ISO 19109-2015 PDF
Name in English:
St ISO 19109-2015
Name in Russian:
Ст ISO 19109-2015
Original standard ISO 19109-2015 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
St ISO 19109-2015 — Geographic information — Rules for application schema. This International Standard specifies rules and conventions for creating and documenting application schemas (conceptual models) for geographic information, including principles for defining features and their properties.
Abstract
ISO 19109:2015 defines the rules for application schemas used in geographic information modelling: conceptual modelling of features and properties from a universe of discourse; definition and documentation of application schemas; use of a conceptual schema language (e.g., UML) for application schemas; transition from conceptual model concepts to data types; and integration of standardized schemas from other ISO geographic information standards. The standard also lists items that are outside its scope (for example, implementation-level programming and specific application-schema implementations).
General information
- Status: Withdrawn / superseded (see replacement edition).
- Publication date: 2015-12 (Edition 2, published late 2015).
- Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO), developed by ISO/TC 211.
- ICS / categories: 35.240.70 (IT applications in science — including digital geographic information).
- Edition / version: Edition 2 (2015).
- Number of pages: 91 pages (ISO published pagination for the 2015 edition).
Scope
The standard provides rules for creating and documenting application schemas for geographic information: conceptual modelling of features and their properties, definition of application schemas, rules for using a conceptual schema language (not mandating a single language), mapping of conceptual concepts to data types, and guidance for integrating standardized ISO geographic schemas. Excluded are implementation-level details, programming, metadata representation, and detailed rules for mapping one application schema to another.
Key topics and requirements
- General Feature Model (GFM) concepts and the principles for defining feature types and properties.
- Rules for expressing application schemas using a conceptual schema language (examples and conventions for UML).
- Conformance classes and requirements for application schemas (presentation of rules, identifiers, descriptions).
- Guidance on transitioning from conceptual model elements to concrete data types and on integrating other ISO geographic schemas.
- Considerations for temporal and spatial aspects, coverages and observations (scope notes and conformance constraints).
- Support for profiling standard schemas, code lists, and multi‑lingual considerations for application schemas.
Typical use and users
Used by geospatial data modelers, GIS architects, standards experts, national mapping agencies, software vendors implementing interoperable data models, and organizations producing feature/catalogue specifications. Practitioners consult ISO 19109 when designing application schemas to ensure consistency, interoperability and conformance with ISO geographic-information family standards.
Related standards
Closely related ISO standards include: ISO 19101 (Reference model), ISO 19103 (Conceptual schema language), ISO 19107 (Spatial schema), ISO 19115 (Metadata), ISO 19156 (Observations and measurements), ISO 19157 (Data quality), and other parts of the ISO 19100 series. ISO 19109:2015 has subsequently been revised by ISO 19109:2025 (new edition covering the General Feature Model and updated rules).
Keywords
application schema, conceptual schema, general feature model, GFM, geographic information, UML, feature model, ISO/TC 211, schema profiling, interoperability, spatial schema.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ISO 19109:2015 is an ISO International Standard titled "Geographic information — Rules for application schema" that defines rules and conventions for creating and documenting application schemas (conceptual models) for geographic information.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers conceptual modelling of features and properties, rules for defining application schemas, use of a conceptual schema language (examples for UML), mapping to data types, and integration with other ISO geographic information schemas; it does not define software implementations or specific application schemas.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Geospatial data modelers, GIS software developers, standards bodies, national mapping and cadastral agencies, and data custodians creating or validating application schemas for interoperability.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: The 2015 edition has been superseded; ISO published a later edition (ISO 19109:2025) that updates and replaces the 2015 text. Users should consult the 2025 edition for the currently valid rules.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: Yes — ISO 19109 is part of the ISO 19100 family (geographic information standards) and is intended to work alongside other parts such as ISO 19101, ISO 19103, ISO 19107, ISO 19115, ISO 19156 and ISO 19157.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: application schema; conceptual model; General Feature Model (GFM); UML; feature definition; geographic information; schema profiling; interoperability.