Our data policy

The VLIZ advocates free data exchange. Wherever possible and relevant, the data from the databases will be made available online through the Internet. Naturally, restrictions may apply, as a result of which we cannot offer unlimited access. This is for example the case for data of which VLIZ is not the primary source: in this case the data exchange policy of the originator of the data will apply.

Data from partners is often collected within the scope of specific projects. In this case the partners usually ask for a moratorium period until the data or results of the project have been published. In this context it is important to distinguish between data and metadata: metadata is an important tool for communication and/or to strengthen cooperation and to avoid that the same data is collected several times; it is therefore in everyone’s interest to communicate as soon as possible what data is available or will be available soon.

Use of data from the VLIZ website has to be acknowledged with a reference to the VLIZ website and/or original source of the data in case this is not the VLIZ itself. If a publication or other data and information product is to a substantial extent based upon data from the VLIZ, please contact the VLIZ or the original source of the data, whether or not through the VLIZ.

Data and information from the FMDC are free. However, we may ask a contribution in case you request large quantities of information in order to cover incurred costs.