Frequently Asked Questions

Data "holes" and incomplete datasets

The BGS have not yet completed the digitisation of all tiles in each dataset. This means that there are some data tiles missing. The availability of each dataset can be seen in Geology Download using the Availability Grids.

 

Tile edge matching issues

The BGS have been surveying Great Britain for over a hundred years. The maps have all been surveyed at different times and to emphasise different features. As the rock haven't changed over time some of the earlier surveys are still used today but they were never made to be used with the surrounding maps let alone combined in a Digital Mapping service. Due to this it is possible to see where these older maps join up with the newer ones. The BGS are constantly working to re-survey these areas and create a much more seamless dataset for the digital age. This process is a long and arduous one as geological surveys can take some time, however as the data is updated this will be reflected in the service.

 

I have set the geology data to be opaque in the map view, but it is semi opaque in the my PDF printed map, why?

Currently, opacity values set in the main map viewer are not carried through to the PDF maps instead default opacity value is used.

 

In Geology Roam some of the colours used for rock types are too similar to tell apart, how do I find out what rock type is what?

You can view details about the geology of any point by clicking on the map with the left-mouse button. A pop up window containing the information will appear. Details of the rock name, type and age are given where they are available, along with the layer that the information is from; Bedrock, Superficial Deposits etc.