This server provides OGCAPI endpoints for a selection of BGS open geospatial data. The BGS has a wide range of datasets and wants to increase access to these, publishing as many as possible under Open Government Licence. Not all datasets are available under OGL, please check the metadata record for the dataset to confirm any licence requirements and obligations if not OGL. This is a BETA API service, endpoints and attributes could change at anytime, unscheduled downtime should be expected.
During hours of service. Off on weekends.
This layer includes the BGS 1:1M published maps; Seabed Sediments; Bedrock; Quaternary, North and South sheets. Click on link in the view_map attribute to open the map in a viewer. Note the publication dates (latest mapping is available through the BGS digital maps).
This layer includes BGS 1:500k published maps. Click on the view_map link to open the map in a viewer. Note the publication dates (latest mapping is available through the BGS digital maps).
This layer includes the BGS 1:250k published maps. Maps in this series show three sorts of geological information; solid ‘bedrock’ geology, (S), Quaternary or ‘drift’ geology (Q), or sea-bed sediments (Ss). These are usually presented as separate sheets, although sea-bed sediments and Quaternary geology, or sea-bed sediments and solid geology may be shown on the same sheet. Quaternary geology maps are for offshore areas only. Sheets were published between 1977 and 2000 with a few special area sheets up to 2009. Sheets were issued on a regular grid based on the UTM of two degrees longitude by one degree latitude. Note the publication dates (latest mapping is available through the BGS digital maps). Map Index - https://www.bgs.ac.uk/data/maps/docs/OFF250k_coverage.pdf. List of Maps - https://www.bgs.ac.uk/data/maps/maps.cfc?method=listResults&mapName=&series=OFF250k&scale=&pageSize=174.
Bedrock features of the generalised digital geological map data based on BGS's published poster maps of the UK (North and South). Bedrock related themes created by generalisation of 1:50 000 data to make the 2007 fifth edition Bedrock Geology map.
Dyke features of the generalised digital geological map data based on BGS's published poster maps of the UK (North and South). Bedrock related themes created by generalisation of 1:50 000 data to make the 2007 fifth edition Bedrock Geology map.
Fault features of the generalised digital geological map data based on BGS's published poster maps of the UK (North and South). Bedrock related themes created by generalisation of 1:50 000 data to make the 2007 fifth edition Bedrock Geology map.
Superficial features of the generalised digital geological map data based on BGS's published poster maps of the UK (North and South). Bedrock related themes created by generalisation of 1:50 000 data to make the 2007 fifth edition Bedrock Geology map.
The regional aeromagnetic data for Great Britain was acquired by Hunting Geology and Geophysics Ltd and Canadian Aeroservices Ltd between 1955 and 1965. Most of the surveys had a flight-line spacing of 2 km, with 10 km tie-lines. Flight lines for each survey were north to south or east to west, depending on the predominant geological strike, and most of the country was flown at 1000 ft (305 m) mean terrain clearance. The data was recorded in analogue form and reduced to provide hand drawn maps, contoured at 10 nT intervals. We subsequently digitised flight-line/contour-line intercepts from these maps to produce the digital aeromagnetic data set for the UK, comprising over 540 000 points. The data has been reprocessed to refer anomalies to a variant of IGRF-90, which makes allowance for the inaccurate prediction of the geomagnetic field model prior to 1971.
Modern Instrument Recorded Earthquakes (post 1970)
The National Landslide Database as available on the GeoIndex and delivered under the Open Government Licence
The Single Onshore Borehole Index (SOBI) is an index of over one million records of boreholes, shafts and wells from all forms of drilling and site investigation work held by the BGS. The collection covers onshore and near-shore boreholes from Great Britain dating back to at least 1790 and ranging from one to several thousand metres deep. Each year thousands of new records are added. Includes scans of paper records and digital records (including AGS).
