Text consolidated by Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) with amending laws of: 16 December 2010 [shall come into force on 1 January 2011]; 23 May 2013 [shall come into force on 18 June 2013]; 25 September 2014 [shall come into force on 22 October 2014]; 23 November 2016 [shall come into force on 1 January 2017]; 17 May 2018 [shall come into force on 1 July 2018]; 2 June 2022 [shall come into force on 29 June 2022]. If a whole or part of a section has been amended, the date of the amending law appears in square brackets at the end of the section. If a whole section, paragraph or clause has been deleted, the date of the deletion appears in square brackets beside the deleted section, paragraph or clause.

The Saeima¹ has adopted and
the President has proclaimed the following law:

Geospatial Information Law

Chapter I
General Provisions

Section 1. Terms Used in the Law

The following terms are used in the Law:

1) geodesy - the scientific and manufacturing discipline which researches the shape and dimensions of the Earth as well as determines the mutual condition of natural elements and objects created by human beings on the surface of the Earth in any coordinate system related to the Earth. The measurements of gravitational field or magnetic field of the Earth and other geophysical measurements are used in geodesy;

2) geodetic marker - a geodetic mark fixed in an area which has a constant centre and at least one of the following characteristics whereof has been specified: coordinates, height, gravimetric field value of the Earth or geomagnetic field value of the Earth. Markers which have been fixed with soil marks may have an overground construction - a landmark, an indicating pole, a geodetic signal, an enclosure;

3) geodetic network - an aggregate of geodetic markers with characteristics of one type;

4) geodetic reference system - theoretical grounds for the reference of coordinates and heights, and magnetometric and gravimetric reference that are used for geodetic and cartographic activities;

5) geospatial information - any information which directly or indirectly indicates towards a specific location or geographical area where a geospatial object is located;

6) circulation of geospatial information - acquisition, preparation, processing, maintenance, supply to the users, and use of geospatial information;

7) re-use of geospatial information - the use of geospatial information at the disposal of an institution which is performed for commercial or non-commercial purposes by a natural person or a legal person which is not the initial purpose of use for which the geospatial information was acquired and prepared when fulfilling the duties of the institution. Exchange of geospatial information among institutions in implementing their administration functions and tasks shall not be deemed re-use of geospatial information;

8) infrastructure for geospatial information - geospatial data sets specified in laws and regulations, metadata thereof, conditions for joint use and re-use of geospatial information, geospatial data services, information and telecommunication technologies by which the circulation of geospatial information and the provision of geospatial data services is ensured, and the procedures for the coordination and supervision of activities of the authorities involved;

9) joint use of geospatial information - circulation of geospatial information among institutions in fulfilling the administration functions and tasks thereof;

10) geospatial data services - technical processing of geospatial information and other activities for the provision of the circulation of such information;

11) geospatial information portal (hereinafter - the geoportal) - a website or a resource equivalent thereto which ensures access to geospatial data sets, services and metadata;

12) holder of geospatial information - any natural person or legal person which is the creator or commissioning party of the relevant geospatial information or which has at the disposal thereof the geospatial information necessary for the provision of the functions specified for an institution and which may be arranged in a database, including a holder of geospatial data set;

13) geospatial data set - an identifiable database of geospatial information which has been created with a specific purpose of use, has a specific holder, and includes basic geospatial information data of an individual sector;

14) holder of geospatial data set - the responsible authority specified in laws and regulations for the creation and maintenance of geospatial data set;

15) interoperability of geospatial data sets and services - the possibility for geospatial data sets to be combined, and for geospatial data services to interact, without repetitive manual intervention, in such a way that the result is coherent and the added value of the geospatial data sets and services is enhanced;

16) geospatial object - an abstract representation of the real world which is related to a specific location or geographical area;

17) cartography - the scientific and manufacturing discipline regarding the acquisition and processing of geospatial information with mapping methods, and also regarding the drawing up, publishing, and use of maps and plans;

18) metadata - structured information describing geospatial data sets and geospatial data services;

19) sector - an economic sector the provision of practical activities of which requires the acquisition, preparation, updating, and use of geospatial information;

20) orthophoto - a photographic image of the surface of the Earth which, after processing with photogrammetry methods, corresponds to the geometrical properties of the projection of a map or plan;

21) basic data - such aggregate of geospatial information which has been prepared according to a single specification and preparation and constant updating of which provides economic effect for the national economy and functionally ensures:

a) unambiguous attraction of the location of other geospatial objects;

b) creation of context for the visualisation and analysis of other geospatial data;

c) making of topographic and thematic maps;

22) system of permanent global positioning base stations "Positioning System of Latvia" - a component of the national geodetic network that ensures high-precision determination of coordinates for terrain objects by using satellites of the Earth;

23) thematic map - a map the content, scale, projection, and arrangement of which has been created according to the requirements for representation of a specific sector (for example, geology, tourism, cadastre of immovable properties, transport) or a specific purpose (for example, air navigation, maritime navigation, spatial planning) only;

24) topographic map - a representation of geospatial information in a plane with specific designations in visually perceptible form in which the impact of the surface curvature of the Earth is taken into account according the scale of representation;

25) topographic plan - a representation of geospatial information of a local geographical area in a plane with specific designations in a visually perceptible form;

26) information on place names (toponyms) - within the meaning of this Law: place names or geographical names combined with information characterising or explaining them, and also specifying the geographical tie of the relevant place names to specific objects.

[25 September 2014]

Section 2. Purpose of the Law

The purpose of the Law is to specify the institutional system in the field of geospatial information, incorporating the conditions for the preparation, use, exchange, and maintenance of geospatial information (including geodetic and cartographic basic data) in order to establish an infrastructure for geospatial information in the Republic of Latvia.

Section 3. Scope of Application of the Law

(1) The Law shall be applied to all natural and legal persons the functions, tasks, and activities of which are related to the circulation of geospatial information and joint use and re-use of such information.

