GIIS - Global Infrastructure Identity Initiative
Advancing Persistent Infrastructure Identity for the Built World
The Global Infrastructure Identity Initiative (GIIS) supports the development and adoption of persistent digital identity frameworks for infrastructure assets across the built environment.
The initiative promotes collaboration across infrastructure stakeholders to advance the Global Infrastructure Identity Standard (GIIS) and the Persistent Infrastructure Identity (PIID) framework.
Operated by UMIP INC. - the registry for Persistent Infrastructure Identity.
The Infrastructure Identity Challenge
Infrastructure assets often operate for 50 to 100 years or longer, yet the digital records documenting those assets are typically fragmented across multiple organizations and software systems.
Engineering documentation may reside in design platforms.
Construction records may exist in project management systems.
Maintenance records may be stored in facility management platforms.
Insurance and risk data may reside in underwriting systems.
Because these systems rely on independent identifiers, lifecycle data frequently becomes disconnected from the infrastructure asset it describes.
This structural challenge is known as the Infrastructure Identity Gap.
The Global Infrastructure Identity Standard
The Global Infrastructure Identity Standard (GIID) introduces a framework for assigning Persistent Infrastructure Identities (PIIDs) to infrastructure assets.
A Persistent Infrastructure Identity (PIID) is a globally unique idetifier assigned to a physical asset.
Once issued, the PIID remains permanently associated with the infrastructure asset and serves as a universal reference identifier that enables lifecycle data continuity across infrastructure systems.
Global Identifier Structure
The PIID identifier format is designed to support global infrastructure assets through a structured identity model incorporating geographic reference codes.
PIID-4K7F-9M2X-83LM-T5D1-Q2R8
Identifier elements may include:
• Country code (ISO standard)
• State or Regional Reference
• City or Metropolitan identifier
• County Or Jurisdiction
• Asset Sequence Number
This structure allows infrastructure assets to maintain globally unique and
geographically anchored identities.
Future Infrastructure Identity Network
The evolution of Persistent Infrastructure Identity anticipates a future state where infrastructure assets participate in a globally interoperable identity network. This network will enable assets to maintain a stable digital presence that transcends organizational silos and regional regulatory boundaries, providing a unified reference layer for the global built environment.
By incorporating geographic reference codes into a structured identity model, the PIID framework allows for cross-region referencing and data exchange. This capability is critical for international engineering firms, global insurers, and multi-national asset operators who require consistent asset records to manage risk and performance across diverse jurisdictions and infrastructure types.
The long-term objective of UMIP is to provide the underlying identity layer that makes this global interoperability possible. Establishing persistent identifiers today ensures that the infrastructure assets of tomorrow are anchored in a stable, neutral, and geographically unique identity framework that supports the entire asset lifecycle from inception to decommissioning.
Industry Collaboration
The Global Infrastructure Identity Initiative (GIIS) is intended to evolve through collaboration across the infrastructure ecosystem.
Infrastructure assets move through many organizations and systems over decades, including engineering teams, construction firms, infrastructure owners, insurers, asset managers, and technology platforms. Establishing persistent identity for infrastructure assets requires coordination across these stakeholders.
The initiative welcomes engagement from organizations interested in exploring the development of persistent infrastructure identity frameworks and the Global Infrastructure Identity Standard (GIIS).
Early collaboration will help inform:
• Identity governance frameworks
• Lifecycle data continuity models
• Cross-industry interoperability
• Pilot implementations for Persistent Infrastructure Identity (PIID)
Organizations interested in contributing expertise or participating in early discussions are encouraged to engage with the initiative.
About the Global Infrastructure Identity Initiative
The Global Infrastructure Identity Initiative (GIIS) was established by UMIP Inc. to advance the development of persistent infrastructure identity frameworks and support the evolution of the Global Infrastructure Identity Standard for the built environment.
Through the development of Persistent Infrastructure Identity (PIID), the initiative explores how infrastructure assets can maintain a continuous digital identity across planning, construction, operations, insurance, and ownership transitions.
By enabling persistent infrastructure identity, the GIIS framework seeks to improve lifecycle transparency, strengthen governance mechanisms, and support interoperability across infrastructure systems worldwide.
Participate in the Initiative
Engineers, infrastructure operators, insurers, construction organizations, asset owners, technology providers, and infrastructure data platforms are invited to follow the development of the GIIS framework and contribute perspectives as the initiative evolves.
Participants will receive updates on:
• Research and framework development
• Early pilot programs and use cases
• Industry collaboration opportunities
• Future releases of the GIIS standard
Participate in the Initiative
The Global Infrastructure Identity Standard (GIIS) is intended to evolve through continued research, pilot implementations, and industry collaboration.
The current publication of the GIIS Whitepaper (Version 1.0) introduces the initial framework for Persistent Infrastructure Identity (PIID) and the foundational architecture for establishing a persistent identity layer across infrastructure systems.
Future iterations of the standard will incorporate insights from industry participants, infrastructure operators, engineering organizations, insurers, and technology providers working across the infrastructure lifecycle.
Areas of ongoing exploration include:
• Infrastructure identity governance models
• Lifecycle data continuity and asset record persistence
• Cross-platform interoperability frameworks
• Integration with engineering, construction, insurance, and operations systems
• Long-term identity registry architecture
The initiative intends to release periodic updates to the GIIS framework as the concept matures and pilot implementations inform the evolution of the standard.
