New ISO standard targets construction’s data divide

A new industry standard, ISO/TS 15143-4, aims to streamline how construction project data moves from the office to the jobsite. Image: Adobe Stock

Known as ‘Part 4: Worksite topographical data’ within the ISO 15143 series, the standard focuses on improving the transfer of design files and site calibration data from office teams to machines in the field. The goal is to ensure crews have accurate, up-to-date information regardless of equipment brand or technology provider.

A key feature is said to be interoperability across mixed fleets – a critical issue for contractors using both owned and rented equipment, often with embedded technology from multiple vendors. By enabling data to flow seamlessly between different systems, the standard is designed to reduce friction, improve efficiency and help projects stay on schedule.

Scott Crozier, vice president, civil construction field systems at Trimble, said the initiative is focused on removing barriers between design and execution.

“For operators, true interoperability means eliminating the friction between the design and the dirt, ensuring mixed fleets operate as a single, cohesive system,” he said. “By aligning around shared data standards, we’re setting the foundation for seamless connectivity and more agile, technology-enabled construction for years to come.”

The framework is also intended to encourage wider collaboration between contractors and project partners working within different technology ecosystems, without forcing standardisation on a single vendor.

Nick Bollweg, manager of emerging solutions at John Deere and convenor of the ISO Working Group that developed the standard, said the effort reflects broad industry cooperation.

“This standard is the result of tremendous collaboration across many industry stakeholders, who were all motivated by a desire to improve efficiencies for our industry,” he said, adding that compliant solutions could improve asset utilisation and make it easier for contractors and rental companies to coordinate across complex projects.

Future updates to the ISO 15143 series are expected to expand interoperability further, including enabling field-to-office data flows such as as-built information. Participants are anticipated to release ISO-compliant solutions by the end of 2026.

Members of the ISO Working Group that worked on Part 4 include: Arkance Systems, Carlson, Caterpillar, Earthbrain, Hitachi, Infrakit, John Deere, Komatsu, Leica Geosystems, Novatron, Topcon and Trimble, among others.