Datasets

The BGS Geology datasets are digital geological maps of Great Britain based on the different series of published BGS geological maps.

Our most detailed dataset is provided at 1:10 000 and 1:25 000 scale. This digital geological data is based on BGS’s highest-resolution survey mapping. Many urban centres and transport routes are covered by this dataset. Lithostratigraphic nomenclature is updated to current usage.

• Premium
• 1:10 000 – 1:25 000
• Partial Great Britain coverage

This generalised digital geological data is based on our 1:250 000-scale, bedrock-only maps. Data and lithostratigraphic re-classifications are derived from maps published between 1977 and 1993.

• Premium
• 1:250 000
• Great Britain

This generalised digital geological data is based on BGS’s 1:50 000 and 1:63 360-scale maps. Covering almost all of Great Britain, it provides a detailed local to regional description of geology and underpins many of our national map services and products. Lithostratigraphic nomenclature is updated to current usage.

• Open / Premium
• 1:50 000
• Most of Great Britain

This generalised digital geological dataset is based on our published ‘poster’ maps of the UK (north and south). This dataset covers all of Great Britain and includes additional map data from Northern Ireland. It provides an excellent national overview of the UK’s geology and is commonly used as a teaching resource.

• Open
• 1:625 000
• Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Data outputs from 3D geological framework models are available at three different scales for parts of the onshore area of Great Britain.

• Open / Premium
• Varied
• Great Britain (partial coverage)

The seabed geology map dataset covers regions on the UK’s continental shelf and details the substrate geology, structural geology and seabed geomorphology.

• Open
• 1:10 000 – 1:50 000
• Regional

The BGS Offshore Bedrock 250k dataset depicts the distribution of the different types of bedrock on the UK Continental Shelf.

• Open
• 1:250 000
• UK and adjacent European waters

The 1:250 000-scale offshore geological map for quaternary geology (BGS Geology: marine quaternary 250k) is available digitally.

• Open
• 1:250 000
• UK and adjacent European waters

Permeability data is often used in studies of groundwater. Our permeability information is based on BGS Geology 50K data.

• Premium
• 1:50 000
• Great Britain

This offshore Quaternary geology dataset shows the distribution of interpreted lithostratigraphical units within the shallow subsurface. The dataset represents the Quaternary geology immediately beneath the active seabed sediment layer.

• Open
• 1:250 000
• UK and adjacent European waters

SOBI has over one million records of boreholes, shafts and wells from all forms of drilling and site investigation work.

• Open
• Great Britain

The Soil Parent Material Model details the distribution of properties of the weathered and unweathered soil parent materials of Great Britain.

• Premium
• 1:50 000
• Great Britain

The BGS superficial thickness hex grid map shows the variation of the thickness of superficial deposits across Great Britain.

• Open
• 1 km hex grid (approx. 1:1 000 000)
• Great Britain

The superficial thickness model shows the depth of the bedrock surface below unconsolidated deposits

• Premium
• 1:50 000
• Great Britain

A national-scale network of intersecting cross-sections providing a unique visualisation of the complex rocks and structures that make up the UK landmass.

• Open
• 1:625 000
• UK