BGS releases 10K maps through updated maps portal
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.
16/05/2023
As part of our continuous effort to provide more open access to our data, BGS has launched the updated BGS Maps Portal. The renewed portal provides access to over 45 000 BGS maps and sections with the following themes:
- geological
- geophysical
- geochemical
- hydrogeological
The large-scale 10 000 and 1:10 560 BGS onshore geological maps collection is included in this portal for public viewing for the first time, along with the key 1:50 000 and 1:63 360 maps of England, Wales and Scotland.
Map portal features
The new portal will allow users to view all publicly available, maps held by BGS, with quick-view thumbnail browsing and an increased number of scanned images. Users can view the collections for free; those wishing to purchase their own copy of a map can buy high-resolution PDFs through the BGS shop.

Image of National grid graphical interface on portal BGS © UKRI
A small number of maps do not have scans; for completeness, we have provided the full catalogue with all the maps’ details, omitting image links where scans do not exist.
We hope that, by providing this enhanced service, the maps portal will better meet our users’ diverse needs. However, it is important to note that users should visit BGS’s digital dataset BGS Geology, the GeoReports service or the onshore GeoIndex to access the latest digital vector mapping. The digital vector data in these services can differ significantly from the mostly historical maps presented in the maps portal so the most up-to-date vector data should be consulted for more professional user needs.
History of geological mapping at BGS
Since BGS’s inception in 1835, our maps have evolved in differing iterations of scale. Initially surveyed and produced at the 1:63 360 (one inch to one mile) scale, the decision was made in the 1850s to carry out geological surveys at the 1:10 560 scale (six inches to one mile). This standard large-scale map scale for recording field-survey information and producing maps continued for much of BGS’s existence and was based primarily on the Ordnance Survey County Sheet lines.

County series sheet 19, solid, 1:63 360, 1873. BGS © UKRI
The next major change came in the 1940s, when these ‘County Series’ maps began to be replaced by National Grid sheet line maps. Finally, in the late 1970s, the metric 1:10 000 scale was introduced and became the standard large-scale format for field mapping. A small number of remote areas were mapped and provided at the 1:25 000 scale.

Central Snowdonia sheet 11, solid, 1:25 000, 1972. BGS © UKRI
The new 2023 to 2028 BGS Strategy ‘Understanding our Earth’ includes a renewed focus on national mapping, an aim which is supported by the renewal of the BGS Maps Portal.
One of the key science priorities identified in the new BGS Strategy focuses on the provision of geological maps and models and, in particular, ensuring that information about the underlying geology of our country is accessible. The new enhancements to the BGS Maps Portal, particularly the addition of the large-scale 1:10 000 maps and improved search features, very much align with this aim and are a significant step forward in maximising the value of our spatial data.
Dr David Schofield, BGS Director of National and International Geoscience.
Relative topics
Latest news

Scientists set sail to investigate high-resolution sea level, climate and coral reef records
25/09/2023
BGS scientists are taking part in an expedition off Hawai’i to investigate sea-level changes recorded by ancient coral reefs.

Join the BGS Board
06/09/2023
BGS is looking to appoint one to two non-executive directors to join our board.

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.

New report assesses deep geothermal energy in the UK
17/07/2023
A new BGS report assesses the current situation around and future potential of deep geothermal energy in the UK.

Mineral investigation reports released online
07/07/2023
Reports from over 260 mineral exploration projects are now freely available on BGS’s GeoIndex.

Updated biosphere map for the UK released
07/07/2023
The updated biosphere map for the UK will allow users to identify sulphur isotope variations.

Scoping report on the material requirements for a UK hydrogen economy
21/06/2023
The UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre has produced a scoping report that examines the aims of the UK with regards to developing a hydrogen economy, the sustainability of these targets, given current metal loadings, and provides some suggestions for overcoming potential challenges that the UK may face in securing raw materials to support this ambition.

Scoping study on metals used in specialist alloys in the aerospace industry
21/06/2023
A recent scoping study by the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre assesses the application, importance and supply-chain risks associated with specialist alloys used in the aerospace and defence industries.

BGS unveils #TheCommoditree at Glastonbury 2023
21/06/2023
The new installation is part of a unique touring festival stand showcasing how modern lifestyles wouldn’t be possible without rocks and minerals.

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.

Geological Society honours BGS scientists
14/06/2023
The Geological Society has recognised the contributions of two members of BGS: director Dr Karen Hanghøj and volcanologist Dr Samantha Engwell.

NERC recognised by the Carbon Trust for its step towards net zero
07/06/2023
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) has achieved the ‘taking action’ tier of the Carbon Trust’s Route to Net Zero Standard.