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3. ISO 19170-4 Geographic information — Discrete Global Grid Systems Specifications — Part 4: Axis-aligned DGGS RS

ISO 19170-4
Working Group 9
Reference	Status/Date	Name	WG
ISO 19170-4	Under development	Geographic information — Discrete Global Grid Systems Specifications — Part 4: Axis-aligned DGGS RS	9

 

Scope

Axis aligned (AA) is a new DGGS classification standard, which can be defined according to whether it is parallel to the coordinate axis of the existing geographic information coordinate system. The purpose of this classification method is to determine whether the division of a specific dimensional space by a given DGGS is orthogonal. AA classified DGGS from the perspective of coordinate reference system and describes a way to define DGGS from coordinate reference system. This standard does not specify any specific AA DGGS model, basic coordinate reference system or coordinate reference system category, but is intended to allow a range of options to produce AA DGGS with compatible and interoperable function features. This standard also describes the relationship between AA DGGS and other types of DGGS, as well as the basic principles and ideas of mutual conversion and interoperability between different types of AA DGGS.

 

Document Normative References:

ISO 19107:2019, Geographic information — Spatial schema

ISO 19111:2019, Geographic information —  Referencing by coordinates

ISO 19112:2019, Geographic information — Spatial referencing by geographic identifiers

ISO 19115-1:2014/Amd 2:2020, Geographic information — Metadata — Part 1: Fundamentals — Amendment 2

ISO 19123-1:2023, Geographic information — Schema for coverage geometry and functions — Part 1: Fundamentals

ISO 19156:2023, Geographic information — Observations, measurements and samples

ISO 19170-1:2021, Geographic information — Discrete Global Grid Systems Specifications — Part 1: Core Reference System and Operations, and Equal Area Earth Reference System

 

Referenced from active ISO/TC 211 standard:

 

Model References:

 

Useful Links:

2023 Jeonju Standard in Action presentation -Telecommunication Spatial DGGS Coding Rule : Fusion of Equal Area DGGS and Axis Aligned DGGS Presentation - Recording

 

Supporting the following Sustainable Development Goals:

	(Indirect support) ISO 19170‑4 enables interoperable and scalable digital geospatial infrastructure by defining consistent DGGS reference systems. This reduces technical barriers, supports innovation, and facilitates the development of compatible, data‑driven systems across sectors and platforms.
	(Indirect support) By supporting consistent integration and analysis of spatial data such as land use, transport, population, and environmental information, the standard enables more coherent urban and regional data frameworks. This indirectly supports urban planning, resilience, and coordination across agencies and jurisdictions.
Additional
	(Indirect support) DGGS‑based reference systems enable consistent global analysis of climate‑related data, including temperature, emissions, and hazards. This supports climate monitoring, modeling, and evidence‑based decision‑making at local, national, and global levels.
	(Indirect support) Through interoperable geospatial reference systems that can be applied consistently across countries and organizations, ISO 19170‑4 facilitates data sharing, collaboration, and coordinated international action.