3D geological models for engineers

This online talk provided an overview of geological modelling activities in the British Geological Survey (BGS) and highlighted key 3D data resources and services that are available. Geological models provide 3D understanding of the distribution of rocks and deposits in the subsurface and are valuable for informing the development of conceptual ground models and designing site investigations. An overview of geological modelling activities in BGS and highlight key 3D data resources and services that are available was provided. These services include an online interactive viewer which provides free access to city-scale geological models for selected urban areas in Great Britain, including Glasgow, London and Cardiff, with new data for Liverpool and adjacent areas in the pipeline. The availability of site investigation boreholes, donated to BGS from industry, is a critical requirement for geological model development and a good distribution of quality input data is essential to ensure model accuracy. The modelling services provided by BGS demonstrate the value of industry donated data in enhancing knowledge of the UK’s geology and enabling a ‘virtuous circle’ whereby BGS provides accessible and informative ‘value-added’ datasets to support industry.