ISO 21597-1:2020

Overview

ISO 21597-1:2020 specifies an open, stable container format for exchanging heterogeneous files and their interrelationships to support information delivery across the full lifecycle of built assets. The standard enables packaging documents (2D/3D models, text, spreadsheets, images, audio/video, datasets) either included in the container or referenced remotely, while capturing explicit relationships between items using semantic web technologies (RDF, RDFS, OWL). Typical deliverables include bidding packages, project-stage submissions, approval packages and versioned handovers.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Container structure: A standardized folder and file layout (e.g., "Ontology resources", "Payload documents", "Payload triples") to separate ontologies, payload files and RDF datasets.
• Header and index: A header/index file (Index.rdf) that uniquely identifies the container, its intent and contents using RDF-based metadata.
• Ontologies and datasets: Use of a container ontology and linkset ontology to define classes, properties and link semantics; index dataset and link dataset to list contents and relationships.
• Semantic web standards: Mandatory alignment with W3C RDF, RDFS and OWL constructs for machine-processable metadata and relationships.
• Payload handling: Support for internal (packaged) and external (remote) resources; payloads remain any file format supported by the project or media types registered with IANA.
• Versioning and provenance: Facilities to reference versions and track changes between partners.
• Conformance & validation: Requirements for serialisation formats and conformance; guidance available for validation (e.g., SHACL referenced in annexes).
• Normative references: Includes ISO/IEC 21320-1 (Document Container File), W3C RDF/OWL specifications and IANA media types.

Applications and who should use it

• BIM managers and architects: To deliver multi-file model packages with explicit links between drawings, models and specifications.
• Engineers and contractors: For controlled handover of as-built information and approval packages.
• Software vendors and integrators: To implement import/export of standardized containers and enable automated querying of relationships.
• Data managers and archivists: For long-term storage/archival of linked documentation with versioning and provenance.
• Clients and asset owners: To receive contractually consistent, machine-processable information about built assets.

Related standards

• ISO/IEC 21320-1 - Document Container File (core)
• W3C RDF, RDFS, OWL specifications - semantic modelling and serialisation
• IANA Media Types - file media-type registration
• Other parts of the ISO 21597 series for additional exchange and delivery rules

Keywords: ISO 21597-1:2020, information container, linked document delivery, container format, RDF, OWL, BIM, document exchange, linkset ontology, index dataset.