ISO 23629-7-2021 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 23629-7:2021 — UAS traffic management (UTM) — Part 7: Data model for spatial data. This international standard defines a data model for geospatial information intended for use between UAS service providers, UAS operators and UTM systems; it specifies names and structure of items for spatial data relevant to UTM but does not define communication architectures or actor responsibilities.

Abstract

This document specifies the data model related to various spatial information for common use between the UAS service provider and systems for operation control (UTM). It standardizes item names and logical structure for map layers, obstacle data, virtual/operational geometry and dynamic geospatial information (for example meteorological or moving traffic data), while excluding protocol, message transport and assignment of responsibilities.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 2021-09 (published 29 September 2021 / samples list 2021-09).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.020 (Aircraft and space vehicles — general).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2021).
• Number of pages: 26 pages (official ISO pagination).

Scope

ISO 23629-7:2021 defines a machine- and human-readable data model for spatial information used in UAS Traffic Management (UTM). The standard organizes spatial data into layered categories (base map/topography, static obstacles, virtual operational geometry such as no-fly zones and routes, and dynamic data like weather or moving traffic), and lists item names, attributes and expected semantics for those items. It does not prescribe network protocols, API technologies, message transport, or responsibility/allocation of data production — those are left to implementers and other parts of the ISO 23629 series.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined data model and item naming for geospatial information used in UTM operations.
• Four-layer conceptual organization: map/topography, obstacle features, virtual operational data (zones/routes), and time-varying dynamic data.
• Attribute sets and semantics for common elements (e.g., feature identifiers, geometry types, vertical limits, metadata for source and currency).
• Interoperability focus to enable common understanding between UAS service providers, UTM systems and operators.
• Explicit exclusion of communication architecture, message transport formats and assignment of actor responsibilities.
• Intended to be implementable by GIS vendors, UTM service providers and system integrators as a normative reference for data exchange.

Typical use and users

Used by UTM service providers, UAS operators, unmanned aircraft system integrators, GIS and mapping vendors, air navigation service providers, regulatory bodies and system architects to standardize geospatial inputs and outputs for UTM functions (e.g., route planning, geofencing, obstacle databases and situational awareness). Implementers use the data model as a basis for internal schemas, API payload definitions and data quality/metadata requirements.

Related standards

ISO 23629-7 is part of the ISO 23629 UAS Traffic Management (UTM) series. Related publications in the series include ISO/TR 23629‑1 (survey/background), ISO 23629‑5 (UTM functional structure), ISO 23629‑8 (remote identification), ISO 23629‑9 (interface between UTM service providers and users), and ISO 23629‑12 (requirements for UTM service providers); other parts and work items are in development to cover functional requirements, interfaces and operational requirements. Implementers should consider the relevant parts of the 23629 series together when designing UTM solutions.

Keywords

UAS traffic management, UTM, data model, spatial data, geospatial, geodata, geofencing, obstacles, virtual zones, dynamic data, interoperability, ISO 23629, unmanned aircraft systems.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 23629-7:2021 is an international standard that specifies a data model for spatial/geospatial information intended for use in UAS Traffic Management (UTM) systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the logical structure, item names and semantics for spatial data used in UTM — including base maps, obstacles, virtual operational geometries (zones, routes) and time-varying dynamic data (e.g., weather). It does not cover communication protocols, transport formats or assignment of responsibilities.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: UTM service providers, UAS operators, GIS/mapping vendors, system integrators, regulators and ANSPs use it to harmonize spatial data exchanged or ingested by UTM functions.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published in September 2021, ISO 23629-7:2021 is the current first edition for Part 7. Users should check the ISO catalog or national standards bodies for any amendments or newer editions before relying on the text for compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one part of the ISO 23629 series on UAS Traffic Management (UTM). Other parts address functional architecture, functional structure, remote identification, provider/user interfaces and provider requirements; the series is intended to be used together for complete UTM system specification.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: UTM, UAS traffic management, data model, spatial data, geospatial, obstacles, geofencing, dynamic data, interoperability, ISO 23629.