This layer of the map based index (GeoIndex) providex an index to 17,500 borehole rock samples (drillcore) from the Mineral Reconnaissance Programme (MRP) and related studies. The UK Government's Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) funded BGS to provide baseline information on areas prospective for the occurrence of metallic minerals in Great Britain. This programme, known as the MRP, ran continuously from 1973 to 1997 and covered particular locations across Great Britain. It was designed to stimulate private sector exploration and to encourage the development of Britain's indigenous mineral resources. Under the programme a number of boreholes were drilled to gather information.

The map shows the location and names of boreholes with digital geophysical logs acquired by the former National Coal Board and British Coal during their exploration for coal in the UK. Ownership of UK coal exploration data was transferred to the Coal Authority (Coal Authority) following privatisation of the UK coal industry. The Coal Authority have appointed the British Geological Survey as custodian of this important national geological data archive. These data are in general publicly available; however, access to data within active mining licences is restricted in that it requires the consent of the mining licensee. The Coal Authority data archive includes digital data for some of the geophysical borehole logging. These are mainly in the form of original field tapes; however, also available are some data transcribed onto more modern media during BGS projects. The BGS will be pleased to provide information on data availability for named boreholes or within specified geographic areas, together with cost estimates and options for supplying copies.

This layer of the map based index (GeoIndex) shows where river floodplains and coastal plains in Britain are located and therefore the main areas at greatest risk of flooding. The map shows areas vulnerable to two main types of flooding: inland (river floodplains) and coastal/estuarine and is therefore a key tool in identifying those areas most vulnerable from future flooding. The map is based on observation of the types of geological deposit present and does not take into account any man-made influences such as house building or flood protection schemes. It also does not take into account low-lying areas where flooding could occur but where there are no materials indicating flooding in the geological past. The BGS Geological Indicators of Flooding data should therefore be regarded as complementary to, but not a replacement for, existing Environment Agency flood risk maps. The BGS Geological Indicators of Flooding (GIF) dataset is a digital map based on the BGS Digital Geological Map of Great Britain at the 1:50,000 scale.

This layer of the map based index (GeoIndex) shows where aquifer vulnerability maps are available for England and Wales. These maps identify areas in which the groundwater resources require protection from potentially polluting activities. The maps are designed to be used by planners, developers, consultants and regulatory bodies to ensure that developments conform to the Policy and Practice of the Environment Agency for the protection of Groundwater. The Soil Survey, Land Research Centre and the British Geological Survey were commissioned by the Environment Agency to prepare 53 groundwater vulnerability maps at 1:100,000 scale. Currently we are unable to provide scanned copies of these maps due to Copyright restrictions. Please note that these maps are based on data from the late 1980's and early 1990's. More up-to-date digital data may now be available from the Environment Agency.

This layer of the map based index (GeoIndex) shows satellite data at different resolutions depending on the current map scale. At small scales, it is shown in generalised form with each pixel covering 300 metres, and at larger scales it is shown at its actual resolution of 30 metres. The satellite imagery in GeoIndex was acquired by the Landsat Thematic Mapper sensor between 1984 and 1990. The imagery has been processed by the BGS Remote Sensing Section to increase contrast and thus enhance natural boundaries. Winter imagery was chosen due to the low sun angle, which enables geomorphic features on the landscape to be distinguished and interpreted. The colours in the image are not what one would normally expect to see because we have used infrared wavelengths to help us extract more geological information than would be possible if we had used visible bands. To create a single image of the whole country, many smaller images covering different rectangular areas and taken at different dates have been patched together. This will in some cases produce marked changes where the smaller images meet and is due to the different conditions when the images were taken.

The map shows the localities of significant fossil samples, either collected by BGS Staff, or donated by individuals and institutions. The BGS fossil collections contain over 2 million specimens, including a sizeable quantity of type, figured and cited material. Since a small number of fossil locations are confidential, you are unable to view this dataset at large scales. However, if you send a data enquiry, such information may be made available. Enquiries are normally free, but a charge may be levied depending upon the time taken; users will be notified in advance. Material is available for inspection on application by e-mail. Specimens are sometimes available for loan to bona fide academics.

This layer of the Map based index (GeoIndex) shows the location of records of boreholes, shafts and wells from all forms of drilling and site investigation work. Some 850,000 records dating back over 200 years and ranging from one to several thousand metres deep. Currently some 50,000 new records are being added to the collection each year. The dataset available via the GeoIndex is a snapshot, taken at a particular date, of the Single Onshore Borehole Index. Although the GeoIndex is updated at regular intervals more information may be available than is shown.

This layer of the map based index (GeoIndex) shows the location of onshore UK boreholes known to BGS that have digital or paper geophysical borehole logs. The details given for each borehole are, the name of the borehole, the grid reference and the format, ie. paper or digital. Scattered distribution of boreholes, locally dense coverage, few logs from Scotland. The GeoIndex is updated at regular intervals but more information may be available than is shown at any one time.

Water samples have predominantly been collected by the G-BASE (Geochemical Baseline Survey of the Environment) project at an average sampling density of one sample per 1.5 km square. Samples have been collected from approximately 85% of Great Britain but it is only from Wales and Humber-Trent southwards that a wide range of analytes have been determined. Currently G-BASE stream water samples collected from high order streams are determined by ICP-AES for 27 elements - Sr, Cd, Ba, Si, Mn, Fe, P, S (as SO42-), B, Mg, V, Na, Mo, Al, Be, Ca, Zn, Cu, Pb, Li, Zr, Co, Ni, Y, La, K and Cr; and by quadrupole ICP-MS for 24 trace elements - Li, Be, Al, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Rb, Y, Zr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, La, Ce, Tl, Pb, Th and U. Automated colorimetric methods are used to determine Cl and NO3- and ion selective electrode is used to determine F. Waters are also analysed for non-purgeable organic carbon (NPOC) to determine dissolved organic carbon content. All samples have routinely been analysed for pH, conductivity and bicarbonate. Much of the UK coverage also includes uranium and fluoride analyses.

This layer of the GeoIndex shows the localities for which details of identified fossil specimens in the BGS Biostratigraphy Museum are databased. Only Ordovician and Silurian specimens listed currently. Samples and taxonomic identifications will be listed and will in future be able to be queried using the query-by-attribute tool to the right of the map. See also Fossil Localities. Material is available for inspection on application by e-mail; it is free for academic research but is charged for commercial work. Specimens are sometimes available for loan to bona fide academics.