dataset · United Kingdom

3D Urban Interactive geological models

3D geology models have been created for London, Glasgow, Cardiff, Liverpool and Gateshead. Users can create geological cross-sections, synthetic boreholes and horizontal slices through the 3D models. Underpinned by BGS geological data and expertise, the models and reports provide an enhanced understanding of the geological structures and sediments for urban practitioners to inform construction projects, infrastructure design, groundwater assessments and land use planning. These models cover dept

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Source details

Licence: ["The copyright of materials derived from the British Geological Survey's work is vested in the Natural Environment Research Council [NERC]. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in an

Evidence quality: 38.9

Listed in data.gov.uk public catalogue API on 2026-10-16; relevance/value screened (haiku).

Metadata checked: 2026-10-14T13:20:00.000Z

What's in it

Data offered docs-verified: 3D geological models (superficial and bedrock units) · geological cross-sections · synthetic boreholes · horizontal slices
Coverage docs-verified: London, Glasgow, Cardiff, Liverpool and Gateshead
Update frequency docs-verified: As needed (dataset metadata; page updated 2 October 2026)
Formats docs-verified: web viewer (interactive)
Access docs-verified: Free to view in the BGS web viewer. Reuse is restricted: BGS/NERC copyright, and no part may be reproduced without permission of the copyright holder. Page licence field is 'Not set'.

Useful for

Use cases llm-inferred: Ground model cross-sections to inform foundation and excavation design on urban construction projects in London or Liverpool · Synthetic borehole logs for early-stage site investigation planning in Glasgow, Cardiff or Gateshead · Subsurface context for groundwater assessments and land use planning in the five covered cities
Audience llm-inferred: geotechnical engineers · hydrogeologists · civils engineers · planners · GIS analysts

Limitations

Constraints llm-inferred: Only five urban areas are covered: London, Glasgow, Cardiff, Liverpool and Gateshead · Vertical extent is limited to +300 m OD to -600 m OD · Glasgow, Cardiff and Gateshead have undifferentiated bedrock; only London and Liverpool include separate superficial and bedrock units · Access is through the web viewer only; no API or bulk download is described in the docs · Reuse is restricted by BGS/NERC copyright and the 'Use at customer's own risk' and no-warranty statements · Licence is unclear: the page licence is 'Not set', while the site footer states OGL v3.0 'except where otherwise stated' · Models are built in GSI3D, Groundhog and ASPEN SKUA; outputs are not described as exportable model files

Evidence

Check upstream coverage, uncertainty and licence before use. Station observations are not forecasts or design levels.