This course is an introduction to recent international standards in the
Geomatics/Geographic Information field. They address different aspects of geomatics,
from data acquisition to their distribution and increase the interoperability between
systems and data. This course focuses on the two principal sets of international
standards in the field: the ISO 19100 series (TC 211) and the Open Geospatial
Consortium (OGC) specifications. These standards are of great interest for both
industry and governmental agencies that are trying to adapt their current processes
according to these new standards.

This tutorial presents the basic concepts on geographic information standards
(introduction on standards and more specifically the ISO/TC211 Geomatics standards).
This course is intended for people who want to get a general knowledge of
international standards in geographic information, understanding their use and the
aspects they cover.

Some general knowledge issues, prior to the comprehension of standards (e.g. UML),
are examined in order to provide participants with a sufficient background, allowing
them to pursue their study of standards beyond the course.

At the end of this course, participants will understand the general structure of the
ISO/TC 211 and OGC standards as well as their relations and understand the role and
the underlying general concepts of each of the ISO/TC 211 and OGC standards.

This session is a part of a larger course program (see: http://geosoa.scg.ulaval.ca)
on International Standards developped by Natural Resources Canada and University
Laval with the contribution of Centre de recherche de la Défense-Valcartier, Réseau
GEOIDE, Pêches et Océans Canada, Centre de développement de la géomatique.

A similar tutorial has already been held during the ISO/TC 211 21st Plenary and
associated meetings on September 12, 2005 in Montreal, Canada.