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In order for different geodata actors to be able to exchange data smoothly, standards, rules and guidelines are needed. Here we describe what a standard is and the benefits it can provide. We provide an overview of existing geodata standards and how they can be used. We also describe terms and concepts and put the geodata standards into context.
What is a standard?
A standard is an agreement to solve common and recurring needs. The purpose of a standard can for example be to:
- speak the same language, to understand each other
- make things "fit together"
- be able to exchange information with each other
There are:
- Formal standards as well as technical specifications and technical reports from SIS (Swedish Institute for Standards) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization). These standards are developed through broad stakeholder participation, consensus and influence in an open process. Laws may refer to formal standards.
- Informal standards e.g. from the OGC (Open Geospatial Consortium), as well as more specific standards developed by various stakeholders.
- Specifications which are documents that state requirements (according to ISO 9000). Specifications are used in various contexts and describe how, for example, information, products, services and processes should be designed.
It is possible to standardize everything: terms, information, processes, criteria, etc. For geodata, it is almost exclusively terms and information that are standardized.
What is the use of standards?
Standards can contribute to a more efficient way of working by avoiding misunderstandings, increasing quality and safety, and avoiding repeatedly reinventing the wheel.
Within the geodata domain, the benefit is above all being able to exchange information in a uniform way where all parties agree on content and structure, to receive information about what a data set contains and what it can be used for, and to be of support in various procurements. This means that society gets a more efficient handling of geodata, which is also beneficial for the citizens.
Lantmäteriet’s coordination responsibility
Lantmäteriet leads the national coordination of standardization in the geodata domain. The work includes being chairperson and participating in the technical committee SIS/TK 323 Geodata.
TK 323 is responsible for:
- capture requirements for standardized geodata
- influence international standardization
- influence national standardization and development of Swedish guidelines
- promote the use of standards by making available, simplify, educate and support
Lantmäteriet, in its role as coordinator, must:
- ensure the participation of various geodata actors
- be the point of contact for SIS
- participate in the technical committee ISO/TC 211 Geographic information/Geomatics
- be the point of contact for the Swedish Armed Forces regarding standardization
Who do we address?
We address people and organizations in the geodata domain who:
- wants to exchange data with other organizations
- wants to understand the benefits of standards
- uses geodata standards
- participates in national standardization work.
Related information
Here is a collection of links relevant to this site.
Access to standards and lists
- Overview guide on geodata standards (in Swedish, new window), with purpose and area of use (Swedish Institute for Standards, SIS)
- List of geodata standards (SIS) (in Swedish, new window)
- OBP (Online Browsing Platform) (new window), a search service for standards and terms (International Organization for Standardization, ISO)
- Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards (new window)
Terms and concepts
- Web-based tutorial (new window) in Swedish for the standard Geographic information - Data quality (ISO 19157:2013)
- Geografisk Informationsbehandling (new window) (Geographic information processing), book in Swedish, editor Lars Harrie, ISBN 978-91-44-08877-8
- HMK Ordlista (pdf, new window) (glossary) describes terms that are used in HMK, a guidance for measurement and mapping issues. These are digital guidelines in Swedish for professional geodata collection, geodetic surveying and cartography.
- HMK Geodatakvalitet (pdf, new window) (geodata quality) describes in Swedish the concept of geodata quality and a number of methods for controlling geodata quality.
Organizations
- SIS (Swedish Institute for Standards), technical committee TK/323 Geodata (new window)
- ISO (International Organization for Standardization), Technical Committee TC/211 Geographic information/ Geomatics (new window)
- Information on the EU's INSPIRE directivewith implementing regulations (EU) (new window)
Other relevant tutorials and the like
- Description of INSPIRE and Lantmäteriet's coordination of INSPIRE
- INSPIRE Generic Conceptual Model (new window), a framework for all spatial data themes included in INSPIRE (EU)
- Geodataportalen (new window) (the geodata portal), where Sweden's geodata and services in INSPIRE are available.