(2) The Law shall apply to the circulation of geospatial information insofar as it is not in contradiction with the provisions for the circulation of geospatial information specified in special laws and regulations and international agreements or to be implemented within the framework of international cooperation.

Chapter II
Competence of State Administration in the Field of Geospatial Information

Section 4. Authorities for the Administration of Geodesy, Cartography, and Geospatial Information and Coordination of Activities Thereof

(1) The Ministry of Defence shall organise and coordinate the implementation of State policy in the field of geodesy, cartography, and geospatial information:

1) develop the State policy and development strategy, coordinate the circulation of geospatial information in the State in the field of geodesy and cartography, except for the drawing up and publication of maritime navigation maps which is determined by the Maritime Administration and Marine Safety Law;

2) ensure the development of draft laws and regulations in accordance with the legal acts of the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, and other international organisations;

3) plan and supervise the performance of the acquisition, preparation, and updating of geodetic and cartographic basic data, and also the provision of geospatial data services of the Latvian Geospatial Information Agency within the framework of the annual State budget;

4) ensure the operation of the Geospatial Information Coordination Board;

5) determine the procedures for the provision of geospatial information support for the fulfilment of the tasks of the National Armed Forces and participation in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation;

6) in cooperation with sectoral ministries ensure the development of standards and/or adaptation of international standards in the field of geospatial information;

7) coordinate the conclusion of international agreements regarding the use of geospatial information acquired using the remote sensing method for the fulfilment of the functions and tasks of all relevant ministries.

(2) The Latvian Geospatial Information Agency is an institution of direct administration under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence which implements the State policy in the field of geodesy, cartography, and geospatial information and participates in the development of this policy.

(3) The Latvian Geospatial Information Agency may conclude contracts for the performance of relevant services in order to fulfil the tasks specified in Section 12, Paragraph five, Section 17, Paragraph three, Section 18, Paragraph two, and Section 31, Paragraph two of this Law.

(4) The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Economics, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Culture, and local governments as well as associations and foundations the operation of which has been registered in the relevant field shall perform individual functions in implementation of the policy in the field of geodesy, cartography, and geospatial information according to their competence.

(5) The ministries referred to in Paragraph four of this Section shall, in accordance with their State administration functions, tasks and competence, sectors or sectoral groups covered by them and the international legal provisions binding on the Republic of Latvia:

1) include such measures in sectoral policy planning documents as to ensure the acquisition, preparation, and updating of the geospatial information necessary for the development and implementation of the relevant sectoral policy and the provision of the relevant geospatial data services;

2) provide the following information in sectoral policy planning documents on the measures referred to in Clause 1 of this Paragraph:

a) specific geospatial data sets and services which are planned to be ensured by the relevant measures;

b) deadlines for the implementation of measures;

c) the funding granted and additionally necessary for the fulfilment of measures;

d) the authorities responsible for the implementation of measures;

e) the procedures for the provision of reports on the fulfilment of measures;

3) ensure the acquisition, preparation, updating, and availability of geospatial data sets and metadata thereof of the relevant sector in the national single geoportal in conformity with the measures referred to in Clause 1 of this Paragraph and the requirements specified in this Law for the circulation of geospatial information.

(6) The ministries referred to in Paragraph four of this Section shall prepare and submit to the Ministry of Defence details regarding geospatial information, services, and measures of the relevant sector in order to ensure efficient acquisition, preparation, and updating of geospatial information and provision of the relevant geospatial data services in the State.

(7) The Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Economics, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Culture, and local governments as well as associations and foundations the operation of which has been registered in the relevant field shall be responsible for preparation of geospatial information of the relevant sector, provision of services and performance of measures, as well as for provision of information to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development to ensure performance of the tasks specified in Section 8, Paragraphs two and three of this Law.

[16 December 2010; 23 May 2013; 25 September 2014; 17 May 2018; 2 June 2022]

Section 5. Competence of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development in the Field of Geospatial Information

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development shall, in accordance with its State administration functions, tasks, and competence, and also the international legal provisions binding on the Republic of Latvia:

1) organise and coordinate the development and implementation of the State policy in the field of electronic government, information society, and information technologies for the establishment of the national single geoportal and the provision of operation thereof within the framework of the annual funding from the State budget;

2) draw up draft laws and regulations and policy planning documents for the establishment and introduction of the national single geoportal;

3) coordinate the cooperation of sectoral ministries, the State administration authorities subordinate thereto, and local government authorities in the establishment and introduction of the geospatial services available in the national single geoportal;

4) ensure the management of the establishment and maintenance of the national single geoportal;

5) ensure the interoperability of the national single geoportal with the geoportal of the European Community.

[16 December 2010]

Section 5.¹ Geospatial Information Coordination Board

The Geospatial Information Coordination Board is a collegial and coordinating authority established by the Cabinet the purpose of which is to ensure interinstitutional cooperation for the planning of the field of geospatial information and the implementation of policy thereof.

[25 September 2014]

Section 6. Competence of Local Governments in the Field of Geospatial Information

Local governments shall, in accordance with the functions, tasks, and competence thereof as well as with the international legal provisions binding on the Republic of Latvia and within the framework of the annual budget:

1) organise the acquisition and maintenance of the geospatial information necessary for the performance of their functions, determine the procedures for the financing and use of these functions, and ensure cooperation with other institutions in the field of the circulation of geospatial information, for example, with the Latvian Geospatial Information Agency and the State Land Service;

2) ensure timely updating and maintenance of the geospatial information and services necessary for the operation thereof;

3) ensure the conformity in the subordinate authorities and institutions with the requirements of this Law in the field of the circulation of geospatial information.

