Groundwater flooding is the emergence of groundwater at the surface, which can occur in a variety of geological settings, including areas with historical mining. In England and Wales, it estimated that groundwater flooding accounts for an estimated £530 million in damages per year.

Project Groundwater Northumbria aims to increase awareness and understanding of groundwater flooding and help prepare for and mitigate flood events through innovative approaches and technologies. The project, in which BGS is a partner, is led by Gateshead Council and is part of the Environment Agency Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme.

Following a major groundwater flood event in Gateshead in 2016, along with several smaller incidents, BGS has constructed a subsurface map and produced a free, 3D geological model of the bedrock in Gateshead. These help better understand the sequences and geometries of the shallower soil layers (superficial deposits) at tens of metres of depth, alongside structures and boundaries in the bedrock to several hundred metres of depth.

The north-east of England was a major centre for coal mining. In areas with historical mining activities like Gateshead, the effect of mine workings on groundwater movement can be significant. The map and model will give a better understanding of how the natural subsurface conditions, combined with the legacy of human activity in the subsurface such as abandoned coal mines, affects the direction of groundwater flow.

The insight provided from the anticipated groundwater flow paths will help identify where groundwater flooding is likely to occur. This will allow Gateshead Council (and other organisations, such as the Environment Agency and Northumbrian Water) to better deploy resources more effectively and monitor the speed and spread of flooding in real time, to help manage and alleviate groundwater flooding in the area.

The 3D geological model of Gateshead, released as part of Project Groundwater Northumbria, will help us to understand the impact of groundwater movement in this area and improve Gateshead Council response to future floods.

The model is an innovative step forward in how we capture data. Traditional geological maps don’t allow to us to show the interaction of mine water and groundwater, but we can showcase them with this model. It has really helped us to improve our 3D understanding of coal fields and how water flows through them. In turn, this is part of a wider programme of 3D urban geology across the country.

Project Groundwater Northumbria showcases how multiple organisations can work together on one project with the same aim and highlights the geological and technologies advances that can be achieved.

Ricky Terrington, BGS 3D Geospatial Lead and project leader.

The 3D geology model for Gateshead can now be accessed for free on µþ³Ò³§.

The reports produced as part of this project are available to read:

51ÁÔÆæ Geology, µþ³Ò³§ digital geological maps covering Great Britain, is based on a suite of published paper maps enhanced with latest digital mapping. It is periodically updated with information from field surveys as well as including previously unpublished maps or additional interpretation.

The latest version of BGS Geology 50K now covers the majority of Great Britain plus the Isle of Man, an estimated 236000km². This includes coverage for approximately 99per cent of the bedrock and approximately 95per cent of the superficial deposits across the country.

These geological maps provide crucial information like rock types and faults, forming a valuable resource for a wide range of uses, such as infrastructure planning and development, including ground source heat pumps, and environmental assessment.

The 50K-scale map offers a balance between detail and coverage, making it highly useful for a wide range of applications, from regional assessment to local-scale intelligence.

The latest update incorporates all edits to the dataset since the previous version release in 2017. This includes new and revised tiles of geology data, updates to the coastline and various corrections to geological features across the country. Also included is additional attribution on linear features depicting fault trace handedness and hanging-wall orientation on fault features.

Henry Holbrook, data sharing lead at BGS.

In addition to the 50K maps, BGS has also updated its 10K and 25K maps. BGS Geology 10K and 25K is the most detailed geological dataset we have produced Around half of the country is now covered with this update, including many urban centres and transport routes in Great Britain.

This latest release of BGS Geology 10K and 25K includes new maps and is based on our highest-resolution survey mapping. It will continue to be of great help to the public sector, the construction industry and academics.

Henry Holbrook

µþ³Ò³§ data for both BGS Geology 50K and BGS Geology 10K and 25K is available under licence. You can also view the BGS Geology 50K map data in the GeoIndex viewer. Further information about 51ÁÔÆæ Geology 50K and 51ÁÔÆæ Geology 10K maps is available on the BGS website.

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 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 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 .

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.

North Lanarkshire has an industrialised past, including a significant coal mining legacy. Created by BGS alongside WSP UK and North Lanarkshire Council (NLC), the new coal mine gas risk decision-support tool helps to provide a preliminary risk assessment of coal mine gas emissions in North Lanarkshire. The tool utilises publicly available data and information from BGS and the Mining Remediation Authority on the subsurface to inform an instant risk zone rating for any 50 × 50 m grid cell within the North Lanarkshire area.

The tool is now live and being used by NLC to identify areas at potential risk of coal mine gas emissions and communicate them to relevant planning applications for new building or housing developments, helping to manage the risk.

After two years of research and development, we are pleased that the coal mine gas risk decision support tool is now live. It is underpinned by data and geoscience and enables NLC to identify and communicate potential risks so that these can be managed by planning applications for new builds.

We will continue to update and enhance the tool and hope to be able to expand it to be used by other councils across Scotland in the future to help manage risk.

Darren Beriro, principal geoscientist at BGS who led the development of the tool.

