1. Your own data
You keep the rights you already hold in data you upload to GeoLayers. Uploading data does not transfer ownership to GeoLayers. You grant GeoLayers only the rights necessary to provide the Services as described in the Terms of Service.
You are responsible for having permission to upload, process, share and publish the data.
2. Third-party and open data
Datasets from government portals, open-data catalogues, mapping providers, research institutions or other third parties remain governed by their original licences, terms and attribution requirements.
A link from GeoLayers to a dataset does not mean GeoLayers owns or relicenses it. Check the source before commercial redistribution or publication.
3. GeoLayers original datasets and marketplace products
Unless a product or dataset page states another licence, GeoLayers grants the lawful acquirer a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to use the GeoLayers original dataset or digital product for internal work, analysis, mapping and professional/client deliverables.
You may not redistribute the source dataset in bulk, resell it as a standalone or substantially similar product, sublicense it, publish it as an open download, or use it to create a directly competing source-data product unless the applicable product licence expressly permits that use.
4. Derived maps and analyses
You may generally publish maps, charts, reports and analytical outputs derived from licensed GeoLayers content where the licence allows professional use, provided:
- the output is genuinely derived and does not substitute for the source dataset;
- required attribution is preserved;
- confidential or personal information is not unlawfully disclosed; and
- third-party source licences are also respected.
5. Attribution
Where a product, dataset or source provider requires attribution, include the required credit in a reasonably visible place appropriate to the medium. GeoLayers may provide a recommended attribution string in metadata or product documentation.
6. No implied official status
A GeoLayers dataset or derived output is not an official cadastral, zoning, statutory, survey or government record unless the responsible authority expressly identifies it as such. Official source documents should be consulted where legal certainty is required.
7. Data updates and accuracy
Unless an update service is explicitly included, GeoLayers does not guarantee continuous updates. Data can become outdated after acquisition. Review metadata, source dates and update notes before use.
8. Machine learning and model training
You may use data for internal analytical or model-development purposes only to the extent permitted by the applicable source licence. A licence to view or analyse a dataset does not automatically grant a right to use that data to train or commercialize a model.
9. Data extracted through APIs
API-delivered data remains subject to the same dataset or product licence. Rate limits and API access rights do not create additional redistribution rights.
10. Licence conflicts
Where a third-party source licence is more restrictive than a GeoLayers product licence, the third-party restriction continues to apply to that source component. Contact info@geolayers.co.za if you need clarification before a planned redistribution or commercial use.