[23 May 2013]

Section 7. Competence of Associations and Foundations in the Field of Geospatial Information

Associations and foundations or partnerships thereof which unite natural and legal persons working in the field of geospatial information may participate in the implementation of the State policy in the field of geospatial information, holding the discussion of regulatory documents and standards and providing opinions, promoting the involvement of the society in the circulation of geospatial information, improving professional qualification, and fulfilling other State administration tasks delegated to associations and foundations or partnerships thereof.

Section 8. Representation of the Republic of Latvia in Institutions of the European Union and Provision of Information to the European Commission

(1) The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development and the Ministry of Defence shall, according to their competence, ensure representation of the Republic of Latvia in institutions of the European Union in issues regarding operation of the infrastructure for geospatial information in the European Community.

(2) The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development shall, according to the procedures laid down by the European Commission, prepare a report for the European Commission on operation of the infrastructure for geospatial information in the Republic of Latvia.

(3) The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development shall, upon request of the European Commission, provide it with information on future development of the infrastructure for geospatial information in the European Community.

[2 June 2022]

Section 9. Obligations and Responsibility of the Owners, Legal Possessors, and Users of Immovable Properties

(1) The owner, legal possessor or user of an immovable property shall not hinder access to geodetic markers in order to perform geodetic or cartographic activities and shall not limit the performance of geodetic or cartographic activities in the territory owned or possessed thereby.

(2) The owner, legal possessor or user of an immovable property shall not perform activities which are directed against continuous preservation and stability of geodetic marks or invariability of their construction, and shall comply with the restrictions around geodetic markers specified in the Protection Zone Law.

(3) The owner, legal possessor or user of an immovable property shall be held liable for the violation of the obligations specified in Paragraph two of this Section in accordance with the law.

[Paragraph three shall come into force after making the relevant amendments to the Latvian Administrative Violations Code. See Paragraph 10 of the Transitional Provisions]

Chapter III
Acquisition, Preparation, Processing, and Maintenance of Geospatial Information

Section 10. Performance of Geodetic and Cartographic Activities

(1) Geodetic and cartographic activities shall be the basis for the acquisition, preparation, processing, and maintenance of geospatial information.

(2) Geospatial activities shall include:

1) the establishment, maintenance, and supervision of the geodetic reference system;

2) the establishment and use of permanent global positioning base stations;

3) the performance of geodetic works for sectoral needs.

(3) Geodetic activities shall be carried out by duly certified persons and also, in the cases specified in laws and regulations, by employees of State and local government authorities who have acquired academic or second level higher vocational education and professional qualification of a geodetic engineer or a land survey engineer, or a cartography engineer, or who have acquired engineering master's degree in geomatics, geodesy, land survey, or cartography.

(4) Geodetic activities that are related to the performance of geomagnetic or gravimetric measurements and other services provided in the field of geodesy which should be available to the society shall be ensured by the Latvian Geospatial Information Agency according to its resources. The respective geodetic activities shall be carried out for a charge in accordance with the price list of public paid services of the Latvian Geospatial Information Agency. The Cabinet shall issue regulations which determine the price list of geodetic activities related to the performance of geomagnetic or gravimetric measurements and other services of the Latvian Geospatial Information Agency and the procedures for application thereof.

(5) The cartographic activities referred to in Section 16, Clause 1 of this Law shall be carried out by the persons who have acquired academic or second level higher vocational education in geography, geomatics, geodesy, land survey, cartography, environmental science and whose professional competence corresponds to the carrying out of the relevant activities.

(6) Geodetic and cartographic activities which result in the acquisition of basic data or data that, within the meaning of this Law, conform to the purpose of joint use and re-use of information shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of this Law and other laws and regulations.

(7) Geodetic and cartographic activities shall be carried out without damaging the immovable property in which they are being carried out.

[23 May 2013; 25 September 2014; 17 May 2018 / See Paragraphs 21 and 22 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 11. Application of the Geodetic Reference System

(1) [25 September 2014]

(2) [25 September 2014]

(3) The Geodetic Coordinate System of Latvia, the implementation of the European Vertical Reference System in the territory of Latvia, and the topographic map system (1993) shall be used to acquire, prepare, and maintain the basic data of geospatial information. The parameters of the abovementioned systems and the procedures for application thereof shall be determined by the Cabinet.

(4) In international projects as well as in cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and Member States thereof, other international organisations and participants thereof have the right to use other geodetic reference systems and cartographic coordinate systems to be transformed to the Geodetic Coordinate System of Latvia.

[25 September 2014]

Section 12. Geodetic Reference System

(1) [25 September 2014]

(2) Implementation of the geodetic reference system is a geodetic network with the following components:

1) the national geodetic network;

2) the local geodetic network.

(3) Establishment and maintenance of the geodetic reference system shall be coordinated and supervised by the Latvian Geospatial Information Agency.

(4) The Cabinet shall determine the procedures for the establishment, use, and maintenance of the geodetic reference system.

(5) The Latvian Geospatial Information Agency shall establish and maintain the national geodetic network, and also maintain information in the National Geodetic Network Database regarding markers of the national geodetic network. The National Geodetic Network Database is a part of the Geodetic Network Information System. The Latvian Geospatial Information Agency shall be the manager of the Geodetic Network Information System.

(6) The Latvian Geospatial Information Agency shall establish and maintain the system of permanent global positioning base stations "Positioning System of Latvia" by ensuring that it can be used free of charge. The Latvian Geospatial Information Agency shall be the manager of the system of permanent global positioning base stations "Positioning System of Latvia".

(7) Installation, maintenance, and protection of markers of the local geodetic network in its administrative territory shall be ensured by a local government which accumulates in the local geodetic network database the current information regarding the markers of the local geodetic network that are located within its administrative territory. The local geodetic network database is a part of the Geodetic Network Information System.

(8) The Cabinet shall determine the procedures for the installation and maintenance of the markers of the local geodetic network, and also for the provision of information.

[23 May 2014; 25 September 2014; 17 May 2018]

Section 13. Topographic Information of High Detailed Elaboration

(1) Topographic information of high detailed elaboration shall be such geospatial information the scale certainty of which is 1:500 or more.

