Do ISO standards include domains for datasets?

ISO standards related to geographic information, such as ISO 19115, indeed play a critical role in defining the structure and format used for datasets, particularly in the context of metadata. These standards provide systematic guidelines to ensure consistency, reliability, and quality of geographic datasets, which are essential for interoperability and data sharing across different platforms and organizations.

In this context, the statement about specifying required data formats aligns with the core purpose of ISO standards to provide a framework that can be universally applied. By standardizing the data formats, ISO ensures that datasets can be understood and utilized by various systems and users without confusion or misinterpretation. This requirement for data formats is crucial for enhancing data exchange and usability in GIS environments.

Regarding the other options, the idea that ISO only focuses on data structure misses the broader context of how datasets are utilized. Merely having a structured approach without addressing the format would limit its effectiveness. The perspective that ISO standards are purely informational overlooks their practical application in setting specifications that directly impact how data is recorded and exchanged. Lastly, mentioning that domains are included as optional doesn't reflect the fact that while domains may not always be dictated explicitly, the overall framework provided by ISO does guide how domains—variables that constrain the permissible values for attributes—can be