The subsurface: our hidden asset

While often ‘out of sight, out of mind’, the subsurface is a natural habitat, a source
of critical resources, and a space for the infrastructure that underpins modern
economies; in the coming decades the drive for urbanisation, innovation and
technology, the need to deliver climate change adaptation, and achieve net zero
targets, places ever increasing importance on the subsurface and the services it
enables.
Goverment office for science (go-science) foresight project

The British Geological Survey

The British Geological Survey (BGS), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is the UK’s primary provider of authoritative geological and geoscience data and information. For nearly two centuries, we have been at the forefront of UK and international geological research and have provided fundamental data, information and expertise to local, national and international decision makers. We understand the importance of the subsurface in the delivery of sustainable growth and its role in:

housing, infrastructure and land-use planning
the energy transition
resource security, including groundwater and critical minerals
climate change
disaster risk reduction

Why the subsurface matters: our role
in delivering sustainable growth

We are the national geological survey: we produce geological map data and 3D geological models for the UK onshore and offshore and run the National Geoscience Data Centre
We provide data capture platforms and data delivery services to enhance the value of our geospatial data
We provide world-leading observational and analytical facilities to address societal and environmental challenges
Our knowledge of the subsurface is used to improve spatial planning decisions about how and where to develop land
We provide independent and authoritative advice to the UK Government

How BGS geoscience knowledge and data supports the UK’s policy priorities

	Construction and infrastructure: our geological data and expertise are routinely used to inform the design and construction of new infrastructure projects. BGS is the national custodian of geological data and works with industry and the UK Government to unlock the value of UK ground investigation data, worth an estimated £1.2 billion a year to the UK economy. BGS data products and bespoke 3D geological services de-risk infrastructure development.
	Housing: our data and expertise are used to help deliver new housing and ensure communities have a healthy and resilient future. Quality housing relies on good-quality ground for foundations, clean and healthy soil and water, adequate drainage, long-term ground stability and resilience to societally important challenges such as climate change.
	Land use planning: our data and expertise in subsurface systems is used to inform the spatial planning system about topics such as groundwater, mineral extraction, geothermal energy, energy storage and waste disposal. We address the contested nature and technical complexity of underground developments and the challenges they present
	Energy transition: our research on geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage, energy storage and geological disposal supports the energy transition
	Resilience to geological hazards: we are experts in understanding natural hazards. Our work on hazard forecasting and our assessments of impacts, exposure and vulnerability are helping to make communities more resilient…
	Improved water security: our groundwater experts are helping to ensure a safe, secure and resilient groundwater supply for the UK under a changing climate