ISO 6709-2022 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 6709:2022 — Standard representation of geographic point location by coordinates. Specifies machine- and human-oriented text representations of geographic point coordinates (latitude, longitude and optionally height/depth and time) and requires unambiguous reference-system identification to support data interchange and compatibility with previous editions of ISO 6709.

Abstract

This International Standard defines the representation of latitude and longitude and, where applicable, height or depth. It also supports other coordinate types and the inclusion of time when associated with those coordinates. The standard describes a text-string format suitable for electronic data exchange for a single point (including CRS identification) and a simpler text-string form intended for improved human readability; files containing multiple points with a single common CRS identification are out of scope.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 2022-09 (third edition, 2022).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 35.240.70 (Geographic information / Geomatics).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (ISO 6709:2022).
• Number of pages: 35 pages (standard document).

Scope

Applies to the interchange and textual representation of coordinates that describe a single geographic point location. The standard provides machine-oriented and human-readable text-string formats, specifies how to include an explicit coordinate reference system identifier so the coordinates unambiguously identify the point, and indicates that files containing multiple points sharing a single CRS identifier are outside its scope. It is intended to maintain compatibility with previous editions while extending support to other coordinate types and time values associated with coordinates.

Key topics and requirements

• Standard text-string format(s) for representing a single point's coordinates suitable for electronic data exchange.
• Optional inclusion of vertical coordinate (height or depth) and of time associated with the coordinate.
• Requirement to include coordinate reference system identification to ensure unambiguous location interpretation.
• Provision of a simpler, human-readable string format for display and manual use.
• Compatibility and backwards-awareness with previous ISO 6709 editions (1983, 2008) while updating representation rules.

Typical use and users

Intended for use by GIS and geospatial software developers, data exchange service providers, surveying and mapping organizations, navigation and positioning system vendors, government agencies publishing location data, emergency-response and location-based service providers, and standards/metadata authors who must represent point locations unambiguously in text or data interchange formats. Implementers use the standard to ensure consistent textual encoding of coordinates and explicit CRS identification across systems.

Related standards

ISO 6709:2022 supersedes ISO 6709:2008 and the earlier ISO 6709:1983 editions and corrigendum; it is related to other ISO/TC 211 geographic information standards such as ISO 19111 (reference systems) for CRS definitions and identifiers. National/adopted versions and EN/identical adoptions (for example INCITS/ISO 6709 and EN ISO 6709) reflect the identical text in regional catalogs.

Keywords

geographic coordinates, latitude, longitude, altitude, height, depth, coordinate reference system, CRS identification, coordinate string, data interchange, ISO 6709.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 6709:2022 is the third-edition international standard that specifies how to represent a geographic point location by coordinates in text form for both machine and human consumption.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers textual representations of latitude and longitude and optionally height/depth and time, formats suitable for electronic interchange for a single point, and the inclusion of coordinate reference system identification to ensure unambiguous interpretation. It also provides a simpler human-readable string format. Files containing multiple points with a single common CRS identification are out of scope.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: GIS and mapping software developers, data publishers, surveyors, navigation and positioning system implementers, standards authors, and organizations exchanging geospatial point data use ISO 6709 to ensure consistent textual coordinate representation.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 6709:2022 is the current edition (published 2022) and supersedes ISO 6709:2008 and earlier editions/corrigenda.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is the third edition in the ISO 6709 series (previous editions in 1983 and 2008). It is also aligned with the suite of ISO/TC 211 geographic information standards (for example ISO 19111 for coordinate reference systems).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Geographic coordinates, latitude, longitude, altitude/height, depth, CRS, coordinate string, data interchange, human-readable coordinate format.