The BGS is a data-rich organisation. Our data science and data infrastructure are fundamental to our future research and are critical assets that underpin all three of our strategic challenges.
Embracing new technology across the BGS will be crucial. We will invest in technologies to change our operating systems and to create a new cyber infrastructure. This will include an integrated information system feeding into a global geoscience cloud, revolutionising data provision, forecasting and prediction, and supporting our three strategic challenges.
We will also develop new methods of delivering data to our customers and stakeholders to improve their user experience, including new insights into data and data tailored for impact and solutions.
- Acquiring primary data will enable us to conduct challenge-led science.
- Data acquisition will be essential to addressing significant knowledge gaps and to reduce uncertainty in critical areas.
- Improved capabilities to capture, process and store data will allow us to better characterise the environment and rock volumes in greater detail and with increased temporal resolution.
- We will look to develop our sensor technologies and improve monitoring capacity and the ability for it to be mobile.
- We need to handle ever larger datasets and outputs from subsurface experiments, which calls for us to expand our storage, network and access requirements.
- We will work with partners to develop the capability to store and reference data.
- This includes the analogue data held by the National Geological Repository and the BGS Library — samples, cores, maps and records.
- Data management is a key requirement to ensure good data governance and repurposing of collected data.
- We will look to employ machine learning techniques and new technologies, building on internationally recognised standards that we will co-develop.
- Collaboration in data laboratories and data commons will require skills development to ensure we can continue to analyse, process and visualise data as effectively as possible.
- Developing capacity, capability and data management systems in developing countries will continue to be a priority.
- Research infrastructures and new capabilities will ensure we remain at the forefront of scientific computing technologies. These include:
- hosting the European Plate Observing System’s (EPOS) integrated core services
- the OneGeology project
- We will research more effective use and integration of geospatial geological data, with emphasis on the built environment, as part of the UK Geospatial Commission.
- We will use new techniques to improve access and links between datasets and work to comply with ‘FAIR’ data principles, making data findable, accessible, interoperable and re-usable.
- Visualisation will support technological innovations, including smartphone apps, and crowdsourcing technology in developing countries facing complex multi-hazards and environmental degradation.
- We will develop conceptual models through the collection of geological data to support projects involving multiphase flow systems and in geophysical and geochemical science.
- Predictive models will be developed to forecast or predict the future evolution of a process on the basis of current understanding.
- Simulation models will be developed to assist model users to understand how decisions taken may influence (or may be influenced by) a complex system, for example hazard assessment around volcanoes.
- Simulations that mimic how individuals respond to risks will be developed with social scientists.
- Modelling of the Earth’s geophysical characteristics will also be undertaken.
Our research
![Example_borehole_breakout-960x960](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Example_borehole_breakout-960x960-1.jpg)
Digital lab
The BGS Digital Lab has been created to develop, test and provide new tools and technologies that support delivery of the BGS science strategy enabling world class research across BGS.
![urbanenv](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/urbanenv.jpg)
3D visualisation systems
3D visualisation systems enable geoscientists to communicate with each other and with end users from diverse disciplines to better understand complex and varied datasets.
![Little plant in dried cracked mud against a background of city skyline. Photo credit amphotora.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/iStock-586087414_feature.jpg)
Hazard and resilience modelling
The hazard and resilience modelling team aims to develop new and innovative data products that deliver geoscientific information to a range of users in an accessible form.
![BGS 3D Modelling](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/3D_feature.jpg)
3D geology resources
3D geological models characterise the structure of the rocks and sediments in the subsurface, providing sophisticated tools for enhanced geological understanding.
![Blueprint_map_feature](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Blueprint_map_feature.jpg)
Product development
The properties and resources team publishes a broad range of geological data and information, including digital mapping, for all stakeholders.
![mobile](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mobile.jpg)
Citizen science
Citizen science networks often allows scientists to accomplish research objectives more readily than would otherwise be possible, using individual volunteers, often non-scientists, to perform research-related tasks .
Our data and facilities
![Aeromagnetic surveys](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/feature_aeromagnetic.jpg)
Data search
BGS is a data-rich organisation with over 400 datasets in its care
![feature_data](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feature_data.jpg)
National Geoscience Data Centre
The National Geoscience Data Centre collects and preserves geoscientific data, making it available to a wide range of users and communities.
![BGS core store](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/core_store_web_P900671-960x641.jpg)
National Geological Repository
The National Geological Repository holds our collections of borehole cores, cuttings, samples, specimens, and related subsurface information from the UK landmass and continental shelf.
![BGS iGeology app](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feature_opengeoscience.jpg)
OpenGeoscience
OpenGeoscience is a free service where you can view maps, download data, scans, photos and other information.
![Aeromagnetic surveys](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/feature_aeromagnetic.jpg)
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.
Related news
![GitHub logo](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GitHub_logo.jpg)
Update released for BGS open-source database software, ETL Helper
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![Screenshot of the AGS4 file utilities tool and API with map markers over the UK.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ags4-file-utilities-and-api.webp)
Update to BGS’s AGS file utilities tool released
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![landscape-devon](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/landscape-devon-960x645.jpg)
New report on the National Land Data Programme published
06/06/2023
The report, based on pilot projects across the UK, explains how spatial data and modelling can support better decisions on land use.
![A woman carrying a notebook examines a piece of rock core](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/P994447-1-960x640.jpg)
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.
![GitHub logo](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GitHub_logo.jpg)
Accessing open source BGS software through GitHub
15/12/2021
BGS is increasingly utilising GitHub to make its software available as open source and encourage collaboration with partners and the wider community.
![Edd Lewis presenting at the Annual AGS Conference](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/ags_Edd_Lewis.jpg)
A new suite of AGS file utilities and public API
24/11/2021
BGS has released an online AGS file utilities tool validator.
![Steve Thorpe. BGS © UKRI.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/IMG20210702131840.jpg)
Back out in the field with Tromino
18/08/2021
Steve Thorpe discusses returning to fieldwork after the COVID-19 pandemic and trying out the Tromino kit.
BGS shortlisted for Ground Engineering Awards
04/11/2020
The British Geological Survey (BGS) has been shortlisted for an award for its high-resolution geological characterisation of the Lower Thames Crossing.