New seabed sediment maps

BGS has developed the new national-scale BGS Predictive Seabed Sediments (UK) dataset comprising four digital maps that portray sediment composition, including a classified map of sediment types, as well as the predicted proportions of gravel, sand and mud across the UK continental shelf.

These detailed maps are based on around 40 000 sample measurements, as well as numerous physical covariates that relate to the spatial distribution of seabed sediments. 

Find out more about this release and how to access the maps on our website.

Extended seabed geology map of Bristol Channel published

To support policy- and decision makers in the region, BGS has released an enhanced seabed geology map of the Bristol Channel, almost four times the size of the original, which extends from Carmarthen Bay to Newport and further south to the coast of Somerset.

In addition to offshore infrastructure, these maps also directly contribute to understanding of marine ecosystems, coastal management and defence activities. 

Release of over 500 Scottish abandoned-mine plans

Digital scans of over 500 historical plans of abandoned mines (non-coal) have been released by the National Geoscience Data Centre (NGDC) as part of BGS’s commitment to providing more open, accessible data for its users.

The plans can be viewed via the BGS non-coal mining plans viewer and can be filtered by selecting ‘Abandonment plan’ from the plan type drop-down menu.

Further information about this release can be found on our website. 

BGS has launched the UK Geothermal Platform, which provides national- to local-scale information on geothermal potential across shallow and deep technology options. It allows users to explore and assess the geothermal potential of an area and make more informed decisions. The platform draws together diverse information and synthesises it to deliver the information needed by heat policy, heat networks, national zoning model and planning specialists. The platform can be used by regulators, developers and researchers. To find out more please visit our website.

Artificial Ground: what do you need from a geological survey?

BGS is continually reviewing its data offerings to ensure they remain fit for purpose and identify potential updates and improvements. A huge thank you to all those who recently provided feedback on the BGS Geology digital maps. Compilation and analysis of the results is ongoing and the results will inform the development of future iterations of the BGS Geology maps at all scales.

Implementing effective change requires input from all our stakeholder groups and we’d like to hear from you. Ongoing engagement campaigns include BGS artificial ground data. BGS is seeking more detailed user feedback on artificial ground data: how you use it, what information you consider, and what we can do to improve our offering.

> Take the survey

BGS hosted the British Cartographic Society Annual Conference in September.  The two-day event consisted of parallel sessions. Firstly, the Map Curators Group which included a show and tell session of the BGS library and archives displaying the gems BGS holds

including maps related to historical events and pioneering geology. Alongside this a series of GeoViz workshops with BGS contribution on how geological cross sections are made using geological data and expertise when out in the field to understand the subsurface. The main second day of the conference was themed on ‘Managing Our Landscapes’ and consisted of a wide range of talks from industry including how geological mapping has evolved over time to our latest mapping techniques. The talk also covered how this data is then transferred to BGS data products.  The day proved to be a great way to showcase the knowledge, collections and facilities that BGS possess. 

In November, BGS Products will be attending the Government Geography Profession Conference 2025. If you are attending, please come along and speak to us about our data products and how we can help you.