ISO 19103:2015

Overview

ISO 19103:2015 - Geographic information - Conceptual schema language - defines rules and guidelines for using a conceptual schema language for geographic information. The standard adopts the Unified Modeling Language (UML) as the conceptual schema language and provides an ISO-specific UML profile. Its target is the creation and conformance of UML schemas describing geographic information, enabling consistent specification of geospatial data models.

Key Topics

• UML profile for geographic information: rules for applying UML constructs (classifiers, attributes, relationships) to conceptual geospatial schemas.
• Conformance classes: definitions for UML version conformance (UML 2, UML 1→UML 2 mapping), data types conformance (core vs. extensions) and model documentation conformance.
• Core data types and collections: standardized primitive types (Date, Time, DateTime, Number, Decimal, Integer, Real, CharacterString, Boolean), vector and collection templates (Set, Bag, Sequence).
• Name and record types: scoped names, generic names, namespace constructs and record/field types for structured model elements.
• Enumerations and code lists: guidance on representing controlled vocabularies and codelists in UML.
• Relationships and behavior: treatment of associations, generalizations, realizations, operations and services in conceptual schemas.
• Stereotypes, keywords and constraints: standardized modelling vocabulary, optional/mandatory/conditional attributes and association ends, and model constraints.
• Documentation and testability: model documentation requirements, an abstract test suite (Annex A) and normative mapping rules (Annex B) for UML 1→UML 2.
• Annexes: formal UML profile (Annex D), extension data types (Annex C), and modelling guidance (Annex F).

Applications

ISO 19103:2015 is practical for:

• GIS data architects and modelers creating conceptual schemas for spatial datasets and services.
• Software developers and system integrators implementing geospatial information systems that must interoperate across organizations.
• Standards bodies and metadata teams specifying interoperable geospatial models and codelists.
• Vendors and implementers producing UML-based documentation, model repositories or code generation tools for geospatial applications.

Benefits include improved data interoperability, consistent modelling practices, clearer documentation, and easier migration between UML versions.

Related standards

• ISO 19103:2015 complements other geographic information ISO standards that address metadata, schemas and interoperability. See the wider ISO standards for geographic information for complementary guidance on implementation and exchange formats.