GIIS Standards Development
The Global Infrastructure Identity Standard (GIIS) is intended to evolve through continued research, pilot implementations, and industry collaboration.
The current publication of the GIIS Whitepaper (Version 1.0) introduces the initial framework for Persistent Infrastructure Identity (PIID) and the foundational architecture for establishing a persistent identity layer across infrastructure systems.
Future iterations of the standard will incorporate insights from industry participants, infrastructure operators, engineering organizations, insurers, and technology providers working across the infrastructure lifecycle.
Areas of ongoing exploration include:
• Infrastructure identity governance models
• Lifecycle data continuity and asset record persistence
• Cross-platform interoperability frameworks
• Integration with engineering, construction, insurance, and operations systems
• Long-term identity registry architecture
The initiative intends to release periodic updates to the GIIS framework as the concept matures and pilot implementations inform the evolution of the standard.
GIIS Framework Evolution
The development of the Global Infrastructure Identity Standard is expected to progress through several phases.
Phase 1 - Foundational Framework
Publication of the GIIS white paper introducing Persistent Infrastructure Identity (PIID) and the introduction of the infrastructure identity layer.
Phase 2 - Industry Collaboration
Engagement with organizations across the infrastructure ecosystem to refine governance, interoperability models, and implementation approaches.
Phase 3 - Pilot Implementations
Exploration of pilot use cases demonstrating the application of persistent infrastructure identity across lifecycle events.
Phase 4 - Standard Maturationd
Publication of future GIIS versions informed by real world implementation insights and industry collaboration.
Governance Framework
The Global Infrastructure Identity Initiative (GIIS) is intended to support the responsible development of persistent infrastructure identity frameworks through collaborative industry engagement.
As infrastructure assets move through multiple organizations and systems across decades, governance mechanisms are necessary to ensure that identity frameworks remain reliable, interoperable, and resilient across the lifecycle of infrastructure assets.
The governance framework surrounding the Global Infrastructure Identity Standard is intended to evolve through collaboration with organizations across the infrastructure ecosystem.
Areas of governance consideration include:
• Identity issuance and registry oversight
• Lifecycle record integrity and verification
• Interoperability between infrastructure systems
• Long-term persistence of infrastructure identity records
• Collaboration with industry stakeholders and institutions
The development of governance principles will be informed through ongoing dialogue with infrastructure operators, engineering organizations, insurers, technology providers, and asset owners participating in the initiative.
Stewardship of the Initiative
The Global Infrastructure Identity Initiative (GIIS) was established by UMIP Inc.to advance the development of persistent infrastructure identity frameworks for the built environment.
UMIP supports the continued exploration of infrastructure identity models through research, pilot implementations, and industry collaboration, As the framework evolves, the initiative seeks to encourage participation from organizations across the infrastructure lifecycle to help inform the long term stewardship of the standard.
Terminology & Definitions
The following terms are used throughout the Global Infrastructure Identity Initiative (GIIS) framework and the Global Infrastructure Identity Standard.
Persistent Infrastructure Identity (PIID)
A Persistent Infrastructure Identity (PIID) is a globally unique identifier assigned to a physical infrastructure asset. The PIID is designed to remain permanently associated with the asset throughout its lifecycle, enabling continuity of documentation, governance records, and lifecycle data across systems and organizations.
Global Infrastructure Identity Standard (GIIS)
The Global Infrastructure Identity Standard (GIIS) defines the framework for establishing persistent identity for infrastructure assets across the built environment. The standard outlines the structure, governance considerations, and interoperability principles necessary to support lifecycle data continuity for infrastructure systems.
Infrastructure Identity Layer
The Infrastructure Identity Layer refers to the conceptual framework through which infrastructure assets maintain a persistent digital identity independent of the software platforms used to manage them. This identity layer enables multiple systems to reference the same infrastructure asset consistently across its lifecycle.
Infrastructure Identity Registry
An Infrastructure Identity Registry is a system responsible for issuing, maintaining, and resolving Persistent Infrastructure Identities (PIIDs). Registries support the management of infrastructure identity records and enable the association of lifecycle documentation and governance records with a persistent asset identity.
Lifecycle Data Continuity
Lifecycle Data Continuity refers to the ability for information associated with an infrastructure asset to remain linked to that asset across planning, design, construction, operations, maintenance, insurance events, and ownership transitions.
Infrastructure Identity Gap
The Infrastructure Identity Gap describes the structural challenge in which infrastructure assets lack a persistent digital identity across the systems used to design, construct, insure, and operate them. As a result, lifecycle data associated with these assets often becomes fragmented across organizations and software platforms.
Founding Organization
The Global Infrastructure Identity Initiative was established by Trevor Vick, Founder & CEO of UMIP Inc.
UMIP Inc. developed the initial Persistent Infrastructure Identity (PIID) framework and continues to support the advancement of infrastructure identity standards through the development of the Unified Modular Infrastructure Platform (UMIP).
Download the Global Infrastructure Identity Standard Whitepaper
Learn more about the GIIS framework and the role of persistent infrastructure identity in enabling lifecycle data continuity across the built environment.
Organizations interested in contributing to the development of persistent infrastructure identity across the built environment may contact UMIP to explore collaboration opportunities, infrastructure identity pilots, or institutional participation in the evolving infrastructure identity framework.
Ryan Gannon
Vice President, UMIP Inc.
info@umipinc.com
Trevor Vick
Founder & Architect of Persistent Infrastructure Identity, UMIP Inc.
info@umipinc.com