dataset · United Kingdom
BGS Permeability Index version 8
The BGS Permeability Index dataset shows estimated rates of water movement from the ground surface to the water table. The v8 dataset incorporates the latest geology mapping (BGS Geology 50k). This includes updates to the lithology-coding schema, the LEX_RCS. A 2-part code used to identify the named rock unit from the BGS lexicon of named rock units (LEX) followed by a Rock Classification Scheme (RCS) code which describes the rocks lithological characteristics e.g. texture and composition. Updat
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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: 38.1
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
- relative permeability of rock and superficial deposits (estimated rates of water movement from ground surface to water table) · LEX_RCS lithology codes (BGS named rock unit lexicon plus Rock Classification Scheme) · dissolution hazard classification for soluble rocks (from BGS GeoSure)
- Coverage docs-verified
- Great Britain
- Resolution docs-verified
- 1:50 000 scale; next best available scale where geology is not mapped at that scale
- Update frequency docs-verified
- unknown (not stated by publisher)
- Access docs-verified
- Free to view on data.gov.uk; BGS access constraints apply (copyright vested in NERC, no reproduction without prior permission of the copyright holder). Licence field on data.gov.uk is not set.
Useful for
- Use cases llm-inferred
- Regional-scale SuDS infiltration feasibility screening in a desk study · Regional screening for natural flood management opportunities · Slope stability and aquifer vulnerability screening in engineering desk studies
- Audience llm-inferred
- flood risk consultants · drainage engineers · geotechnical engineers · hydrogeologists
Limitations
- Constraints docs-verified
- Regional scale only; not recommended for site-specific use · Covers Great Britain per DOCS; the ENTRY regions field says United Kingdom · Publisher gives no warranty on quality or accuracy; use is at the customer's own risk · Update frequency unknown
Evidence
- https://www.bgs.ac.uk/datasets/permeability/
- https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/c6b84861-47f3-4f96-ade5-cec440a6aada/bgs-permeability-index-version-8
Check upstream coverage, uncertainty and licence before use. Station observations are not forecasts or design levels.