The General Geological Map of the Federal Republic of Germany 1:250,000 (GÜK250) is a seamless “Inselkarte” and the digital follower of the General Geological Map of the Federal Republic of Germany 1:200,000 (GÜK200). Like its predecessor, the GÜK250 represents the surface geology of Germany and contains harmonised and updated information on age, composition and genesis of the rocks. According to this content, the GÜK250 offers three nationwide legends for the portrayal of the geologic units: a) chronostratigraphy, b) petrography and c) petrogenesis. Furthermore, the new GÜK250 includes information on the lithostratigraphy, the genetic process as well as information on the physical and chemical environment of the rock formation. Additionally, the GÜK250 provides - if available - information on the thickness of the geologic units and contains layers which represent tectonic elements, marginal position of the ice shield and quartz dykes. In general, the term “surface geology” refers to geologic formations up to a depth of two meters. However, particularly in the south of Germany, considerable deviations of this concept exist and thicknesses of a couple of hundred meters may are displayed. The GÜK250 contains a base layer and an overlay layer which usually comprises thin Quaternary deposits.