The importance of geology has risen sharply in recent years. An ever-increasing number of companies, institutions and academics are showing an interest in geological data relating to energy production, waste disposal and the extraction of raw materials. In order to avoid redundancies and conflicts of responsibility and interest, as well as utilise synergies, cooperation among the various stakeholders is essential. 

Within swisstopo, the Swiss Geological Survey created the Federal Coordination Body for Geology (KBGeol) in order to ensure that the exchange of geological data among the various players occurs smoothly and efficiently, and that the geological datasets are made widely accessible. KBGeol comprises representatives of various federal authorities, together with delegates from the cantons, scientific circles and the private economy. It implements specific measures and issues binding directives to federal authorities. 

The duties of the Federal Coordination Body for Geology are as follows (in accordance with the Ordinance on the Swiss Geological Survey, Article 15, Paragraph 2):  

• Coordination of the exchange of geological data among the specialised units of the Swiss Geological Survey, other federal offices, cantonal authorities, universities and industry associations 
• Development of standards and strategies for the exchange of data between federal authorities and third parties
• Involvement in the development of technical standards governing the utilisation of the underground and relating to geodata 
• Promotion of federal sectoral research in the field of geology by improving the flow of information 

Thanks to the activities of KBGeol, the Swiss Geological Survey will be able to increase the availability and value of geological data for users.