(2) Topographic information of high detailed elaboration shall be stored in a database.

(3) The Cabinet shall determine the specification of topographic information of high detailed elaboration, the methodology for the acquisition, preparation, and processing of the information, the general requirements for the preparation of a topographic plan, the general requirements for the coordination thereof, the elements to be represented therein, and also the responsibility of the performer of geodetic work in the process of the acquisition and preparation of topographic information of high detailed elaboration.

(4) The State Land Service shall accumulate topographic information of high detailed elaboration regarding the whole State territory in the central database of the topographic information of high detailed elaboration and shall be the manager of the national information system of topographic information of high detailed elaboration.

(5) The Cabinet shall determine the procedures for the establishment and maintenance of the central database of topographic information of high detailed elaboration, including therein the following requirements:

1) regarding the content of the information to be accumulated in the central database of topographic information of high detailed elaboration;

2) regarding exchange of information between the database of a local government and the central database of topographic information of high detailed elaboration;

3) the procedures for the submission and acceptance, updating and distribution of topographic information of high detailed elaboration.

(6) In order to ensure the fulfilment of the functions and tasks of a local government, it shall establish and maintain a database of topographic information of high detailed elaboration regarding the administrative territory thereof in accordance with the specification of the topographic information of high detailed elaboration specified by the Cabinet, shall perform verification of the submitted information and ensure the interoperability of the database with the central database in accordance with the procedures specified by the Cabinet. The local government council shall determine the procedures for the submission and acceptance of topographic information of high detailed elaboration.

(7) The local government has the right to delegate the task referred to in Paragraph six of this Section by concluding a delegation contract in accordance with the procedures specified in the State Administration Structure Law. If the abovementioned administration task is delegated to the State Land Service, it shall maintain the topographic information of high detailed elaboration in the central database regarding the administrative territory of the local government in accordance with the procedures specified in Paragraph five of this Section.

(8) The local government and the State Land Service shall distribute the information accumulated in the database according to the amount of data accumulated in the database thereof.

Section 14. Protection of the Markers of the Geodetic Network

(1) Markers of the national geodetic network fixed in an area shall be the State property and shall be under the State protection.

(2) Markers of a local geodetic network fixed in an area shall be the property of a local government and shall be under the protection of the local government.

(3) Protection zones in accordance with the Protection Zone Law shall be specified for markers of the national geodetic network and a local geodetic network fixed in an area.

Section 15. Expert-examination of the Results of Geodetic Work

(1) An expert-examination of the results of geodetic work shall be ensured by the Latvian Geospatial Information Agency upon request. The expert-examination of the results of geodetic work shall be performed in accordance with the procedures specified by the Cabinet.

(2) The Cabinet shall issue regulations determining the price list of the expert-examination of the results of geodetic work provided by the Latvian Geospatial Information Agency and the procedures for the application thereof.

[23 May 2013]

Section 16. Cartographic Activities

Cartographic activities shall include:

1) the acquisition, preparation, processing, and maintenance of the basic data of geospatial information specified in Section 17 of this Law;

2) the acquisition and processing of aerial photographs, images from space and laser scanning of the surface of the Earth for the preparation of orthophotos and relief data;

3) the creation, maintenance, and updating of digital area and surface models;

4) the drawing up and issuance of topographic maps;

5) the drawing up and issuance of air navigation and maritime navigation maps;

6) the drawing up and issuance of sectoral thematic maps, for example, cadastral, address, forest section, agricultural land, amelioration, spatial planning, soil, geological, hydrological, and other maps necessary for visualisation of the relevant sectoral information or, in the cases when the relevant sectoral thematic maps are not issued in polygraphic form, the preparation, publication, and updating of data of the thematic maps of these sectors;

7) the drawing up and issuance of maps of administrative borders or the preparation, publication, and updating of data of administrative borders;

8) the drawing up and issuance of overview and informative maps;

9) the drawing up and issuance of training maps;

10) the drawing up and issuance of national atlases;

11) the preparation, publication, and updating of information on place names, catalogues and dictionaries of geographic names.

Section 17. Basic Data of Geospatial Information

(1) Basic data of geospatial information shall be as follows:

1) images of the surface of the Earth, data of remote sensing, and orthophotos within the framework of the scale line 1:50 000 - 1:2000 or larger scale;

2) digital models of area and surface which are used in order to draw up topographic plans and topographic maps within the framework of the scale line 1:250 000 - 1:500 or larger scale;

3) geospatial information which is included in topographic plans and topographic maps within the framework of the scale line 1:250 000 - 1:500 or larger scale;

4) geospatial information of the State Immovable Property Cadastre Information System;

5) borders of administrative territories, descriptions thereof, and geospatial information of the State Address Register;

6) geospatial information of the borders of restricted territories and objects causing protection zones;

7) geospatial information regarding subterranean depths;

8) geospatial information regarding the quality, fertility, and degradation of soil;

9) geospatial information of inventory and amelioration of land for agricultural use and forests;

10) geospatial information regarding airways, aircraft flight areas, objects and obstacles dangerous for the safety of aircraft flights;

11) geospatial information regarding hydrographic surveys, geospatial information included in the nautical charts of territorial waters and economic zone of the Republic of Latvia, geospatial information regarding waterways and means of navigation in order to ensure safe navigation;

12) geospatial information regarding the State border line, the border zone, and border points;

13) geospatial information regarding specially protected nature territories;

14) geospatial information regarding the actual and planned (permitted) use of territory;

15) geospatial information regarding the infrastructure of land, maritime, air, and pipeline transport and traffic junctions;

16) geospatial information of engineering communications.

(2) The holders of the basic data of geospatial information shall be determined in this Law or in the special laws and regulations of the relevant sector.

