GTK’s Data Policy

The Geological Survey of Finland’s (GTK) Data Policy defines the objectives for maintaining and providing access to Finland’s geological data repository.

It establishes consistent principles for assigning responsibilities related to managing the data in the repository, refining, preserving, and distributing it. The Data Policy sets the framework for GTK’s role as the national data repository manager and geological data centre, which compiles thematic datasets into the repository.

The Data Policy and its implementation take into account guiding legislation as well as GTK’s commitment to the Declaration of Open Science (2025–2030), the Critical Raw Materials Policy, and sustainable development goals. GTK’s strategy recognises the importance of developing and maintaining the data repository both for GTK’s operations and for meeting national needs.

Geological Data Repository

The Geological Data Repository includes geological, geophysical, and other themes related to GTK’s activities, as well as GTK’s Product Data Repository. The data comprises measurements, observations, interpretations, and GTK-produced data products and publications.

General Objectives of the Data Policy

• GTK’s Data Policy is based on current regulations and government guidelines.
• GTK owns the data generated as a result of its operations. GTK respects copyright and ownership rights as well as good scientific practices.
• GTK expands the Geological Data Repository with the aim of benefiting stakeholders and ensuring the preservation, further processing, and improved usability of the national geoscientific data repository.
• GTK treats stakeholders fairly and adheres to defined, consistent licensing, pricing, and distribution practices.
• GTK collects geological information itself and accepts geology-related data produced by others that is suitable for reuse, taking responsibility for its management and distribution. As the national geological data centre and the provider of related services, GTK makes its data available to all interested parties.

Key Principles of Managing the Geological Data Repository

GTK strives for the widest possible availability of data. Open and free access covers a broad range of products, and paid licences are granted transparently.

The data in the repository is classified as follows:

1. Public Data
   The Geological Data Repository is mostly public. The core part of the repository is available as licensed data products, and most other data can be accessed upon request. The right to access public data under the Publicity Act applies to the entire public portion.
   • Data products
   • Non-productised public data
2. Data with Usage Restrictions
   Certain data in the repository is subject to justified legal restrictions. It may be incomplete, unapproved, provided for GTK’s internal use by the data owner, or otherwise non-public.
3. Confidential and Security-Classified Data
   This part of the repository is restricted for legal and contractual reasons. GTK’s data may be security-classified, for example, under the Territorial Surveillance Act.

GTK’s Usage Rights

The usage rights for GTK’s data products and services are based on GTK’s Basic or Open Licence.

• Open Licence
  GTK’s Open Licence follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence (CC BY 4.0). This licence grants the right to copy and share GTK’s open data in its original or modified form for both commercial and non-commercial purposes.
• Basic Licence
  The terms of the Basic Licence also apply to data distributed via GTK’s online services unless otherwise specified for a particular dataset or agreed in writing.