The new tool provides information about the risk of mine gas emissions on land across North Lanarkshire, helping inform development decisions and planning applications. By giving consistent, accurate information, the tool avoids the need for additional investigations where there is a negligible risk and allows development to progress more quickly. Where there is an increased risk from mine gas, the tool helps direct developers to expertise, advice and support on the actions required to address the risks and put in place controls to allow the development to progress.

Mark Findlay, pollution control and public health manager at North Lanarkshire Council.

In addition to the best available data from the BGS and MRA, WSP UK have developed Risk Zone Advisories within the tool and it is the combination of these items that enables NLC to consistently and efficiently screen and communicate preliminary risks to planning applicants and developers.

We are excited to see the tool in use after a long collaborative effort and hope to introduce it across other areas with significant coal mining legacy.

Aliyssa Glen, principal consultant at WSP who led the development of the tool within WSP.

Twenty years ago, BGS took a bold step into the world of virtual reality (VR), pioneering 3D visualisation in geological surveying. From its first immersive 3D room in 2005 to its global influence today, the journey of VR at BGS has been one of constant innovation, exploration and impact.

The early days: a new perspective on geology

51ÁÔÆæ has been working to improve understanding of the potential for CO₂ storage as part of its International Geoscience Research and Development programme. During early 2005, Virtalis Ltd. installed µþ³Ò³§ first 3D visualisation facility at our headquarters in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire, featuring a state-of-the-art Christie S-4K projector and nVidia Quadro graphics. A cutting-edge Intersense motion tracking system brought geological models to life, offering an immersive way to explore complex 3D data.

Initially, these rooms served as a platform to showcase geological model outputs from the BGS  GeoScience Spatial Model (DGSM) programme. However, their potential quickly expanded beyond presentations, opening the door to practical applications in 3D modelling and landscape visualisation. BGS commissioned Virtalis to develop immersive VR experiences for and digital terrain models, overlaying geological maps, aerial photographs and satellite images to enrich understanding of geological formations.

A showcase for science

The technology quickly became a key feature of BGS, attracting a diverse range of visitors. These included school groups, MPs, top government scientific advisors, VIPs and even royalty — including the Princess Royal — who were all invited to witness BGS’s cutting-edge capabilities firsthand. These demonstrations proved to be a powerful tool for communicating the importance of geological research.

Expanding the horizon: virtual field reconnaissance

By 2006, the vision for BGS VR had grown. The next challenge was making VR an interactive, integral part of geological surveying. A cross-disciplinary project was launched, bringing together the land survey, remote sensing and data and digital systems teams to develop virtual field reconnaissance (VFR). The aim was ambitious: integrate field data collection with VR landscapes, enabling geologists to conduct initial assessments remotely before heading into the field. This initiative aligned perfectly with µþ³Ò³§ acquisition of high-resolution aerial orthophotos and a 5m digital terrain model (DTM) and digital surface model (DSM) from Intermap Technologies.

To handle the vast datasets seamlessly, Virtalis was commissioned once again, this time to build a prototype virtual landscape visualisation system. The result was a game-changing enhancement to geological fieldwork, increasing efficiency and accuracy and giving us the ability to plan research in a way never before possible.

Evolution and global expansion

In 2010, the original immersive 3D visualisation facility (i3DVF) needed a new home due to building works. BGS created a cutting-edge VR hub, complete with an upgraded projector, screen and computing power. Six years later, in 2016, the facility saw another major upgrade: the world first 4K projection system in a geological survey organisation. The enhanced resolution, combined with new, highly detailed 2 m DTM and DSM data from the Pan-Governmental Data Agreement, took geological visualisation to an unprecedented level.

What began as a pioneering project within BGS has since spread across the world. The integration of GeoVisionary and i3DVF technology has inspired geological surveys, mining companies, universities, and environmental organisations globally. From Alaska to South Africa, Malaysia to Brazil, µþ³Ò³§ VR expertise continues to revolutionise how geologists explore and understand our planet.

Looking ahead

As we celebrate 20 years of VR at BGS, we also look to the future. With advancements in artificial intelligence, real-time data processing and even more immersive visualisation technologies, the possibilities for geological VR are boundless. One thing is certain: BGS will remain at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of innovation and transforming how we see the Earth.

Here to the next 20 years of discovery!

Further reading

• 51ÁÔÆæ 3D Visualisation Systems

µþ³Ò³§ first-of-its-kind online tool, , predicts which roads create the most run-off pollutants and how road pollution can be tackled with nature-based solutions. The tool helps local authorities to prioritise water-quality improvement interventions at roads where major road run-off pollution is occurring and in the greenspaces that lie between the roads and the rivers. It is now being extended to estimate the number of pollutants, including fertilisers and pesticides, that are transported into rivers in rural areas.

°Õ³ó±ðÌýfirst online map was launched in 2023 in Londonand was partly funded by the Mayor of London, Transport for London (TfL) and the Environment Agency. It now highlights more than 280 miles (450km) of the capital roads that have a higher risk of road run-off pollution. In total, the tool now covers roughly 3862.3 km (2400 miles or 10 per cent) of London major roads.

