This paper reviews the potential of the first international release of the Geographic Data Files (GDF) standard for the ITS industry. This standard, version GDF 4.0 created by a ISO/TC204 Working Group 3, represents harmonized, application-independent global specifications for the modeling of geographic information for high-end map-dependent ITS applications and services, serving requirements of in-vehicle navigation, dynamic route guidance, location-based services (LBS), fleet management, public transport, road administration, etc. Through its extensive dictionary of standardized semantic definitions, GDF 4.0 forms an excellent foundation for interoperability between map-based ITS applications and services. In a situation where map data requirements of modern ITS applications are ever growing, while the room to pay for this data and the associated data handling increases at a far less rapid pace, GDF will continue its role as vehicle to share map data costs between applications and to minimize data handling costs by providing a uniform physical basis for map data processing. Ongoing developments and convergence efforts with related technology will ensure that GDF remains state-of-the-art, i.e. a clear conceptual base for the sharing of map data between systems.
Abstract