Towards interoperable geo-information standards: A comparison of reference models for geo-spatial information

Based on the well-established Open Systems Environment framework, this article critically compares important functional and proposed geo-spatial information standards with respect to their purpose, their statutory nature, and the data models they support. The author provides additional insights by linking characteristics of these standards to their architects and the interest groups they serve. The article demonstrates, how in spite of their very diverse origins, the newer generation of geo-information standards is moving towards a common understanding of interoperability that extends previous concepts of mere data exchange.