Terms of use

Please read the terms of use carefully. They contain rules for the use of GeotIS and the legal requirements for processing geological and geophysical data covering Germany.

  1. General obligations
    1. The maps, 3D data and databases published at URL https://www.geotis.de were created by the LIAG Institute for Applied Geophysics, the German Geological Surveys and other partners and are protected by copyright.
    2. The user is obliged to refer to LIAG and GeotIS as the source of the underlying data in publications in which results generated using the data have been incorporated. The dataset must be cited, stating the associated publications (see references) and the DOI, if available.
      In addition, this should be cited as the reference publication:
      • AGEMAR, T., ALTEN, J., GANZ, B., KUDER, J., KÜHNE, K., SCHUMACHER, S. & SCHULZ, R. (2014): The Geothermal Information System for Germany - GeotIS - ZDGG Volume 165 Issue 2, 129-144
      When publishing the results generated using the data in graphical form or interpretations of the data (e.g. maps, profiles), the origin of the data must be cited as follows:
      • "Data source: dataset name, © LIAG Institute for Applied Geophysics (LIAG), location, year".
      If you are using GeotIS data as a base of a map, you can use our logo. There are different variants available for download here:
    3. The sharing with third parties or publication of spatial data from GeotIS (e.g. raster data, contour lines, etc.) or any derived work is permitted to a limited extent only. Without the prior authorisation of the rights holder, no more than one fifth of the total land area of Germany may be used in a publication from each map or dataset In addition, further restrictions on use may apply to some maps in GeotIS, which are specified by the respective rights holders (e.g. terms of use of the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy - BKG).
    4. In order to improve the ability to evaluate and compare the datasets in GeotIS, the LIAG reserves the right to request processed data from GeotIS from users in a suitable form.
  2. Obligations imposed by the Geological Data Act
    1. The metadata of the used data from the GeotIS must be communicated to the competent authority or authorities 2 weeks prior to any new processing. (GeolDG § 8 No. 6)
    2. If data on the German territory from the GeotIS are processed by technical means into evaluable and comparable data, these new data must be transmitted to the competent authority or authorities at the latest 3 months after completion of the new processing. (GeolDG § 9 para. 1 no. 6)
    3. Expert reports, studies, spatial models (incl. documentation), stock and exploitation potential assessments and comparable products which are based on GeotIS data covering German territory and which are relevant for the geological survey or other public tasks must be transmitted to the competent authority or authorities at the latest 6 months after completion of the work, if so requested. (GeolDG § 10 para. 2)
    4. In the case of new processing taking one year or more, annual transmissions must be carried out. (GeolDG § 15 para. 2)
  3. Data quality, liability and warranty
    1. The LIAG carries out the processing of the data with the usual and appropriate care. However, LIAG does not guarantee that the data are error-free. LIAG does not guarantee the accuracy of the content of the data or its suitability for the purpose intended by the user.
    2. LIAG shall only be liable for intentional or grossly negligent acts. This limitation of liability shall not apply in the event of damage resulting from injury to life, limb or health or in the event of damage resulting from a breach of material contractual obligations (so-called cardinal obligations). If LIAG breaches essential contractual obligations (cardinal obligations), it shall also be liable in the event of simple negligence, but limited to typical foreseeable material and financial damage, but not for loss of profit, savings not made, indirect damage and consequential damage caused by a fault.
  4. Final provisions
    1. There is no obligation on the part of LIAG to make certain data available to the user or to enable the user to download data. LIAG is entitled to restrict or terminate the provision of data and the use of GeotIS at any time. LIAG does not guarantee the accessibility or usability of the GeotIS to the users.
    2. There are no sub-agreements to these terms of use. Subsidiary agreements, amendments or changes must be made in writing.
    3. The exclusive place of jurisdiction for all disputes is Hannover in Germany.
    4. German law shall apply. German law of conflicts is excluded.