What is BS EN ISO 19117:2012?

BS EN ISO 19117:2012 is a technical standard that provides guidelines for defining and representing geographic features and their attributes. It is part of the ISO 19100 series, which aims to establish a framework for the consistent use, sharing, and management of geographic information.

of BS EN ISO 19117:2012

BS EN ISO 19117:2012 focuses on the definition and representation of geographic features through the use of feature catalogues. Feature catalogues provide a standardized way of describing the characteristics and behavior of geographic features, allowing for interoperability and consistency across different geospatial systems and applications.

The standard defines various components of feature catalogues, including feature types, attributes, associations, and constraints. It specifies how these components should be organized and described using a conceptual schema language, such as the Unified Modeling Language (UML).

Benefits and Applications

BS EN ISO 19117:2012 has several benefits and applications in the field of geospatial information management. Firstly, it enables efficient data integration and sharing by establishing a common language and structure for describing geographic features. This facilitates interoperability between different datasets and systems, making it easier to combine and analyze spatial data from various sources.

The standard also supports the development of more effective and user-friendly geospatial applications. By providing clear guidelines for defining and representing geographic features, it helps developers create intuitive and consistent user interfaces. Furthermore, it improves data quality and accuracy by promoting standardized data models and validation rules.

Challenges and Future Developments

While BS EN ISO 19117:2012 has been widely adopted and proven to be beneficial, there are still challenges and areas for improvement. One challenge is the maintenance and updating of feature catalogues, as new feature types and attributes continue to emerge with advances in technology and data collection methods.

In addition, there is a need to ensure compatibility and alignment with other international standards, such as the OGC Simple Feature Specification. Harmonization efforts are ongoing to address these challenges and promote interoperability between different standards and specifications.

Looking ahead, future developments in BS EN ISO 19117:2012 may include incorporating advancements in semantic web technologies, enabling more intelligent querying and processing of geospatial data. The standard will continue to play a crucial role in guiding the development and implementation of geospatial information systems worldwide.