BGS Single Onshore Borehole Index (SOBI)
BGS Single Onshore Borehole Index (SOBI) Metadata
Site investigation and geotechnical data received by BGS from 3rd party organisations in AGS file format. When received by BGS the data is validated against predefined rules, processed and stored in the BGS AGS agnostic store. This data is delivered as received e.g. no interpretative values or observations are added to the data by the BGS.
AGS data - Site investigation data held by BGS in AGS file format
This layer shows the location and basic information for coastal and marine surveys. It includes information about the survey, including the types of equipment deployed during the survey. For some surveys, a zip file of additional data can be downloaded using the URL link provided where available. For more information please contact Marine Enquiries (offshoredata@bgs.ac.uk).
BGS Geological Factor Map Offshore - Bedrock Summary Lithologies
A series of maps describing geological factors relevant to offshore seabed activities. Produced in collaboration with The Crown Estate in 2014. The Bedrock Summary Lithologies dataset is a digital geological map across the bulk of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), for areas up to a water depth of 200m, which groups the bedrock lithologies (rock types) into classes based on similar engineering geology characteristics. The map is derived from the 1:250,000 scale digital bedrock map of the UKCS, called DiGRock250k, which is available separately from the BGS. The map was produced in 2014 in collaboration with The Crown Estate as part of a project to assess seabed development opportunities across the UKCS. This map has been released for viewing on the Offshore GeoIndex alongside a series of other offshore geological maps from the BGS.
BGS Geological Factor Map Offshore - Quaternary Deposits Summary Lithologies
A series of maps describing geological factors relevant to offshore seabed activities. Produced in collaboration with The Crown Estate in 2014. The Quaternary Deposits Summary Lithologies dataset is an offshore digital geological map across the bulk of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), for areas up to a water depth of 200 m, which groups the deposits into classes based on similar engineering geology characteristics. The map is derived from (unpublished) BGS 1:1,000,000 scale Quaternary digital geological mapping. The map was produced in 2014 in collaboration with The Crown Estate as part of a project to assess seabed development opportunities across the UKCS. This map has been released for viewing on the Offshore GeoIndex alongside a series of other offshore geological maps from the BGS.
BGS Geological Factor Map Offshore - Quaternary Deposits Thickness
A series of maps describing geological factors relevant to offshore seabed activities. Produced in collaboration with The Crown Estate in 2014. The Quaternary Deposits Thickness dataset is a digital geological map across the bulk of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), for areas up to a water depth of 200m, which shows the thickness of the deposits over bedrock in three categories:<5m, 5-50m, and >50m Quaternary cover. These depth bands were picked because they represent the horizons that have impact on offshore infrastructure deployment. The map is derived from (unpublished) BGS 1:1,000,000 scale Quaternary digital geological mapping. The map was produced in 2014 in collaboration with The Crown Estate as part of a project to assess seabed development opportunities across the UKCS. This map has been released for viewing on the Offshore GeoIndex alongside a series of other offshore geological maps from the BGS.
Core sample analysis data produced from sampling activities of offshore core held on behalf of the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) at the National Geological Repository (NGR). Data is provided as received.
This layer shows the location and basic information for offshore sampling activities. It contains information about the activities which are conducted at a location resulting in the collection of data and/or physical material. Links to scanned images of sample description sheets, core and borehole logs are provided (where available) for openly available sampling activities where terms of use are known. Sampling activities include boreholes, shallow cores, seabed grabs and dredges. There may be several activities carried out at a single location. In addition to the ACTIVITY_ID, samples are uniquely named using a degree square, a number within the square, an equipment code and equipment attempt number. An example would be +54-003/1201/VE/2 – this is the 2nd Vibrocore at survey station 1201 within degree square 54° to 55°N and 2° to 3°W. Related data in Offshore Geology Data, Offshore Geotechnical Data, Offshore Geochemical Data and Offshore Seabed Sediment Collections.
Sampling Activity attribute descriptions
This layer provides geochemical analysis associated with offshore sampling activities. It contains analysis of 38 elements and should be used as a baseline for chemical element concentrations in seabed sediments, against which samples collected in the future may be assessed. Related data in Offshore Sample Data - Activity & Scan collection.
