New BGS GeoIndex viewer released for user testing
The premium map-viewing application has been given a major upgrade and made available as a beta release.
24/09/2025 By BGS Press
First launched in July 2000, the BGS GeoIndex is a professional digital geological map application and receives over one million views each year.
The current iterations of the GeoIndex Onshore and GeoIndex Offshore applications are now 10 years old and approaching the end of their technical lifespans. The transition to the updated viewer has allowed us to unify the platforms into a single, streamlined tool and increase awareness of the geological data available from BGS.
Alongside the integration of onshore and offshore data, the new GeoIndex beta release includes a number of other notable additions. The refreshed and upgraded user interface has been designed to enhance the user experience, with improved find and filter tools to make it easier to access the relevant data. Direct links to full Discovery Metadata records have been added to provide deeper insights and there are expanded basemap options, including the latest Ordnance Survey maps and high-resolution satellite imagery.
The beta release also includes core geological data layers, such as 625K- and 50K-scale digital geological mapping and borehole datasets, to allow for focused user testing. We are looking at eventually streamlining some of the other currently available data layers as part of the review, to ensure the new platform is as user friendly as possible.
The BGS GeoIndex is our flagship map viewer and we’ve spent the last few years planning how we can improve the application for our users.
We are excited to share this beta version for testing and to gauge users’ reactions and hope the updated interface will bring many welcome usability improvements.
Steven Richardson, BGS Geospatial Applications Developer.
We would welcome user feedback during this beta phase, and comments can be submitted through the GeoIndex online feedback form.
Please note: commercial, research and public good level users should continue to use the existing BGS GeoIndex (onshore) and GeoIndex (offshore) applications for professional use until the new platform is formally launched.
Relative topics
Related news
Latest data on world mineral production now available
25/05/2026
BGS has released the updated statistics on the global production of over 70 commodities between 2020 and 2024.
International science consortium to survey the health, economic value and social importance of Lake Victoria
22/05/2026
The project will replicate the 1927 survey to assess changes in the lake’s health, economic value and social importance.
New geological maps of Berwick-upon-Tweed to help future-proof natural water supply
20/05/2026
Scientists have mapped the geology under the town to better understand the groundwater system to inform decisions around abstraction.
BGS contributes to UN sand and sustainability report
19/05/2026
The new report highlights the impact of poor governance and unsustainable sand mining practices, calling on policymakers to take action.
BGS engineering geologist elected to CCOP
29/04/2026
Marcus Dobbs has been elected as vice-chair of the advisory group for the Coordinating Committee for Geoscience Programmes in East and Southeast Asia.
UK Minerals Yearbook 2025 now available
21/04/2026
The annual publication provides essential information about the production, consumption and trade of UK minerals up to 2025.
UK scientists unite for seabed mapping survey of the UK’s south-west coastline
15/04/2026
BGS geologists join research voyage, gathering crucial geological data to support offshore energy and infrastructure projects.
Isotopes and science: my student placement at BGS
08/04/2026
Industrial placements at BGS for undergraduate students give real-life experience of working in laboratories and learning different analytical techniques.
Updated geological assessment of the Southern North Sea set to underpin future offshore infrastructure development
25/03/2026
The first regional assessment for 30 years will support offshore marine and subsurface planning for the UK’s low-carbon energy infrastructure, including the 2030 target of 45 to 50 GW generated through offshore wind.
New research could help provide a more reliable water supply for millions in rural Africa
24/03/2026
A new BGS-led study has revealed crucial insights into the longstanding challenges affecting the reliability and performance of rural water supply infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa.
Call for new members and Chair to join the NERC facilities steering committees
25/02/2026
New members are needed to join the committees over the next four years.
Your views wanted: developing a geothermal energy subsurface data portfolio
24/02/2026
BGS is aiming to support the growth of the sector by providing the best-available, location-specific geothermal and ground source heat information as an accessible product or service.