ISO/TS 21184:2021

Overview

ISO/TS 21184:2021 - Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) - Global Transport Data Management (GTDM) framework - defines a standardized framework for representing, managing and controlling transport-related data to support interoperable C-ITS applications. The specification provides a Global Transport Data Format (GTDF) and four complementary data models: the global transport basic data model, global transport access control (GTAC) data model, global transport function monitor (GTFM) data model, and the optional sensor and control network (SCN) data model. GTDM is specified as an ITS-S capability (optional) and uses certificate-based access control in accordance with IEEE 1609.2.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Data modelling and format
  • Standardized data classes and structures expressed in the GTDF to enable consistent data exchange between ITS applications and devices.
  • ASN.1 definitions are included to support formal encoding.
• Access control and security
  • GTAC specifies role-based access permissions and function-control mechanisms.
  • Certificate-based access aligned with IEEE 1609.2; ITS application identifiers (ITS-AID) and certificate/key use are addressed.
• Function monitoring
  • GTFM provides configuration methods to generate flow logic for runtime monitoring (e.g., observing data parameters against defined limits).
• Sensor & control network (SCN) support (optional)
  • Data model elements for addressing, protocol services, scheduling and diagnostic mapping for on-board networks.
• ITS-S architecture and management
  • Definitions for ITS-S management, facilities (Data Provider, SCN Handler, GTP Handler, Function Monitor), network/transport handlers and service access points (SAPs).
• Operational scope
  • Use-case grouping covering proximity, on-board, remote ITS and product-related applications and configuration authoring processes.

Applications

• Enabling interoperable data exchange across vehicles, roadside units and traffic management systems in C-ITS deployments.
• Standardizing vehicle telematics, sensor parameter publication, function monitoring and access control for OEMs and Tier‑1 suppliers.
• Integrating third-party ITS applications and services (e.g., fleet management, traffic safety services) with controlled data access.
• Supporting secure diagnostics, over-the-air configuration and sensor network interfacing in on-board systems.

Who should use this standard

• ITS architects, system integrators and software engineers designing C-ITS platforms.
• OEMs, Tier‑1 suppliers and telematics providers implementing data models and access controls.
• Security engineers and certificate managers aligning access control with IEEE 1609.2.
• Test labs and certification bodies validating GTDF conformance and ITS‑S capabilities.

Related standards

• ISO 24102-6 (ITS-capabilities / ITS-S capability definitions)
• ISO/TS 21177 (secure sessions referenced for certificates/keys)
• IEEE 1609.2 (certificate-based security for vehicular networks)

Keywords: ISO/TS 21184:2021, GTDM, Global Transport Data Management, C‑ITS, GTDF, GTAC, GTFM, SCN, ITS‑S, IEEE 1609.2, data model, access control.