The GIS layers of the “International Hydrogeological Map of Europe 1:1,500,000” in a vector format

The map series of the International Hydrogeological Map of Europe at a scale of 1:1,500,000 (IHME1500) has been completed by the publication of the last two map sheets in August 2013. Altogether, the 25 sheets of the IHME1500 provide the first coherent overview of groundwater resources in Europe. The map displays productivity and lithology of potential aquifer systems. Some of the additional map contents relating to groundwater are presented only regionally. The most relevant features of IHME1500 are compiled in two seamless geographic information system (GIS) layers in shapefile format: (1) showing groundwater resources characterised by a basic aquifer typology, including a lithological description and areas of seawater intrusion, and (2) reproducing major tectonic fractures. The superficial lithology information was harmonised by implementing a lithological taxonomy and a multi-step aggregation. An enhancement of the GIS layers is envisaged through the release of updates, which will be distinguished by consecutive version numbers. The continent-wide harmonised presentation of contents constitutes the main feature of the IHME1500 GIS layers. This qualifies the spatial dataset as a basic tool for hydrogeological assessments aiming primarily at transboundary issues. Map scale and the manufacture date of the analogue base impose restrictions on the application of the IHME1500 vector data. A set of examples describes the initial use of the GIS layers in research projects and illustrates potential fields of application. The IHME1500 lithology layer establishes a spatial dataset suitable for the continent-wide evaluation of geological surface processes like the susceptibility to landslides.