Organisation
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Mathijs Kuiper,
GDN Board SecretaryCall
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Organisation Geological Survey of the Netherlands
The Geological Survey of the Netherlands (GDN) is the foremost independent knowledge centre for the subsurface of the Netherlands. Every day, we put fundamental and applied knowledge and research about the subsurface and its use to work for society. We inform and advise public authorities, the business community, and society – both domestically and abroad.
Our people and expertise
GDN employs more than 325 employees across six research groups. Within these research groups, our employees develop applied knowledge, technology, and information products. We employ geologists, physical geographers, engineers, and, because of our data management expertise, a relatively large number of geodata scientists and IT specialists.
Three main tasks
Our tasks have been laid out in the Geological Survey of the Netherlands Agreement between the State of the Netherlands and TNO. As the knowledge partner of the Dutch government, GDN has three main tasks:
- Information task: collecting, managing, and making subsurface information digitally accessible.
- Advisory task: advising public authorities on the use of the subsurface.
- Research task: developing applied knowledge of the subsurface and subsurface-related technologies.
Information task
Our role is to inform public authorities, the business community, and society about the subsurface and its uses. We are responsible for the clear and easily accessible provision of subsurface-related knowledge and information.
In addition, within the framework of our statutory tasks laid out in the Mining Act and the National Key Registry of the Subsurface (BRO) Act, GDN is responsible for the entire subsurface data information chain. We collect all kinds of subsurface-related (research) data, manage them, and make them available via our portals, which include the BROloket, DINOloket, and NLOG. We publish our digital subsurface models for various applications through the same channels.
Advisory task
We advise the Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth (KGG) on the exploration and production of minerals and geothermal energy and the underground storage of hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and geothermal energy. We also estimate and forecast mineral reserves. GDN carries out its advisory task under the Mining Act. In addition to KGG, we also advise other ministries and local authorities on mining and subsurface issues such as subsidence and drought.
Research task
GDN conducts applied, innovative geoscience research. We do this in areas such as geo-energy, natural resources, subsidence, and groundwater. Our research contributes to societal challenges such as the energy transition, soil and water quality, and resource scarcity.
Would you like to know more?
Would you like more information about our organisation? Please contact Mathijs Kuiper, GDN’s Board Secretary, via the blue ‘mail directly’ button below.
Part of TNO
The Geological Survey of the Netherlands (GDN) is part of TNO and housed in the Energy & Materials Transition (EMT) unit. Both within EMT and throughout the rest of TNO, we are able to quickly and easily connect with other knowledge domains regarding, for example, sustainable energy sources, energy transition policy, buildings and infrastructure, or for high-end IT expertise. You can read more about our energy transition focus area on the TNO website by clicking the blue button below.
Geo-Information Technology
The Geo-Information Technology (GIT) research group provides the Geological Survey of the Netherlands (GDN) with its IT infrastructure and applications. GIT is also responsible for the technical and functional maintenance of the central storage of all subsurface data. We do this in collaboration with our colleagues in GeoData & Information Management (GDIM). This research group focuses mainly on the management of subsurface data.
GeoData & Information Management
As the GeoData & Information Management (GDIM) research group, we are responsible for the data management of the Geological Survey of the Netherlands (GDN). Our role is to ensure that the extensive datasets of diverse subsurface data are digitally accessible. GDIM also makes data and information modelling possible, which we do together with our colleagues in the Geo-Information Technology (GIT) research group. We focus on the management and digital accessibility of subsurface data, while GIT develops applications and maintains the IT infrastructure.
Hydrology and Reservoir Engineering
The Hydrology and Reservoir Engineering (HRE) research group is part of the Geological Survey of the Netherlands (GDN). HRE strives for a sustainable balance between the use and protection of water, energy, and resources. We perform this role for the benefit of future generations.