dataset · United Kingdom
BGS 1:63 360 / 1:50 000 series geological maps
The 1:63 360 / 1:50 000 scale map series are the most useful scale for most purposes. They provide almost complete coverage of onshore Great Britain. The BGS collection of 1:63 360 and 1:50 000 scale maps comprises two map series: - Geological Survey of England and Wales 1:63 360 / 1:50 000 Geological Map Series [New Series]. These maps are based on the Ordnance Survey One-inch New Series topographic basemaps and provide almost complete coverage of England and Wales, with the exception of sheet
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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: 39.1
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
- 1:63 360 / 1:50 000 geological map scans · bedrock (solid) geology maps · superficial (drift) geology maps
- Coverage docs-verified
- Onshore Great Britain (almost complete); England and Wales excludes sheet 180 (Knighton) · 1856 (publication reference date)
- Resolution llm-inferred
- Map scales 1:63 360 and 1:50 000; no pixel or spatial resolution stated
- Update frequency docs-verified
- Not planned (no scheduled updates)
- Formats docs-verified
- digital scans (file type not stated)
- Access docs-verified
- No auth or API key listed. Licence: NERC copyright; reproduction or transmission requires prior permission of the copyright holder (via BGS IPR Manager). Price not stated.
Useful for
- Use cases llm-inferred
- Bedrock and superficial geology context for FRA and site investigation desk studies · Ground model inputs for foundation and earthworks design · Aquifer and groundwater setting review for drainage strategy
- Audience llm-inferred
- geotechnical engineers · hydrologists · flood consultants · GIS analysts · planners
Limitations
- Constraints docs-verified
- Mostly digital scans of paper maps, not vector GIS data · No coverage for sheet 180 (Knighton) in England and Wales · Maps are geologist interpretations and may combine old and new sheet numbering · Reproduction restricted by NERC copyright · No update schedule (frequency not planned)
Evidence
- https://webapps.bgs.ac.uk/data/MapsPortal/
- https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/de94dcfa-b8db-415d-91b2-01f81f1a09e8/bgs-1-63-360-1-50-000-series-geological-maps
Check upstream coverage, uncertainty and licence before use. Station observations are not forecasts or design levels.