Geological mapping data of the British Isles has now been made available online through the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) Collections company.

JISC Collections was set up last year as a means of gaining more clout with the publishing world in its continuing support for education bodies and research councils. With Geology Digimap, the new online resource will gather its information from the British Geological Survey and present users with an insight into the British landscapes physical substance and structure as well as the historical processes that have shaped the geology of the land.

Based on the same platform as Digimap which utilises current and historical map data from the Ordnance Survey, users can view all onshore geological data amassed so far, such as land movement, artificial ground, faults and fossil beds. Information from the BGS Lexicon of Named Rock Units is also tied into the site. Whilst the applications of Geology Digimap are more obvious for civil engineering students, architects and the like, such as when considering a region for a new development and the engineering and material requirements necessary to achieve that. There are however, opportunities for a variety of professionals and students; from those in agricultural studies, archaeology, the bio-sciences, coastal management as well as the field of environmental management. Although access is only available to subscribing researchers and those in Higher or Further Education with appropriate Athens authentication.

Commenting on the launch Dr William Kilbride, a Chair of the JISC Collections said: “For a few years now JISC has funded mapping for Great Britain and has recently added historical maps. With Geology maps we’re now able to see beneath our feet. By making the geology maps available through Digimap, many users will already be familiar with the techniques and tools they need to access the data.”