Hosted by the British Geological Survey (BGS), NGDC is responsible for managing valuable geoscientific data and information and, through the Environmental Data Service (EDS), is the Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC) designated data centre for the earth sciences. It is NERC data policy and NGDC policy to preserve this data, which underpins the existing scientific record, and make it accessible to a wide range of end users for future re-use in order to fully realise its re-use potential.
Our skills and experience reflect the diverse nature of geoscience. Using the TRUST principles for digital repositories, we strive to ensure the data we manage is findable, accessible, interoperable and re-usable (‘FAIR’). We also provide guidance and best practice to our users throughout the data management life cycle, from data planning, through support with metadata creation, to developing tools for data discovery and access.
The NGDC is certified as a trusted repository by CoreTrustSeal. We accept geoscience data in re-usable formats. Priority is given to data generated as a result of activities that are either funded by NERC or to fulfil with drilling statutory obligations. However, other deposited data that supports NGDC’s remit will be considered at our discretion.
The Environmental Data Service
The NGDC is one of a network of five data centres that make up the NERC EDS, each providing domain-specific expertise. The NGDC Grants team supports and provides guidance to NERC-funded grant holders within the geoscience discipline during their grant-funded project.
- Find specific guidance for NERC-funded researchers on our website.
National Borehole Index
Through the NGDC, BGS is also responsible for the management of the UK National Borehole Index, made up of borehole records deposited (and accepted) with BGS either voluntarily or to fulfil legislative requirements. Through NERC, NGDC/BGS is named in UK legislation as the place of deposit for borehole records relating to water wells, mineral exploration and hydrocarbon data. NGDC/BGS must be notified of an individual’s intention to drill a borehole through the NGDC’s notification portal prior to the commencement of drilling.
- For full guidance on the statutory obligations of drillers or operators working in the UK in relation to NGDC/BGS, visit our drilling legislation and obligation guidance page
National Geological Repository
Our physical geological materials collections are managed through the National Geological Repository (NGR), which is a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) national science facility and host to the largest collection of geoscience samples from the UK.
Policies
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Accessing data
Discover data that has been ingested by the National Geoscience Data Centre (NGDC).
Support and guidance
Our team of specialist data management staff provide support to all those depositing to and re-using data from NGDC
Glossary
Climate
The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.