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.
In 2021 and 2022, we anticipate the following activity:
- Beta release of our new GeoCoast dataset
- Early consultation focus groups and feedback for our next generation BGS Geology product
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
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?
Maps show the real threat of climate-related subsidence to British homes and properties
19/05/2021
New maps launched by BGS reveal how climate change is likely to drive an increase in subsidence-related issues for British homes and properties over the next 50 years.
Five minutes with … the Hazard and Resilience Modelling team
22/04/2021
Meet the team behind our geohazard products and datasets.
GeoClimate launch event — reducing subsidence risk due to climate change
Event on 20/05/2021
Learn more about a major new release of our GeoClimate UKCP18 data
Join our Big Borehole Dig
07/10/2020
BGS and the Dig-To-Share Project have launched the Big Borehole Dig – a citizen science initiative to help improve the availability and accessibility of borehole data for all, and we’re looking for anyone with an interest in boreholes or geology to get involved.
Get in touch
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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.