What causes the pollution?

Fertilisers, pesticides and animal waste in rural areas can run off into rivers, introducing chemicals and excess nutrients that can cause algal blooms, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life. Similarly, run-off from roads can carry oil, heavy metals and other toxic substances into waterways, contaminating the water and affecting ecosystems. These pollutants not only harm wildlife but also threaten the quality of drinking water for communities.

How does the tool work?

The tool combines pollutant emission factors, local rainfall conditions, surface area and the make-up of traffic on particular routes, using official data to predict where pollution hotspots are likely to occur. Results are shown on an interactive map. The tool then suggests potential nature-based solutions, such as wetlands, ponds and rain gardens, alongside roads to manage pollution before the water discharges into streams or rivers.

The new, expanded tool

The expanded tool will be tested across the catchment of the upper River Thames, above Dorchester-on-Thames. This area is predominantly covered by arable crops and grassland, but it has varied geology and soils that affect the movement of water and pollutants through the landscape. It also includes urban areas and sections of the M4 and M40 motorways, which generate pollution in road run-off.

The project, which is funded by the Government Office for Technology Transfer, will last for 18 months.

The Road Pollution Solutions Tool, which was only launched just over a year ago, is already showing just how beneficial it is in highlighting which roads in London are at risk of road run-off pollution.
Expanding this tool further to include an integrated assessment of agricultural pollution risks means that we can assess these pollution sources and explore what can be done to reduce them.

Chris Jackson, head of BGS Environmental Modelling.

Road Pollution Solutions is built on years of research by environmental charity and its partner , as well as the . The charity started its initial road runoff project identifying key polluting London roads in 2019, with funding help from the , and the .

A groundbreaking development by BGS in mineral data accessibility uses the Open Geospatial Consortium Application Programming Interface (OGC API) ‘Features’ standard, transforming how users interact with and interrogate an invaluable resource.

A wealth of data at your fingertips

The is the cornerstone for understanding global mineral production and trade. It houses decades of meticulously collected data on over 70 mineral commodities across numerous countries. Previously, this information was only accessible from pre-formatted reports or by requesting manual extraction for data.

Adding this treasure trove of data to our OGC API Features service allows users to query the data for themselves. This means it is now readily accessible to a much broader audience. Developers, researchers, policymakers and industry professionals can now seamlessly integrate mineral statistics into their applications, analyses and decision-making processes.

Harnessing the power of OGC API Features

The decision to adopt the OGC API Features standard is a strategic move that ensures interoperability and compatibility with a wide range of software and systems. This open standard ensures that the data will work with existing tools for data discovery, retrieval and visualisation, empowering users to explore and analyse mineral statistics data with unprecedented ease.

Key benefits of using OGC API Features include:Key benefits of using OGC API Features include:

• standardised data access: consistent API structure for easy integration
• flexible data retrieval: ability to query specific data subsets based on various criteria

• Example URL:
• An is also available

Unlocking new possibilities

51ÁÔÆæ’s new API opens a world of possibilities for data-driven insights and innovation. Potential applications include:

• historical market analysis: tracking global production volumes and UK trade flows
• policy development: informing resource management and sustainability strategies

By making the BGS World Mineral Statistics Database more accessible and user friendly, BGS is fostering a vibrant ecosystem of data-driven applications and services. This move aligns with the growing trend towards open data and data-driven innovation, driving economic growth and sustainable development.

51ÁÔÆæ’s commitment to open data and collaboration sets a commendable example for other data custodians in the public and private sectors.

Edd Lewis, data standards lead at BGS.

Other data services

µþ³Ò³§ OGC Catalogue service for the web (CSW) provides a standards-based interface to discover, browse and query metadata about BGS datasets and data services.

• (beta)

The ground beneath our cities and towns is becoming increasingly important in a number of sectors. This is not only due to pressures from housing, transport, and utility infrastructure, but also from optimising the use of natural resources such as groundwater and heat.

The Urban Interactive 3D models tool, hosted within BGS GeoIndex (onshore), was launched as a free to view service in 2021. It already includes conceptual models of London and the Thames valley, Cardiff, and the greater Glasgow region; now, a model featuring Liverpool and Warrington has also been made available.

The tool provides a 3D characterisation of the rocks and deposits beneath the area that make up the upper tens to hundreds of metres of the below ground. This data provides a vital understanding of where certain geology is and can assist different sectors in their planning within urban areas. For example, it gives a heads-up to local authorities and engineering consultancies of where they should consider the management of groundwater, and identifies potential geological resources, such as geothermal energy, when it comes to the planning and development of the area.

The BGS are striving to synthesise all the 3D geological model stock it holds into easily accessible and usable information. We hope that by providing this data, users can get an appreciation of the types of soil and rocks they live on and work with.

Ricky Terrington, Geospatial Data and Technologies Lead at BGS

Further information

• 3D urban geology, including further information about the Liverpool model
• (video)

Contact

For more information, please contact 51ÁÔÆæ press (bgspress@bgs.ac.uk) or call 07790 607 010.