We have developed a series of 3D geology models and urban study reports to support planning and development within major cities of the UK. Underpinned by BGS geological data and expertise, the models and reports provide an enhanced understanding of the geological structures and sediments for urban practitioners to inform construction projects, infrastructure design, groundwater assessments and land use planning.
Gateshead 3D Geological Model BGS Β© 51ΑΤΖζ.
The 3D geology models for London, Glasgow, Cardiff and Liverpool can be accessed without charge on our . Through the GeoIndex platform users can create geological cross-sections, synthetic boreholes and horizontal slices through the 3D models.
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A 3D view of the London Model. Source: BGS Β© 51ΑΤΖζ
A virtual geological cross-section from the London 3D Geology Model. Source: BGS Β© 51ΑΤΖζ
A virtual borehole section from the London 3D Geology Model. Source: BGS Β© 51ΑΤΖζ
Urban study reports
Alongside our 3D geology models, we have published a series of open reports that provide detailed information about 3D model development (metadata reports), as well as information about the geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry and engineering geology of major cities and towns in the UK, to assist urban planners and developers.
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The Manchester model is currently being updated and is not yet available in the GeoIndex Tool. Please contact our data licensing service (digitaldata@bgs.ac.uk) for more information about accessing model data.
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| Geochemistry: | Desk study to identify ground contamination in Warrington, UK |
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(led by Gateshead Council) is part of the . As a partner on this project, the BGS have constructed a hydrodomains map of the superficial deposits and a 3D geological model of the bedrock in the Gateshead area to help better understand the subsurface factors that will affect the direction of groundwater flow to help manage and mitigate against groundwater flooding. The BGS reports from this project are openly available through the NERC Open Research Archive (see below), and the sketchfab scene embedded highlights some of the geological considerations for groundwater flow.
Kearsey, T.;ΜύCallaghan, E.;ΜύArkley, S.;ΜύReeves, T.. 2025Nottingham, UK, 51ΑΤΖζ, 29pp. (Project Groundwater Northumbria series, CR/24/080N)
Kearsey, T.;ΜύArkley, S.;ΜύCallaghan, E.;ΜύMurphy, B.;ΜύReeves, T.;ΜύTerrington, R.. 2025Nottingham, UK, 51ΑΤΖζ, 44pp. (Project Groundwater Northumbria series, CR/24/123N)
Whitbread, K.;ΜύDewald, N.;ΜύBanks, V.;ΜύMurphy, B.;ΜύReeves, T.. 2024Nottingham, UK, 51ΑΤΖζ, 46pp. (Project Groundwater Northumbria series, CR/24/066N)
Kearsey, T.;ΜύWhitbread, K.;ΜύCallaghan, E.. 2023Nottingham, UK, 51ΑΤΖζ, 30pp. (Project Groundwater Northumbria series, CR/22/136N)
Further urban study reports can be downloaded from (Engineering Geology data layers) and are available for:
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Engineering geology maps of the UK and engineering geology formation reports are also available through the map viewer. For further information about the availability of 3D urban models and urban study reports please contact our enquiries team.
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