Terms of Service
1. Agreement
By accessing or using Michigan Lake Depths (the “Service”), you agree to these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, do not use the Service.
2. What the Service is
The Service provides interactive 3D and 2D depth maps and related facts for Michigan inland lakes, compiled from publicly available government and open data. It is an educational and recreational reference only.
3. Not for navigation or safety — important
The depth information is derived from Michigan DNR bathymetric surveys that are often decades old (many from the 1950s–1970s). Lake bottoms, water levels, shorelines, and hazards change over time. Do not rely on the Service for navigation, boating safety, anchoring, swimming, diving, wading, or any decision that could affect personal safety or property. Always consult official nautical charts, current conditions, posted signage, and local knowledge. You assume all risk of any use of the depth information.
4. No warranty
The Service and all data are provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including accuracy, completeness, timeliness, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose. The data originates from third-party public sources and has not been independently verified by us.
5. Limitation of liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, we and our operators will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, or for any personal injury, death, or property damage, arising from or related to your use of, or inability to use, the Service or reliance on any data it presents. Because the Service is provided to you free of charge, our aggregate liability is limited to the fullest extent permitted by law. [If a fixed liability cap is desired — e.g., one hundred US dollars — set it here with counsel.]
6. Data sources and third-party rights
Depth contours, boat-launch locations, and fishery information derive from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources; elevation from the U.S. Geological Survey (3DEP); aerial imagery from USDA NAIP; roads, shorelines, and wetlands from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, licensed under the Open Database License, ODbL); and weather from NOAA / the National Weather Service. Your use of any underlying data may be subject to those providers’ terms. OpenStreetMap data is used under the ODbL and requires attribution.
7. Intellectual property
The Service’s original elements — its software, design, the 3D models we generate, and the selection and arrangement of information — are owned by us or our licensors. Third-party public data remains subject to its own licenses. You may not copy, scrape in a manner that burdens the Service, resell, or redistribute the Service’s content except as those licenses allow.
8. Not affiliated with government agencies
Michigan Lake Depths is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Michigan DNR, USGS, USDA, NOAA/NWS, OpenStreetMap, or any government agency. Agency names are used only to attribute data sources.
9. Acceptable use
You agree not to use the Service unlawfully, to present its data as official government information, to interfere with its operation, or to access it through automated means that place an unreasonable load on our systems.
10. Changes
We may modify the Service or these Terms at any time. Continued use after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.
11. Governing law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to conflict of laws principles. [Venue / dispute-resolution / arbitration clauses to be set with counsel.]