View report, The geochemistry of sea-bed sediments of the United Kingdom Continental Shelf
This layer provides geological descriptions associated with offshore sampling activities. It contains a variety of geoscientific observations; these include rock/sediment classification, grain size, sorting, sphericity, roundness, hardness, plasticity, presence of flora or fauna, colour, chronostratigraphy and lithostratigraphy. Note that this layer contains data at depth. Related data in Offshore Sample Data - Activity & Scan collection.
This layer provides geotechnical readings associated with offshore sampling activities. It contains a variety of types of geotechnical measurements; these include shear and compressive strength. Expert advice may be required in the use of these data. Note that this layer contains data at depth. Related data in Offshore Sample Data - Activity & Scan collection.
Geotechnical Data attribute descriptions
This layer provides particle size analysis associated with offshore sampling activities. It contains a variety of types of particle size analysis; these include folk analysis, gravel, sand and mud percentages, phi and half-phi sand analysis and carbonate analysis based on gravel, sand and mud fractions. Note these data are primarily from the seabed, but contain some data at depth. BGS data input methodologies used in the past between northern and southern parts of BGS vary. The underlying PHI data values are sound except where human error may have occurred. Where the sand PHI weight analysed was a split/fraction of the total sand component of the sample the northern and southern parts of BGS adopted differing data recording methods. The BGS northern part of BGS generally recorded the sand PHI weight for each PHI interval for the actual volume of sample analysed. The BGS southern part of BGS generally took the sand PHI weight for each PHI interval then calculated the percentage of each PHI sand interval and used these values to back calculate the PHI sand weight representative of the total sand which was then recorded in the database. Related data in Offshore Sample Data - Activity & Scan collection.
Seabed Sediment Data attribute descriptions
Offshore Oil & Gas Industry Site Surveys
This layer shows the geographic location of oil and gas industry site surveys. The metadata for these surveys were collated via the BGS MEDIN Data Archive Centre (DAC). BGS do not hold the data. For further information contact the Custodian of the data. BGS operates as the Data Archive Centre (DAC) for seabed and sub-seabed geology and geophysics for MEDIN (Marine Environment Data and Information Network).
MEDIN Oil and Gas Industry site survey project
This layer shows the location and basic information for bathymetric surveys containing backscatter data. A zip file of the backscatter image files (e.g. geotiffs) for the survey can be downloaded using the URL link provided. Note that there can be more than one polygon per survey and these will link to the same zip file for the entire survey. For access to the data underlying the images please contact Marine Enquiries (offshoredata@bgs.ac.uk). The majority of the data were collected and processed for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) under the Civil Hydrography Programme. If further processing is required, BGS can provide a quote. To download the related bathymetry data go to the Admiralty Marine Data Portal - https://data.admiralty.co.uk/portal/apps/sites/#/marine-data-portal.
Marine Multibeam Backscatter Data from around the UK (2005 Onwards) Metadata
Contains information and data for offshore geophysical survey lines and start/end of line co-ordinates. Geophysical surveys include shallow seismic reflection (e.g. airgun, boomer, pinger, sparker and water gun) and sonar (e.g. echo sounder, sidescan sonar and transit sonar). There may be several equipments deployed on a single survey line. In addtion to SURVEY_LINE_ID, survey lines are uniquely named as survey and line identifier (name or number). An example would be 1985/6 16 – this is line 16 of survey 1985/6. The Seismic lines includes sub seabed imaging which provides information about structures below the seabed. The Sonar lines includes seabed imaging which provides information about the roughness of the seabed or simple bathymetric (depth) data. Links to scanned images of geophysical records are provided (where available). The Shot Point layer contains details of all shot points for a survey line.
This layer shows the location of offshore geophysical survey line shot points. It contains details of all shot points for a survey line.
