The British Geological Survey (BGS) is a world-leading geological survey that focuses on providing robust and objective evidence to support the UK’s land management and environmental protection activities. The BGS also supports international efforts to understand and manage global geological resources.
The BGS was established in 1832 and is headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland. It employs around 1200 staff, including more than 400 scientists, and has a presence in over 20 countries. The BGS is part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), which is the UK’s main agency for funding environmental science.
The BGS provides a wide range of data and information products, services and advice relating to geology, seismology, hydrogeology, climate change, minerals, groundwater, contaminated land, water resources and geohazards. These are used by central government departments, local authorities, businesses and the public.
The BGS also undertakes or supports research into all aspects of geoscience. This helps to underpin its work on providing evidence for decision-making and policy development. The findings from this research are disseminated through academic publications as well as being made available online via the BGS website and data portal .