(3) The Latvian Geospatial Information Agency shall acquire, prepare, and update the following basic data and shall be the holder of such basic data:

1) images of the surface of the Earth, data of remote sensing, and orthophotos within the framework of the scale line 1:50 000 - 1:2000;

2) digital models of area and surface which are used in order to draw up topographic plans and topographic maps within the framework of the scale line 1:250 000 - 1:500;

3) geospatial information which is included in topographic plans and topographic maps within the framework of the scale line 1:250 000 - 1:2000;

4) the basic data of geospatial information in order to provide support for the fulfilment of the tasks of the National Armed Forces and the participation thereof in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in accordance with the procedures specified by the Ministry of Defence.

(4) The basic data of geospatial information specified in Paragraph three of this Section shall be accumulated in the basic geospatial data information system. The Latvian Geospatial Information Agency shall be the manager of the basic geospatial data information system. The Cabinet shall determine the procedures for the maintenance and use of the basic geospatial data information system.

[23 May 2013]

Section 18. Information on Place Names

(1) The Cabinet shall determine the procedures for the creation, assigning, approval, accumulation, publication, use, preservation, and protection of place names.

(2) Information on place names which is necessary for the performance of geodetic and cartographic activities shall be compiled in the Database of Place Names. The Latvian Geospatial Information Agency shall be the holder of the Database of Place Names and the manager of the national information system of place names.

[23 May 2013]

Section 19. Classification of Geospatial Objects Included in Geospatial Data Sets

(1) The single national classification system of geospatial objects shall be used for the preparation, maintenance, and use of the basic data of geospatial information.

(2) The code, name, and description of the relevant geospatial objects shall be included in the single national classification system of geospatial objects.

(3) The single national classification system of geospatial objects shall be developed, approved, and introduced in accordance with the procedures for the introduction and use of the unified classification system for economic information.

(4) The Ministry of Defence shall develop and maintain the single national classification system of geospatial objects, and also coordinate the introduction and use thereof.

(5) The single national classification system of geospatial objects shall ensure interoperability with the single identification system of geospatial objects of the infrastructure for geospatial information in the European Community.

[2 June 2022]

Section 20. Acquisition, Preparation, and Updating of Geospatial Information

(1) The basic data of geospatial information shall be acquired, prepared, and updated in accordance with the requirements for updating specified in this Law and other laws and regulations.

(2) The basic data of geospatial information prepared in accordance with the procedures specified in this Law shall be used for the preparation and updating of sectoral geospatial data sets.

(3) The holder of a geospatial data set shall be responsible for the updating of geospatial information according to the latest available basic data of geospatial information.

(4) The acquisition, preparation, and updating of the thematic maps and data sets for sectoral needs shall be performed taking into account the requirements specified in the special laws and regulations of the relevant sector.

(5) The geospatial information which is prepared upon request of an institution in order to ensure the fulfilment of the functions and tasks of the relevant institution shall conform to the requirements for the circulation of geospatial information specified in this Law and other laws and regulations.

Section 21. Metadata

(1) The holder of a geospatial data set shall ensure the creation of metadata of the relevant geospatial information and continuous updating thereof.

(2) The Cabinet shall determine the mandatory content of metadata of geospatial data sets.

Chapter IV
Certification of the Performers of Geodetic Work

Section 22. General Provisions for Certification of the Performers of Geodetic Work

(1) Geodetic work shall be performed by certified persons whose civil liability regarding the professional activity has been insured.

(2) A certification authority authorised by the Cabinet shall issue or refuse to issue a certificate to a performer of geodetic work, suspend or restore operation of a certificate, extend or refuse to extend the term of validity of a certificate and cancel it, supervise the activities of the certified persons, and ensure improvement of qualifications of certified persons.

(3) [23 November 2016]

[23 November 2016; 2 June 2022]

Section 23. Issuance and Registration of the Certificate Necessary for the Performance of Geodetic Work and Supervision of Activities of the Certified Persons

(1) Information on the certified performers of geodetic work shall be included in the Register of the Persons Certified for Geodetic Work, Land Survey, and Land Cadastral Survey. The Register of the Persons Certified for Geodetic Work, Land Survey, and Land Cadastral Survey shall be maintained by a certification authority authorised by the Cabinet.

(2) The procedures for the issuance and registration of a certificate, suspension or restoration of operation of a certificate, extension of the term of validity or cancellation of a certificate, the procedures for the supervision of the activities of certified persons, the procedures for the civil liability insurance, and the minimum amount for an insurance contract shall be determined by the Cabinet.

(3) The Cabinet shall approve the price list of paid services of certification of performers of geodetic work, extension of the term of validity of the certificate, and supervision of the activities of certified persons.

[23 November 2016; 2 June 2022]

Chapter V
General Provisions for the Provision of Geospatial Information and Geospatial Data Services

Section 24. Provision of Geospatial Information and Geospatial Data Services

(1) The holder of a geospatial data set shall ensure the provision of information via the infrastructure for geospatial information in accordance with the procedures specified in this Law.

(2) The holder of geospatial information shall provide geospatial information as well as geospatial data services on the basis of a request of an institution, natural or legal person in accordance with the procedures specified in the Law on Submissions and the Freedom of Information Law for the requesting of information at the disposal of an institution.

(3) The holder of geospatial information may reach an agreement with the requester of geospatial information or geospatial data service regarding permanent cooperation in the provision of geospatial information at the disposal thereof.

Section 25. Protection of Copyright of Holders of Geospatial Information and of Holders of Geospatial Data Sets

(1) Copyright to a database of geospatial information or the protected work included therein and the ownership of the rights of the database creator shall be determined in accordance with the Copyright Law.

(2) Unless it has been laid down otherwise in another law or regulation, users of a geospatial data set shall receive a licence for the re-use of the geospatial data set or conclude a licence contract with the holder of the relevant geospatial data set. Provisions of the licence or the licence contract may be included in other contracts concluded by and between the holder of the geospatial data set and the user. The following shall not be allowed in the abovementioned licence or licence contract:

1) to discriminate the users of the geospatial data set;

2) to include such restrictions which are in contradiction with Section 27, Paragraphs three and four of this Law;

3) to limit competition.

