TS ISO 19104

TS ISO 19104 is a terminology standard for the collection, management, and publication of terminology in geographic information. It supports a common technical language for concepts such as maps, location data, coordinate systems, spatial objects, and the relationships between them. In a field where many organisations exchange data and documentation, consistent terminology helps reduce ambiguity and improve interoperability.

How the terminology framework is organised

The standard covers concept selection and harmonisation, development of concept systems, the structure and content of terminological entries, term selection, definition drafting, cultural and linguistic adaptation, and layout and formatting requirements in rendered documents. It also addresses the establishment and management of terminology registers. In practice, this means the focus is not just on words, but on how concepts are defined, related, recorded, and presented in a controlled way.

Why this matters in geographic information

GENERAL TECHNICAL CONTEXT: Geographic information terminology underpins the creation, exchange, and maintenance of spatial data standards. When different bodies use different labels for the same concept, misunderstandings can arise in specifications, datasets, and translations. Well-managed terminological resources make it easier to align definitions across languages and to maintain consistency across standards documents. TS ISO 19104 is intended to support terminology work used in International Standards and Technical Specifications within the geographic information domain.

• Concept selection and harmonisation
• Structure and content of terminological entries
• Term selection and definition preparation
• Cultural and linguistic adaptation
• Layout and formatting of published documents
• Establishment and management of terminology registers