Overview
ISO/TR 19169:2021 is a technical report that performs a gap-analysis between the GDF (Geographic Data Files) conceptual model (GDF v5.1 - ISO 20524-1 and ISO 20524-2) and the ISO 19100 family of conceptual geospatial models produced by ISO/TC 211. The report maps and describes differences, highlights conflicting concepts, and suggests approaches to harmonize GDF and ISO/TC 211 models to improve interoperability for map-data exchange and automated-vehicle applications.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Gap-analysis of conceptual models - systematic comparison of terms, definitions and model structure between GDF and ISO 19100-style models to identify mismatches and overlap.
- Model modularization - recommendation to modularize GDF according to the ISO 19100 family structure to simplify maintenance, reuse and alignment.
- Feature and catalogue modelling - advise dividing the GDF Generic Feature Model and Feature Catalogue into a Generic Feature Exchange Model and a Feature Catalogue Model, defined as application schemas per ISO 19109.
- Stereotypes and metamodels - propose replacing GDF internal stereotypes (Feature / Attribute / Relationship) with the ISO 19109 stereotype FeatureType and defining attribute/type/value concepts as metamodels to raise abstraction and interoperability.
- Location referencing & belts - identifies the need for clearer linear and location referencing (including the GDF “belt” concept) mapped to ISO/TC 211 approaches.
- Album/dataset and metadata - recommends modeling album and dataset structure as application schemas (ISO 19109) and reusing metadata elements from ISO 19115‑1.
- Encoding rules & implementation readiness - analysis of encoding implications and recommendations to prepare models for model-driven implementation; consistency checks (e.g., unique IDs) should be derived from UML model reports.
Applications and users
ISO/TR 19169:2021 is practical for:
- Map producers and navigation-data suppliers (e.g., TomTom, HERE) seeking harmonized exchange formats with authorities and OEMs.
- Automotive manufacturers and AD/ADAS system integrators needing consistent map/context data for connected and automated vehicles.
- Mapping and road authorities, transport agencies that exchange or validate road-network and traffic-related geospatial data.
- Standards developers and system architects (ISO/TC 204 and ISO/TC 211 stakeholders) planning application schemas and interoperability strategies.
- Geospatial software implementers preparing model-driven implementations that must bridge GDF and ISO 19100 family models.
Related standards
ISO/TR 19169:2021 is a practical roadmap for harmonizing domain-specific GDF models with the ISO 19100 conceptual framework to reduce conversion complexity, improve interoperability and support robust map-data exchange for transport and automated-vehicle ecosystems.