(3) Unless it has been laid down otherwise in another law or regulation, users of a geospatial data set shall conclude a cooperation contract for joint use of this data set with the holder of the relevant geospatial data set or an interdepartmental agreement. The text of the cooperation contract or the interdepartmental agreement shall include provisions regarding the use of geospatial data sets. The following shall not be allowed in these provisions:

1) to discriminate the users of the geospatial data set;

2) to include such restrictions which are in contradiction with Section 27, Paragraphs three and four of this Law.

(4) If, in fulfilling the State administration functions, the database of geospatial information is used and the copyright to this database or the protected work included therein or the right of creator of the database belong to the third person, other persons shall be provided with access to such database of geospatial information in conformity with the provisions for the use of the database.

(5) The provisions for the use of a database referred to in Paragraph four of this Section shall not restrict the users of a database of geospatial information in the fulfilment of State administration functions and tasks specified thereto to a full extent.

(6) Unless it has been laid down otherwise in another law or regulation, users of geospatial data sets which are involved in disaster management, rescue operations or the liquidation of consequences caused by emergency situations shall, in a timely manner, provide themselves with a written permission of the holder of the geospatial data set for the use of the database in any of the ways referred to in Paragraphs two and three of this Section for the use of the relevant geospatial data set upon request in cases of disasters, upon existence of threats of a disaster, and in case of declaration of an emergency situation.

(7) The holder of a geospatial data set shall provide free access to the information on the provisions for the joint use and re-use of the relevant geospatial data set. The Cabinet shall determine the mandatory content of the provisions for the use of geospatial data sets and the procedures for the receipt of a permit.

[2 June 2022]

Section 26. Fee for the Provision of Geospatial Information and Geospatial Data Services

(1) Metadata shall be available free of charge.

(2) Acquisition, preparation, and maintenance of the basic data of geospatial information for the performance of State administration functions and tasks shall be ensured from the State or local government budget funds, unless it has been specified otherwise in laws and regulations.

(3) A fee for the verification of topographic information of high detailed elaboration, registration in the database, preparation, and issuance thereof from the central database referred to in Section 13, Paragraph four of this Law shall be made in accordance with the procedures specified by the Cabinet, but from a database of local government in accordance with the procedures specified in the binding regulations of the local government.

(4) Exchange of topographic information of high detailed elaboration between the database of a local government and the central database shall take place free of charge.

(5) The holder of a geospatial data set shall ensure the provision of geospatial information according to the amount of the funding granted from the State or local government budget.

(6) The fee for the re-use of geospatial information and a geospatial data service shall be determined in accordance with the price list of public paid services of the holder of the relevant geospatial information or the provider of the geospatial data service. The Cabinet shall issue regulations determining the price list of re-use of geospatial information and geospatial data services and the procedures for the application thereof.

(7) If funding has not been provided for the acquisition, preparation, and maintenance of the relevant geospatial information or for the provision of the relevant geospatial data service from the resources of the State budget granted for this purpose to the institution, the fee for the joint use of geospatial information, including the basic data of geospatial information, or the receipt of geospatial data services for the fulfilment of State administration functions and tasks shall be determined according to the price list of public paid services of the holder of the relevant information or the provider of the geospatial data service. The Cabinet shall issue regulations determining the price list of receipt of geospatial information and geospatial data services and the procedures for the application thereof.

(7¹) A local government shall impose in its binding regulations the charge for the use of geospatial information held by it, for the geospatial information services, and the procedures for the application of the charge.

(8) In providing the institutions and structures of the European Community with a report in the field of environment in accordance with the procedures specified in laws and regulations, the geospatial information shall be provided free of charge.

(9) As an exception to the conditions for the re-use of information provided for in the Freedom of Information Law, the fee for the re-use of geospatial information shall not exceed the costs for the collection, making, reproduction, and distribution of such information.

(10) The Cabinet shall issue regulations regulating the procedures for making payment for the verification of topographic information of high detailed elaboration, registration in the database, preparation, and issuance thereof.

[25 September 2014; 2 June 2022]

Section 27. Restrictions Specified for the Provision of Geospatial Information

(1) A holder of geospatial information does not have an obligation to create new geospatial information or to adapt the existing information in order to fulfil a request for re-use.

(2) A holder of geospatial information need not fulfil a request for re-use if it is related to incommensurate consumption of resources which exceeds simple processing of information.

(3) Holders of geospatial data sets may restrict the public access to geospatial data sets, using the services referred to in Section 28, Paragraph two of this Law, if such access has a negative impact on international relations, public security or national defence.

(4) Holders of geospatial data sets may restrict the public access to geospatial data sets, using the services referred to in Section 28, Paragraph two, Clause 2, 3, 4 or 5 of this Law where such access would adversely affect any of the following:

1) the confidentiality of the activities of State or local government institutions where such confidentiality is provided for by laws and regulations;

2) the court process, the right of any person to a fair trial or the ability of a State institution to conduct an enquiry of a criminal or disciplinary nature;

3) the confidentiality of commercial or industrial information where such confidentiality is provided for by laws and regulations or Community law to protect a legitimate economic interest, including the public interest in maintaining statistical confidentiality and tax secrecy;

4) intellectual property rights;

5) the confidentiality of files relating to a natural person where the relevant natural person has not consented to the disclosure of the information to the public;

6) the interests or protection of any person who supplied the geospatial information requested on a voluntary basis without being under, or capable of being put under, a legal obligation to do so, unless that person has consented to the release of the geospatial information concerned;

7) the protection of the environment to which such geospatial information relates, such as the location of rare species.

(5) Holders of geospatial data sets shall not, on the basis of Paragraph four, Clauses 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 of this Section, limit access to information on the emission in the environment.

