The British Geological Survey (BGS) is continually looking to create new products and datasets that are in-line with the evolving nature of customers needs. Products planned to be released in the next few years include:
National Borehole Information Capture
Down-borehole geological information is being captured from BGS' digital borehole records, that represent the range of geology across and throughout each region of Britain. This dataset will be captured to a consistent, agreed national standard and will underpin 3D modelling. The captured information will be translated into standardised geoscientific terms to to enable automatic conversion of historical and obsolete terminology into modern terms.
GI-SDTM, Geological Interpreted Superficial Deposits Thickness Model
We are trying to improve the Superficial Deposits Thickness model by adding geologists' knowledge. Knowledge gleaned through mapping and understanding Britain's geology is being added to the GI model. This new dataset will be an interpretation including not only evidence of thickness, from boreholes and mapped geology, but also the geoscientific knowledge of geologists who have worked in a particular area.
1:1M Offshore Quaternary map
This is a fully attributed digital version of BGS's paper map series. The fully attributed vector data will be held in ArcGIS format.
Offshore Linear Route Geographical Information System (GIS)
This is a system primarily designed to enhance BGS's ability to work with energy companies when planning offshore pipeline routes. This application has been designed in ArcGIS.
Offshore Renewable Energy Site Identification Tool
This ArcGIS based system contains datasets and functionality to help identify offshore areas that are suitable for renewable energy sites, such as wind farms.
Springs Database
This database aims to provide a comprehensive set of springs and water wells accessible via a common front end. The database will draw data from a range of disparate datasets including historical mapping and BGS's Wellmaster database.
Mining related Land Use
Following a recent exercise to digitise areas, from historical maps, where mining planning permissions had been granted, BGS has created a by-product showing land use types associated with the mining permissions.
Non-coal Mining Hazard
BGS is building databases relating to non-coal mining and is developing a mining hazard information system comparable to GeoSure ground stability GIS. Methodologies are being tested and draft maps produced that are undergoing detailed review.
Scanned Mine Plans
The scanning and indexing of mine plans relating to non-coal mine workings in the UK, both from BGS' own collections and plans held privately is on-going. All plans held in the Exeter and Edinburgh offices have now been scanned and work is progressing on those held at Keyworth and on indexing the information. This work is being undertaken collaboratively with the Mining Information Group [http://www.bgs.ac.uk/nocomico/] and the Coal Authority (one of the Mining Information Group partners) has scanned all the official non-coal abandonment plans.
Potentially Harmful Elements
Some chemical elements, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se) and lead (Pb) may occur in soils at concentrations which could cause a significant possibility of significant harm to human health. Government (DEFRA and the EA) has developed Soil Guideline Values (SGV) which can be used in support of the application of the statutory regimes addressing land contamination, especially Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and also development control under the Town and Country Planning Acts. The BGS holds substantial data sets for As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb in soil samples for parts of the UK and stream sediments for most of the UK. The Imperial College Wolfson stream sediment data can be used to complete the geochemical data coverage of the UK. These geochemical data are being used to derive geospatial data sets that will identify the estimated concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb in soils and the probability that SGVs will be exceeded. Reports generated from this spatial data will help to inform planning decisions and to aid environmental consultants, developers, householders and their legal representatives.
Soil Erosion Potential
Evaluation of the risk to the from erosion by water and fluvial action
Other planned products
These will be made available in the longer term include an Underground Asset Management System for pipeline corrosively and an Offshore Superficial Thickness Model.
