The BGS Geology datasets are digital geological maps of Great Britain based on the different series of published BGS geological maps. We currently offer digital data at four key scales:
The larger-scale maps provide detail for site-specific use; the medium- to small-scale maps provide national coverage. Ongoing revisions from our survey activities are updated on a regular basis.
Datasets and scales
BGS Geology 10k
Our most detailed dataset is provided at 1:10 000 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.
BGS Geology 50k
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.
BGS Geology 250k
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.
BGS Geology 625k
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.
BGS Geology information downloads
- BGS Geology 50k colours look-up table
- BGS Geology 50k QGIS styles
- BGS Geology 50k ESRI styles
- BGS Geology 625k QGIS styles
BGS Geology 625k data downloads
| Dataset | Theme | ESRI | WMS | MapInfo | WFS | OGCAPI-Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BGS Geology 625k | Bedrock | 11.3 MB | View service | 8 MB | Download | https://ogcapi.bgs.ac.uk/collections/BGSGeology625kBedrock |
| BGS Geology 625k | Superficial | 4.6 MB | View service | 8.4 MB | – | https://ogcapi.bgs.ac.uk/collections/BGSGeology625kSuperficial |
| BGS Geology 625k | Faults | 432 KB | – | 1.08 MB | – | https://ogcapi.bgs.ac.uk/collections/BGSGeology625kFaults |
| BGS Geology 625k | Dykes | 1.08 MB | – | 988 KB | – | https://ogcapi.bgs.ac.uk/collections/BGSGeology625kDykes |
BGS Geology sample downloads
These samples are provided for evaluation purposes so the user can assess their content and suitability for intended uses.
Terms of use
This data is made available under the Open Government Licence, subject to the following acknowledgement accompanying the reproduced BGS materials: ‘Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI [year]’.
You may also be interested in
BGS Geology FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the BGS Geology datasets.
BGS Geology 10K
Detailed digital geological map data based on BGS’s National Grid and County series 1:10 000 and 1:10 560 scale maps with updated nomenclature.
BGS Geology 50K
Generalised digital geological map data based on BGS’s New Series 1:50 000 and 1:63 360 scale (one-inch to one-mile) maps with updated nomenclature.
BGS Geology 250K
Generalised digital geological map data based on BGS’s series of 1:250 000-scale maps, reclassified with lithostratigraphic nomenclature.
BGS Geology 625K
Generalised digital geological map data based on BGS’s published poster maps of the UK (north and south).