Geological data is crucial for minimising risks and ensuring efficient use of geological subsurface data in planning and investment activities, especially as population growth and infrastructure needs increase pressure on the earth’s surface. While collecting and processing such data is complex and costly, its public availability significantly reduces inefficiencies, duplicate surveys, and investment losses. Publicly accessible geological data, produced by government agencies, enables efficient resource use, better planning, and increased investment security.
This study by the Federal Office of Topography Swisstopo, evaluates the economic and societal benefits of making Swiss federal geological data publicly accessible from 2007–2024. Findings show that the willingness to pay for unavailable data (CHF 3,890) is far lower than the cost of independent data collection (CHF 27,733). The cost-benefit ratio is conservatively estimated at 1:20, with production costs of CHF 141.8 million generating benefits of CHF 2.79 billion. The study highlights the need for continued public access to tax-funded geological data due to its substantial economic and societal value.
Non-Monetary Benefits: Publicly available geological data improves forecasts, decision-making, and risk mitigation, leading to shorter project durations and reduced economic damage.
Long-Term Value: Geological data retains its information content over time, allowing for repeated use and cumulative benefits across multiple projects and industries.
This study suggests that a national solution for handling and accessing geological data could generate significant economic value for Switzerland. It also provides a foundation for future political, legal, economic, and technical discussions on the future public availability of geological data.
The economic benefits of publicly accessible geological data in Switzerland (2007–2024) are significant:
Cost Savings: Publicly available geological data minimizes planning and investment risks for underground activities, reducing inefficiencies, duplicate surveys, and project costs. Stakeholders reported cost savings of approximately 10% and time savings of at least 20% in their projects.
Economic Value: The study estimates that the public provision of geological data has generated benefits of at least CHF 2.79 billion, with a cost-benefit ratio ranging from 1:20 to 1:87. Every CHF invested by the government in producing geological data yields at least CHF 20 in societal benefits.
Market Impact: Geological data contributes significantly to Switzerland’s economy, with an estimated market volume of CHF 14 billion in 2016. Geological services alone account for approximately CHF 280 million annually, enabling greater added value in industries like construction and energy.
Efficiency Gains: Public access to geological data allows stakeholders to avoid costly independent data collection, saving resources and enabling better allocation for innovation and other activities.
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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301420726001121