Traffic authorities and transport agencies
• Standards bodies and protocol designers working on location referencing and ITS interoperability

Related standards

• ISO/TS 21219-21 (TPEG-GLR geographic location referencing)
• ISO/TS 21219-22 (TPEG2 OpenLR)
• ISO 19148 (Geographic information - Linear referencing)
• Comparison material with ISO/TC 211 definitions included in Annex C

Using ISO 17572-1:2022 helps ensure interoperable, precise and well-defined location references for intelligent transport systems and geographic databases.