(6) Geospatial information which includes data of natural persons shall be processed in conformity with the laws and regulations governing the data protection of natural persons.

(7) Upon restricting the public access to data, the holders of geospatial data sets shall provide a justified reply, indicating specific conditions and considerations which forbid the issuance of information.

Chapter VI
Establishment and Operation of the Infrastructure for Geospatial Information

Section 28. Infrastructure for Geospatial Information and National Single Geoportal

(1) An infrastructure for geospatial information shall be established in electronic form for joint use of geospatial information among institutions and for re-use of geospatial information.

(2) In order to ensure the availability of the geospatial data sets included in the infrastructure for geospatial information and metadata thereof, a national single geoportal shall be established. At least the following geospatial data services shall be ensured in the geoportal:

1) search services making it possible to search for the available geospatial data sets on the basis of the content of the corresponding metadata and to display the content of the metadata;

2) view services making it possible, as a minimum, to display, navigate, zoom in/out, pan, or overlay viewable geospatial data sets, and also to display legend information of geospatial data and any relevant content of metadata;

3) download services enabling copies of geospatial data sets, or parts of such sets, to be downloaded and, where practicable, accessed directly;

4) transformation services enabling geospatial data sets to be transformed with a view to achieve their required interoperability;

5) services allowing geospatial data services to be invoked directly in information systems.

(3) The State Regional Development Agency shall be the manager of the geoportal. The functions and tasks thereof, the geospatial data sets to be included in the geoportal, the metadata, and also the requirements to be put forward to the holders of geospatial data sets and their obligations in order to ensure the availability of geospatial data sets and metadata thereof in the geoportal and use thereof, and also the provisions for the use of geospatial information included in the geoportal shall be regulated by the Cabinet.

(4) The following provisions shall be determined for a joint use and re-use of the information included in the infrastructure for geospatial information in conformity with the general provisions for the provision of geospatial information and geospatial data services included in Chapter V of this Law and applying the exceptions to the conditions of re-use of information provided for in the Freedom of Information Law:

1) the searching for and viewing of geospatial data sets in the geoportal, without downloading, is free of charge;

2) a fee for viewing of a geospatial data set in the geoportal, without downloading, may be requested for such geospatial data sets the maintenance of which is not fully ensured from the resources of the State budget and the holder of information of which must ensure extensive and frequent updating of geospatial information;

3) viewing of geospatial data sets in the geoportal, without downloading, may be restricted for re-use for commercial purposes.

[16 December 2010; 25 September 2014]

Section 29. Provision of Geospatial Information to the Geoportal of the European Community

(1) The manager of the geoportal shall ensure the availability of the geospatial data sets included in the geoportal and metadata thereof to the geoportal of the European Community.

(2) The manager of the geoportal shall comply with the technical specifications and interoperability requirements of geospatial data sets and metadata specified for the geoportal of the European Community.

Chapter VII
Special Provisions for the Circulation of Geospatial Information

Section 30. Circulation of Geospatial Information in Case of Emergency Situations, State of Exception, or Announcement of Mobilisation

(1) In cases when a state of exception or mobilisation has been announced, geospatial information shall, upon request, be transferred to the National Armed Forces and the authorities which perform the tasks specified in the civil protection plans free of charge.

(2) In case of a disaster or declaration of an emergency situation, the State or local government authorities shall receive or download geospatial information from the single geospatial information portal free of charge regarding the territory where the disaster has taken place or the emergency situation has been declared.

Section 31. Circulation of Geospatial Information Regarding Demarcation of the State Border of the Republic of Latvia

(1) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall, pursuant to the State administration functions, tasks, and competence thereof and international legal provisions binding on the Republic of Latvia:

1) plan and ensure measures for demarcation of the State border in accordance with international agreements;

2) ensure the keeping of original demarcation documents of the State border and the sending of copies to the competent authorities.

(2) The Latvian Geospatial Information Agency shall, within the framework of demarcation work of the State border of the Republic of Latvia, ensure that geodetic coordinates of the State border signs of the Republic of Latvia are specified and represented in maps in accordance with international agreements.

[23 May 2013]

Transitional Provisions

1. The Cabinet shall, by 31 December 2010, issue the regulations referred to in Section 11, Paragraph three, Section 12, Paragraph four, Section 12, Paragraph eight, Section 15, Paragraph one, Section 18, Paragraph one, Section 21, Paragraph two, Section 23, Paragraph two, and Section 26, Paragraph ten of this Law.

2. The Cabinet shall, by 30 June 2011, issue the regulations referred to in Section 13, Paragraph three and Section 13, Paragraph five of this Law.

3. The Cabinet shall, by 15 May 2010, issue the regulations referred to in Section 25, Paragraph seven and Section 28, Paragraph three of this Law.

4. Until the day of coming into force of the relevant Cabinet regulations, but not later than until 31 December 2010, the following legal acts shall be applicable:

1) Decision No. 172 of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia, On the Procedures for the Issuance of Cartographic Materials;

2) Decision No. 213 of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia, On the Transition to the Geodetic Coordinate System of Latvia;

3) Decision No. 484 of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia, On By-laws Regarding the Procedures for the Establishment, Supervision, and Protection of State Geodetic Support Points;

4) Decision No. 254 of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia of 2 July 1992, On the Assigning of Names and Renaming of Railroad Stations, Ports, Airports, and Objects of Physical Geography;

5) Decision No. 257 of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia of 6 June 1991, On the Procedures for Assigning of Names and Renaming of Objects of Physical Geography and Other Objects.

5. The licences for the performance of cartographic work issued up to 31 December 2007 shall cease to be in effect on the day of coming into force of this Law. The licences for the performance of geodetic work issued up to 31 December 2007 shall be in effect up to the period of time indicated in the licence, but not longer than until 31 December 2010.