Geophysical survey line shot point attribute descriptions
Data are provided for cruises where lines are unclassified (open file) and the terms of use are known.
Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Areas
This layer shows the location of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) areas. Select SEA_DOCUMENTS_URL to open the SEA Data Portal with all data for that SEA area selected. Free and open access to available data and reports which have been produced through the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) SEA process. These data are managed by BGS on behalf of BEIS.
Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Data Bounding Boxes
This layer shows the bounding boxes of SEA datasets and reports. The data/reports can be downloaded using the URL link provided. The data/reports can also be searched and downloaded via the SEA Data Portal.
Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Polygon Data
This layer shows the location of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Multibeam bathymetry and backscatter, sidescan sonar and pockmark data. The data/reports can be downloaded using the URL link provided. The data/reports can also be searched and downloaded via the SEA Data Portal. Free and open access to available data and reports which have been produced through the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) SEA process. These data are managed by BGS on behalf of BEIS.
Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Line Data
This layer shows the location of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) seabed video track data. The data can be downloaded using the URL link provided. The data can also be searched and downloaded via the SEA Data Portal. Free and open access to available data and reports which have been produced through the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) SEA process. These data are managed by BGS on behalf of BEIS.
Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Point Data
This layer shows the location of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) seabed photo and sample point data (including geological, particle size analysis, biological and chemical data). The data/reports can be downloaded using the URL link provided. The data/reports can also be searched and downloaded via the SEA Data Portal. Free and open access to available data and reports which have been produced through the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) SEA process. These data are managed by BGS on behalf of BEIS.
This layer shows hydrocarbon wells. The United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS) offshore hydrocarbon well borehole materials collection contains material from approximately 9000 wells, including over 300km of drillcore and 4.5 million samples of cuttings. During 2011–12, the collection was transferred from Gilmerton to Keyworth. Transferred core has been photographed and links to the photos are provided where available. You can also use a form to search the offshore hydrocarbon wells database. Further information for UKCS wells, seismic surveys, production infrastructure and licences, including a searchable form and a map interface are publically available from the UK National Data Repository (NDR) and the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA).
The eruption source parameter database contains information on those parameters most frequently used in the initiation of ash-dispersion models. The database was originally published as a special USGS report in 2009 [Mastin et al., 2009a], and has since been converted to a searchable database.
The BGS aims to make available information about underground mining records, drawing together a range of mine plans from a variety of sources including the Health and Safety Executive mine abandonment plans, published mine plans and plans of mine workings. This is not a comprehensive catalogue, but represents the information currently available in our database for non-coal mine plans. (For details of coal workings contact The Coal Authority.)
The BGS holds a unique collection of about 250 000 historical magnetograms on photographic paper — original recordings of the variations in the strength and direction of the Earth’s magnetic field.
In the UK, geomegnetic measurements were made at eight long-running observatories; Abinger, Eskdalemuir, Falmouth, Greenwich, Hartland, Kew, Lerwick, and Stonyhurst. BGS also hold magnetogram records from the Cape Evans observatory that ran continuously at Robert Falcon Scott’s Antarctic base camp during the British Antarctic Expedition 1910–1.
Welcome to the World Mineral Statistics archive API. The British Geological Survey (BGS) and its predecessor organisations have compiled production and trade statistics on a wide range of mineral commodities since 1913. Currently this tool permits access to data from the World Mineral Statistics archive for the years 1970 to 2022. Prior to 1970 the data are available in PDF files which you can download for free from the main archive page. Selected data from 1960 are also available from the main archive as a static table in MS Excel. For certain commodities data are not available for all years, for example the BGS commenced collation of data for primary aggregates in 1998 and consequently there are no data for earlier years for this particular commodity. Trade data (imports and exports) are available for all countries up to 2002, and for selected European countries only from 2003 to 2018. Please ensure that you have read and understand our terms and conditions for the data.
Generic Samples Register describes physical samples and specimens with related metadata such as sample locality, geology, and sample images