Our Product Development teams specialise in combining geoscience with data analytics. Our remit is to maintain and develop new and innovative data products to provide geoscientific information to our stakeholders, served up in a format that is accessible and intuitive.
We work closely with the BGS research areas to ensure we incorporate the latest in data, knowledge and know-how, and alongside business development, translate science into data products that respond to stakeholder needs. We also contribute scientific and geospatial analytical skills and data management expertise to cross-government, multi-agency approaches such as Geospatial Commission.
If you would like to receive regular updates on our latest news and developments then please join our newsletter. You can view the latest edition of the data products newsletter here.
Combining expertise from engineering geology, geochemistry, modelling, GIS and many more disciplines, our product development aims to:
- supply data and knowledge to users that can be used in the analysis of a range of geo-environmental problems
- explore alternative and new methodologies with internal and external partners, developing existing products and services as well as generating new and innovative ones
- develop multidisciplinary data products
- develop dynamic products (i.e. temporal or responsive) modelling factors such as impact, resilience, risk and uncertainty using numerical and stochastic techniques, improving the quality and integrity of products and services
- develop new and innovative methods of data presentation, particularly looking at how to incorporate near real-time data, dynamic process models and 3D geological models and data
- respond to end-user needs /problems – work in collaboration with external and internal stakeholders.
The BGS has set up a data user group to help steer and evaluate new and existing data products. The programme enables us to consult a wide range of consumers of both our commercial and open data products, who then influence and assist us in developing new products that are relevant to our user community.
We are always happy to have new members of this group and welcome any interest. If you are keen to get involved, preview early releases of data and have an opportunity to influence product development then please contact the digital licensing team.
We regularly work in partnerships and on collaborative projects such as NERC ERIIP, NERC Innovation, Innovate UK, Pathfinder and European Space Agency. We contribute both scientific and geospatial analytical skills and expertise.
The Product development teams have a broad range of data analytical skills and expertise and are able to provide commissioned services to stakeholders, for example a review of multiple geohazards tailored specifically to a network or asset portfolio. We have carried out work for National Grid, Network Rail, HS2 and others.
Featured data products
GeoClimate UKCP09 and UKCP18
BGS has developed a suite of products, including maps and data, which show potential change in subsidence due to UKCP climate change scenarios
Property subsidence assessment
The BGS property subsidence assessment dataset uses a combination of best available geology, tree location and property information to provide property- and postcode-specific information on ground movement across England and Wales.
BGS Resistivity
This theme provides information on the electrical resistivity of a geological material, to be used where the earthing characteristics of the ground are required.
BGS GeoScour Premium
The BGS GeoScour datasets provide a generalised overview of the natural characteristics and properties of catchment and riverine environments for the assessment of river scour in Great Britain.
Latest digital data news & events
Evolving policies in the face of climate change: BGS data can help
25/08/2023
Climate change is increasingly recognised as a major challenge for organisations, with the need for adaptation driving a wave of policy updates and reforms across multiple sectors. BGS data holdings are relevant to many of these changes and the following examples outline how these data packages can be applied.
A new open dataset to benefit onshore geoscience research
15/06/2023
Data from deep onshore hydrocarbon wells is being released on an open access basis to help meet the UK’s net zero targets.
AGS file utilities tool: production release
16/05/2023
BGS’s online tool for validating AGS files against the official AGS data format rules and its own NGDC data submission requirements goes live.
BGS releases 10K maps through updated maps portal
16/05/2023
BGS releases an updated maps portal, which allows users to view all publicly available, maps and includes 10 000 and 1:10 560 scale maps for the first time.
Improvements to borehole delivery
25/04/2023
BGS releases improvements to its borehole layer on the GeoIndex, which makes access faster and improves quality.
BGS joins the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping to raise data and mapping standards
25/08/2022
BGS is the latest UK Government organisation to join the newly unveiled UK Centre for Seabed Mapping, helping to boost marine data and mapping standards.
GeoCoast dataset launch event
Event on 28/04/2022
BGS invites you to discover more about our new data product to underpin coastal decision making, resilience and adaptation.
Secure your digital datasets — by letting a data centre look after them!
10/12/2021
Mark Fellgett discusses why data centres should be the de facto option for the storage of geoscience data.
A new suite of AGS file utilities and public API
24/11/2021
BGS has released an online AGS file utilities tool validator.
Byte by byte: developing our digital preservation capability
04/11/2021
A brief timeline of the digital preservation journey at BGS and NGDC.
BGS Digital data review 2021–22
18/06/2021
BGS is seeking a comprehensive understanding of the data ecosystem in which we operate, providing a detailed assessment of our current operating models and the options for our target operating model over the next 10 years.
Six ways to prepare your home for climate change related subsidence
19/05/2021
Subsidence caused by shrinking and swelling of the ground can lead to financial loss. How can you mitigate against it?
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Digital data licensing and resellers
If you are interested in an information product and the Open Government Licence is not applicable, we encourage the use and exploitation of our information products by providing a wide range of licences.
