Overview - ISO/IEC TR 16088:2025 (VPS for MAR)
ISO/IEC TR 16088:2025 is a Technical Report that defines the concept of a Visual Positioning System (VPS) within the broader context of Mixed and Augmented Reality (MAR). The document provides a reference model describing essential system components and information constructs for image-based positioning, scene recognition and tracking. It focuses on the architecture and data constructs (image databases, maps, sensor data and descriptors) rather than prescribing detailed algorithms.
Key topics and technical scope
- VPS concept and role in MAR: Describes how VPS enables spatial registration of virtual content by locating user/device position and orientation relative to the real world.
- Reference system architecture: A component-level model covering image database and map construction, localization, scene understanding, and the overall VPS integration with MAR systems.
- Data constructs and interoperability:
- Image/data set requirements for map and image DB (images, GNSS coordinates, inertial data, camera parameters)
- Image-based 2D/3D maps, image-registered maps and pre-existing metric maps
- Integrated 2D/3D image-based and registered maps
- Feature and object characterization, descriptors, and semantics (labels)
- Sensor fusion considerations: Integration with GNSS and IMU for robustness when visual data alone is insufficient.
- Standardization opportunities: Areas recommended for future standard work such as data representation, map formats, descriptors and dataset interoperability.
- Use cases: Indoor guidance, large-scale outdoor MAR, and MAR-based tele-assistance are illustrated as primary applications.
Note: The report references ISO/IEC 18039:2019 (MAR reference model) and excludes lower-level algorithmic prescriptions (e.g., specific SLAM/SfM implementations).
Practical applications and users
ISO/IEC TR 16088:2025 is practical for:
- AR/MR system architects and application developers designing visual positioning and localization services.
- Mobile device and camera hardware manufacturers integrating VPS capabilities.
- Mapping and location data providers building image-based maps and geo-referenced datasets.
- Researchers and vendors working on scene understanding, feature descriptors and sensor fusion (GNSS, IMU).
- Standards bodies and solution integrators seeking interoperable VPS data constructs for large-scale MAR deployments (indoor navigation, tourism, advertising, tele-assistance).
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 18039:2019 - MAR reference model (normative reference used by TR 16088).
- The report aligns with terminology and architectural models relevant to MAR, VPS, SLAM and SfM approaches without mandating specific algorithms.
Keywords: Visual Positioning System, VPS, mixed and augmented reality, MAR, image-based map, localization, scene understanding, GNSS, IMU, image database, 2D/3D map.