Overview - ISO 19164:2024 (Indoor feature model)
ISO 19164:2024, titled Geographic information - Indoor feature model, defines a core semantic classification system for essential indoor features used in location-based indoor applications. The standard specifies the semantic description of indoor features and their attributes and the feature associations between them, providing a lightweight, interoperable vocabulary for describing building interiors. Geometric and topological representations are intentionally excluded. The standard also excludes other architectural structures such as tunnels.
Keywords: ISO 19164:2024, Indoor feature model, indoor mapping, indoor navigation, indoor features, location-based services, BIM to GIS.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Core semantic classification of indoor features (spaces, entities, constructive and attached features).
- Feature types and attributes: standardized names and attribute domains to support consistent data exchange.
- Feature associations: relationships linking feature instances (e.g., room–door associations).
- Compatibility with existing building models and standards (designed to align with CityGML, IFC and IndoorGML at class level).
- Extension mechanisms: rules for attribute hooking and subclassing to tailor the model for specific use cases while preserving interoperability.
- Conformance and testability: includes an abstract test suite and a normative data dictionary (Annex A and B) to validate compliant datasets.
- Normative references include ISO 19103, 19107, 19108, 19109, 19115‑1, ISO 16739‑1 (IFC) and ISO 6707‑1.
Practical applications and target users
ISO 19164:2024 is designed to serve as a common basic database model for indoor GIS and location-based services (LBS). Typical applications and users include:
- Indoor navigation and wayfinding app developers
- Facility managers and asset owners creating indoor maps
- BIM and GIS integrators performing BIM-to-GIS mapping
- Emergency response planners needing standardized indoor feature sets
- Indoor mapping vendors, platform providers and data curators
- Standards bodies and implementers aligning CityGML, IFC and IndoorGML data
Benefits: enables consistent semantic descriptions across platforms, reduces duplication of effort, simplifies data sharing and integration, and provides a foundation for application-specific profiles (e.g., navigation, parking, fire emergency).
Related standards
- CityGML 3.0 (BuildingModel) - semantic building parts
- ISO 16739‑1 (IFC) - BIM data schema
- OGC IndoorGML - indoor topology and navigation networks
- ISO 19103 / 19107 / 19108 / 19109 / 19115‑1 - conceptual schema and metadata frameworks
ISO 19164:2024 acts as a focused semantic bridge between BIM and GIS ecosystems to support interoperable indoor mapping and location-based applications.