6. The database of topographic information of high detailed elaboration referred to in Section 13, Paragraph six of this Law shall be established or the delegation contract referred to in Section 13, Paragraph seven of this Law shall be concluded within six months after the day of coming into force of this Law.

7. Until the day of coming into force of the Cabinet regulations referred to in Section 13, Paragraph three of this Law:

1) topographic survey of high detailed elaboration shall be performed in accordance with Cabinet Regulation No. 168 of 2 May 2000, Regulations Regarding the Latvian Construction Standard LBN 005-99 "Provisions for Engineering Research in Construction", and the methodologies of the State Land Service issued on the basis thereof and in accordance with the binding regulations of local governments which have been coordinated with the State Land Service;

2) the local government shall establish and maintain the database referred to in Section 13, Paragraph six of this Law in accordance with Cabinet Regulation No. 168 of 2 May 2000, Regulations Regarding the Latvian Construction Standard LBN 005-99 "Provisions for Engineering Research in Construction" and the methodologies of the State Land Service issued on the basis thereof. The database of topographic information of high detailed elaboration established until the day of coming into force of this Law shall be maintained by the local government in accordance with the binding regulations thereof.

8. Until the day of coming into force of the Cabinet regulations referred to in Section 13, Paragraph five of this Law, the State Land Service shall maintain the central information system referred to in Section 13, Paragraph four of this Law in accordance with Cabinet Regulation No. 168 of 2 May 2000, Regulations Regarding the Latvian Construction Standard LBN 005-99 "Provisions for Engineering Research in Construction", and the methodologies of the State Land Service issued on the basis thereof, arranging the information in individual files according to the map sheet nomenclature of the scale 1:1000 of the topographic map system of 1993.

9. Until the day of coming into force of the Cabinet regulations referred to in Section 13, Paragraph five of this Law, the State Land Service shall conclude a cooperation contract regarding initial transfer of the topographic information of high detailed elaboration at the disposal thereof to a local government in relation to the territory thereof and the local government - regarding regular transfer of the topographic information of high detailed elaboration to the State Land Service for the maintenance of the central database:

1) within three months after the day of coming into force of this Law - with local governments which have established a database of topographic information of high detailed elaboration prior to the day of coming into force of this Law;

2) within one month from the establishment of the database of topographic information of high detailed elaboration - with the local governments which establish the database of topographic information of high detailed elaboration after the day of coming into force of this Law.

10. Section 9, Paragraph three of this Law shall come into force after the relevant amendments have been made to the Latvian Administrative Violations Code.

11. Within six months after the day of coming into force of this Law a local government shall issue the binding regulations referred to in Section 13, Paragraph six of this Law, but the binding regulations previously issued by the local government regarding the circulation of topographic information of high detailed elaboration shall cease to be in effect.

12. Until the establishment of the database of topographic information of high detailed elaboration referred to in Section 13, Paragraph six of this Law or conclusion of the delegation contract referred to in Section 13, Paragraph seven of this Law, topographic survey information of high detailed elaboration regarding the administrative territory of a local government shall be registered and accumulated and the data necessary for the performance of survey shall be issued by the State Land Service, except for the case when the abovementioned information is maintained by the local government according to the binding regulations thereof.

13. The Cabinet shall, within six months after the day of coming into force of this Law, issue the regulations referred to in Section 10, Paragraph four, Section 12, Paragraph six, and Section 15, Paragraph two of this Law.

14. Section 25, Paragraphs two, three, four, five, six, and seven of this Law shall come into force on 15 May 2010. The norms of Section 25 of this Law in relation the process of development of spatial plan shall be applied from 1 January 2014. The contracts concluded up to 15 May 2010 regarding the use of database, if they are not in contradiction with the requirements of Section 25 of this Law, shall be effective for the term indicated in the relevant contract.

15. Section 28, Paragraphs one and two of this Law shall come into force on 15 May 2010.

16. The Cabinet shall, by 1 August 2013, issue the regulations referred to in Section 17, Paragraph four of this Law.

[23 May 2013]

17. Starting from 1 December 2014, the implementation of the European Vertical Reference System in the territory of Latvia shall be used to acquire, prepare, and maintain the basic data of geospatial information.

[25 September 2014]

18. The land surveying work commenced before 1 December 2014 may be completed in the normal heights system of the Baltic States (1977) until 1 January 2015.

[25 September 2014]

19. If the construction documentation has been developed in the normal heights system of the Baltic States (1977), then, starting from 1 December 2014, the notes to the executive measurement plan shall indicate the heights system in which the construction documentation has been developed, and the value used in the recalculations of heights according to the European Vertical Reference System.

[25 September 2014]

20. The information contained in the information systems and databases used to acquire, prepare, and maintain the basic data of geospatial information which has been expressed in the normal heights system of the Baltic States (1977) shall be expressed in the European Vertical Reference System by 1 December 2014.

[25 September 2014]

21. Persons who are performing geodetic activities as employees of State or local government authorities until 30 June 2018 but have not acquired the education specified in Section 10, Paragraph three of this Law (according to the wording which comes into force from 1 July 2018) are entitled to continue the geodetic activities not longer than until 30 June 2024.

[17 May 2018]

22. Persons who are performing cartographic activities until 30 June 2018 but have not acquired the education specified in Section 10, Paragraph five of this Law (according to the wording which comes into force from 1 July 2018) are entitled to continue the cartographic activities not longer than until 30 June 2024.

[17 May 2018]

Informative Reference to European Union Directives

The Law contains norms arising from:

1) Directive 2007/2/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 2007 establishing an Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community (INSPIRE);

2) Directive 2003/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 November 2003 on the re-use of public sector information;

3) Directive 2003/4/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2003 on public access to environmental information and repealing Council Directive 90/313/EEC.

The Law has been adopted by the Saeima on 17 December 2009.

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¹The Parliament of the Republic of Latvia

Translation © 2023 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre)