BGS news

BGS artificial ground data: what do you need from a geological survey?

BGS is seeking user feedback on artificial ground data: how you use it, what information you consider, and what we can do to improve our offering.

28/08/2025 By BGS Press

Railway cutting and embankment along the Borders Railway line. One of many examples of artificial ground around the UK. © Mike Browne / BGS

Artificial ground is found throughout the country in a variety of places, for example:

railway and road cuttings and embankments
foundations under buildings
the waste and voids from surface and underground mining
roads
landscaped parks and golf courses

BGS has been creating national geological maps for nearly 200 years and often these maps are the only record of ground being altered by humans.

We are in the process of developing new methods for capturing and representing artificial ground information and we want to ensure that this is as useful and beneficial as possible to the stakeholder community.

Why do we want your feedback?

The aim of this survey is to gain an understanding from you, our stakeholders, about the types of data that are used regularly, why you need that data, and what decisions are made using the data. Mapping of artificial ground is not easy and everyone treats these deposits differently. By providing a standardised method of collecting and displaying artificial ground data there is significant potential to improve the communication of these features.

Interested in getting involved?

We have put together a short survey that aims to capture your thoughts and processes when working with artificial ground data. We value your input and would appreciate you completing this short questionnaire, providing as much context as possible.

Take the survey

Survey deadline extended to 28th November 2025.