Global Sourcebook for International Data Management

                                         by Graham Rhind

Standards and coding systems

A number of standards and coding systems exist to aid in the processing and outputting of name and address data. For an updated list of URLs please refer to http://www.grcdi.nl/linksotho.htm .

Global

• GCA/Idealliance Address Data Interchange Specification (ADIS). A standard for the exchange of address data using XML, with templates for output for mailing.

• HR-XML Consortium Cross-Process Objects Schemas. A standard for the exchange of postal address data using XML.

• ISO 19112. This defines the conceptual schema for spatial references based on geographic identifiers. It establishes a general model for spatial referencing using geographic identifiers, defines the components of a spatial reference system and defines the essential components of a gazetteer. Spatial referencing by coordinates is not addressed in this document; however, a mechanism for recording complementary coordinate references is included.

• ISO 3166. Codes for the representation of names of countries and their subdivisions

• ISO/TS 15000-5. Electronic Business Extensible Markup Language (ebXML) standard for exchange of business information between enterprises, government agencies and/or other organisations.

• MEDICI (Mails Electronic Data Interchange and Customs Integration). Electronic interface standard between postal and customs authorities.

• OASIS TC Name and Address Standard (xNAL). Postal address and personal name XML data exchange standard.

• SAIF (Standard Relationship Data Interchange Format). Developed by Human Inference. Possibly defunct.

• Universal Postal Union (UPU) S42. This standard, intended mainly for postal agencies, provides international address formats for a limited number of countries in one computer language. Incoming data which has been split into the component parts of an address for any country can be put through an S42 template to be output in the correct format for the country concerned. Facilitates the exchange of name and address data between postal authorities, businesses, mailers and other organisations, incorporating the elements and templates from the S42 standard. Still under development.

National

Australia

• AS 4590. This standard outlines rules for the exchange of information between organisations, including names and addresses.

• AS/NZS 4819. Rural and urban addressing standard. A standard targeted at local government responsible for assigning addresses and thoroughfare names. Provides users with the requirements for assigning addresses, naming roads, and defining localities.

France

• AFNOR XP Z10-011. Specifications for postal address data exchange and use on mailings.

New Zealand

• AS/NZS 4819. Rural and urban addressing standard. A standard targeted at local government responsible for assigning addresses and thoroughfare names. Provides users with the requirements for assigning addresses, naming roads, and defining localities.

South Africa

• SANS 1833. Guidelines for the data format of addresses; for addresses in databases, data transfer, exchange and interoperability; and for address allocation and updates.

United Kingdom

• BS 7666-0. Defines the essential components of a gazetteer of geographic locations and provides a general model of spatial references based upon named spatial units. It defines the attributes of each geographic location to be recorded in a gazetteer, and the metadata associated with the gazetteer.

• United Kingdom GovTalk Address and Personal Details Fragment. Guidelines for the exchange of address data with government departments. Under test.

Every effort is made to keep this resource updated. If you find any errors, or have any questions or requests, please don't hesitate to contact the author.

All information copyright Graham Rhind 2024. Any information used should be acknowledged and referenced.