Iso 19115 2Edit

ISO 19115-2, the extension for imagery and gridded data, is a part of the broader ISO 19115 family that defines metadata for geographic information. As an extension to the core ISO 19115 model, ISO 19115-2 adds domain-specific elements that describe imagery (such as aerial and satellite photography) and gridded data (rasters and related products) in a way that supports discovery, evaluation, and stewardship across diverse data producers and users. ISO 19115 Geographic information Metadata

From a practical, market-friendly perspective, metadata standards like ISO 19115-2 serve as a backbone for efficient data sharing and reuse. Well-structured metadata lowers transaction costs for data users, reduces duplication of effort, and clarifies licensing and usage rights. This alignment with open standards is typically seen as a way to unlock private-sector data value, accelerate innovation, and improve public-sector decision-making while preserving accountability and traceability in data production. Open standards Data governance Geospatial data

Overview

Purpose and scope

ISO 19115-2 provides a framework to describe imagery and gridded data in terms that are consistent with ISO 19115’s core concepts, while introducing domain-specific context. It supports metadata about sensor characteristics, acquisition geometry, processing history, radiometric and geometric quality, data quality reporting, licensing, and distribution terms. The goal is to enable reliable data discovery and interoperability across organizations, systems, and jurisdictions. Imagery Gridded data Sensor

Core concepts

Resource information and identification: what the data are, where they come from, and who produced them. Resource information
Data quality and lineage: how data were measured, processed, and validated. Data quality
Acquisition and processing metadata: sensor details, platform, timing, processing steps, and versioning. Processing history
Rights and distribution: licensing, restrictions, and terms of use. Licensing

Domain-specific content

The extension adds element sets that make it easier to capture imagery-specific or gridded data-specific attributes without forcing users to retrofit generic metadata. This supports better cataloging and more precise data discovery in environments where imagery, satellite data, and raster products are central. Imagery Gridded data

Technical framework

Data model and encoding

ISO 19115-2 builds on the ISO 19115 core model and aligns with related metadata standards, often expressed in machine-readable formats such as XML or JSON encoding schemas derived from ISO 19139. It emphasizes a balance between human-readable documentation and machine-interpretable metadata to support automated cataloging and data pipelines. ISO 19139 XML JSON

Extensibility and conformance

As with other ISO metadata standards, ISO 19115-2 is designed to be extensible, allowing organizations to add domain-specific elements while maintaining compatibility with established metadata tooling. Conformance options help agencies and vendors assess whether their data products meet required descriptive criteria. Extensibility Conformance testing

Compliance landscape

Many national mapping agencies and regional data hubs adopt ISO 19115-2 as part of broader metadata policies that aim to harmonize how imagery and gridded data are described. This supports cross-border sharing while preserving local sovereignty over how data are described and licensed. National Spatial Data Infrastructure Data policy

Implementation and adoption

Adoption landscape

Public sector bodies, research institutions, and private-sector data providers use ISO 19115-2 to describe imagery and raster data in catalogs and discovery services. The standard complements other governance frameworks and interoperability efforts, such as those led by OGC and its web services for geospatial data. OGC Geospatial data catalog

Software and communities

Major GIS platforms and data portals incorporate ISO 19115-2 metadata support, enabling users to publish, search, and retrieve imagery and gridded products with richer context. This reduces friction for users seeking to integrate diverse datasets into decision-support workflows. Software ecosystems commonly linked to metadata practices include QGIS, ArcGIS, and various open-source and commercial tools. QGIS ArcGIS

National and international implications

A pragmatic, center-ground approach to metadata emphasizes reliability, cost efficiency, and proportionality. Proponents argue that metadata standards should prioritize critical descriptive elements and avoid imposing unnecessary complication on smaller organizations or on datasets where metadata costs would outweigh benefit. They also stress that metadata sovereignty and security considerations matter when datasets cross borders or are used in sensitive applications. Data sovereignty Open data

Controversies and debates

Regulatory burden vs. market efficiency

Critics note that comprehensive metadata requirements can raise compliance costs, particularly for small entities or modest projects. Advocates of a lean approach argue that a core, minimally viable metadata set can deliver most of the benefits without stifling innovation or imposing excessive bureaucracy. The right-of-center viewpoint typically favors clear, defensible requirements that are strictly necessary for interoperability and accountability, rather than broad, one-size-fits-all mandates. Small business Regulation

Open standards versus national control

Supporters of open standards contend that they prevent vendor lock-in, encourage competition, and improve interoperability. Critics worry about overstandardization eroding national scanning, sensing, or security priorities. The practical stance is to maintain robust open standards while allowing domain-specific adaptations to reflect legitimate local needs and licensing regimes. Vendor lock-in Open standards

Data governance, privacy, and security

Metadata can reveal operational details about data collection and distribution. Proponents argue that transparent metadata improves accountability and reuse; skeptics worry about overexposure, sensitive geospatial information, and potential misuse. A measured approach emphasizes risk-aware metadata practices and targeted safeguards within the broader data governance framework. Privacy Security

Debate over “woke” criticisms (where applicable)

Some conversations around metadata standards touch on broader governance ideologies about inclusivity and process. From a practical vantage point, the core aim of ISO 19115-2 is to enable reliable discovery and use of imagery and gridded data; arguments that these standards are instruments of broader social objectives are often seen as tangential to the technical merits and economic efficiencies of interoperable data. Supporters emphasize that technical interoperability and economic value should drive standardization, while acknowledging legitimate concerns about governance and access. Open data Data governance