New BGS GeoIndex viewer released for user testing
The premium map-viewing application has been given a major upgrade and made available as a beta release.
24/09/2025 By BGS Press
First launched in July 2000, the BGS GeoIndex is a professional digital geological map application and receives over one million views each year.
The current iterations of the GeoIndex Onshore and GeoIndex Offshore applications are now 10 years old and approaching the end of their technical lifespans. The transition to the updated viewer has allowed us to unify the platforms into a single, streamlined tool and increase awareness of the geological data available from BGS.
Alongside the integration of onshore and offshore data, the new GeoIndex beta release includes a number of other notable additions. The refreshed and upgraded user interface has been designed to enhance the user experience, with improved find and filter tools to make it easier to access the relevant data. Direct links to full Discovery Metadata records have been added to provide deeper insights and there are expanded basemap options, including the latest Ordnance Survey maps and high-resolution satellite imagery.
The beta release also includes core geological data layers, such as 625K- and 50K-scale digital geological mapping and borehole datasets, to allow for focused user testing. We are looking at eventually streamlining some of the other currently available data layers as part of the review, to ensure the new platform is as user friendly as possible.
The BGS GeoIndex is our flagship map viewer and we’ve spent the last few years planning how we can improve the application for our users.
We are excited to share this beta version for testing and to gauge users’ reactions and hope the updated interface will bring many welcome usability improvements.
Steven Richardson, BGS Geospatial Applications Developer.
We would welcome user feedback during this beta phase, and comments can be submitted through the GeoIndex online feedback form.
Please note: commercial, research and public good level users should continue to use the existing BGS GeoIndex (onshore) and GeoIndex (offshore) applications for professional use until the new platform is formally launched.
Relative topics
Related news
New research shows AI earthquake tools forecast aftershock risk in seconds
25/11/2025
Earthquake forecasting tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI) can forecast the risk of aftershocks seconds after the initial tremor, a study by BGS, the University of Edinburgh and University of Padua suggests.
BGS welcomes publication of the UK Critical Minerals Strategy
23/11/2025
A clear strategic vision for the UK is crucial to secure the country’s long-term critical mineral supply chains and drive forward the Government’s economic growth agenda.
New funding awarded for UK geological storage research
21/11/2025
A project that aims to investigate the UK’s subsurface resource to support net zero has been awarded funding and is due to begin its research.
UK braced for what could be the largest solar storm in over two decades
12/11/2025
Intense geomagnetic activity could disrupt technology such as communication systems, global positioning systems and satellite orbits.
First distributed acoustic sensing survey completed at UK Geoenergy Observatory
12/11/2025
New research at the Cheshire Observatory has shown the potential for mapping thermal changes in the subsurface using sound waves.
Latest BGS Geology 50K mapping data launched
06/11/2025
Some of our most widely used maps have received a major update, including the 1:50 000-scale map series that now includes enhanced coverage of Great Britain.
New research highlights significant earthquake potential in Indonesia’s capital city
04/11/2025
Research reveals that a fault cutting through the subsurface of Jakarta could generate a damaging earthquake of high magnitude.
World Cities Day: the geological story of our cities
31/10/2025
Understanding the rocks that underlie our towns and cities, the risks they can present and how they influence urban planning and redevelopment.
GSNI project wins multiple awards at RegioStars event
17/10/2025
The AGEO project enjoyed a double success at the RegioStars awards, hosted at the European Commission in Brussels.
Extended seabed geology map of the Bristol Channel published
07/10/2025
BGS has released significantly extended high-resolution maps that will support offshore green-energy initiatives in the area.
Dr Angela Lamb appointed as honorary professor by the University of Nottingham
02/10/2025
Dr Lamb will take up the position of honorary professor of environmental geochemistry, with a focus on collaborative research.
New report sets pathway to reduce the impacts of geohazards in one of the world’s most hazard-prone nations
30/09/2025
A new White Paper, co-developed by Indonesian and UK hazard experts, presents a strategic roadmap to significantly reduce the impacts of geological hazards in Indonesia.