SAE J1663-2019 PDF

Full title and description

SAE J1663-2019 — Truth-in-Labeling Standard for Navigation Map Databases. This SAE International standard defines truth-in-labeling principles and required declarations for digital navigation/map database content to help users understand scope, currency, and limitations of map data.

Abstract

SAE J1663-2019 is a truth-in-labeling standard intended for navigation map databases. It specifies how producers should label and describe the content and limits of a navigation map database so that downstream users (OEMs, service providers, regulators and end users) can make informed decisions about fitness-for-purpose and data quality.

General information

• Status: Current (stabilized as of publication).
• Publication date: October 2, 2019 (2019-10-02).
• Publisher: SAE International (Society of Automotive Engineers).
• ICS / categories: Classified under general standards for maps and geographic information / transport and related ITS cartographic topics (relevant ICS headings include generalities/terminology and geographic/geodetic categories).
• Edition / version: SAE J1663-2019 (revises and replaces SAE J1663, 1995 edition).
• Number of pages: 22 pages (typical published PDF length).

Scope

Defines truth-in-labeling requirements for navigation map databases: the minimum descriptive information, labeling conventions and declarations (for example geographic coverage, currency/date, known limitations, feature coverage and applicable metadata) that a map-database producer should supply to accurately inform users of data content and constraints. The document is intended for map database producers, integrators and system designers who need to communicate dataset fitness-for-use.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology for map-database labeling and metadata.
• Required descriptive fields to declare geographic coverage and scale/resolution.
• Statements of data currency (dates of creation, updates, and known staleness).
• Declarations of known limitations, omissions and use constraints (e.g., coverage gaps, positional accuracy limits).
• Versioning and change-history information to support traceability and updates.
• Guidance on how truth-in-labeling aids interoperability and user safety for navigation systems.

Typical use and users

Used by digital map/database producers, automotive OEMs integrating navigation systems, telematics and mobility service providers, ITS integrators, procurement and regulatory bodies assessing dataset claims, and QA teams responsible for verifying dataset metadata and consumer-facing labeling. The standard supports procurement, integration and consumer transparency for navigation products.

Related standards

Related SAE and ITS standards addressing map data, location referencing and ITS messaging are commonly used in conjunction with J1663 (examples include SAE location- and ITS-related J-series documents and other cartographic/ITS specifications). SAE J1663-2019 explicitly replaces the 1995 edition; related mapping and ITS standards and recommended practices complement J1663 for data format, transfer and messaging.

Keywords

navigation map database, truth-in-labeling, map metadata, data currency, geographic coverage, SAE J1663, map database labeling, navigation data quality

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: SAE J1663-2019 is the Truth-in-Labeling Standard for Navigation Map Databases, a short SAE standard that specifies how map-database producers should label and describe their content so users understand coverage and limitations.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers required labeling and descriptive information for navigation/map databases — e.g., geographic extent, update/currency dates, feature coverage, known limitations, and versioning that together support honest, machine- and human-readable dataset declarations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Map/data producers, OEMs, telematics and navigation integrators, ITS system designers, procurement officers, and QA/regulatory personnel who need consistent, auditable dataset labeling and declarations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2019 edition (SAE J1663-2019) is the current, stabilized edition as published in October 2019; it supersedes the 1995 edition. Users should check for any amendments or later revisions before relying on the standard for compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: J1663 belongs to SAE's J-series ground-vehicle/ITS-related standards family and is typically used alongside other SAE J-series and ITS mapping/location standards and recommended practices.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Navigation map database, truth-in-labeling, metadata, data currency, geographic coverage, map database labeling.