OneGeology

OneGeology is a project that aims to create dynamic digital geological map data for the whole world. The target scale is 1:1 million but the project will be pragmatic and accept a range of scales and the best available data. The geological map data will be made available as a distributed web service, using the latest web feature mapping approach. Geological Surveys will dynamically 'serve' the data for their territories to a web portal. The plan is to make it available through Google Earth and other dynamic map browsers. The initiative is truly multi-lateral and multi-national and will be carried out under the umbrella of many organisations working together: the network of Geological Surveys around the world, the international umbrella organisations of the Commission for the Geological Map of the World, IUGS, IYPE and UNESCO, and last but not least the international framework of the International Steering Committee for Global Mapping. It is hoped to attract other relevant bodies as the project moves forward.

The concept is a completely modern paradigm: it is planned as a distributed model - a dynamic set of geological map data served mostly on a national basis by individual Geological Surveys and other bodies (e.g. the polar and marine surveys and research bodies) to a web portal and as such will be frequently updated and improved by them and reflect the most up to date data they possess. To achieve its goals the project team will combine state of the art skills in geoscience data modelling and information management with worldwide expertise and experience in lithological and stratigraphical classification. OneGeology will be closely interlinked with the IUGS Commission on geoscience information (CGI) and in particular its work on a global data model and interchange standard - GeoSciML. The project will kick off formally in early 2007. During 2007 the first test datasets are anticipated to become available. Data will be progressively added through 2008 and the first results will be presented at the International Geological Congress in Oslo in 2008. Data will continue to be added and upgraded through time to provide the most complete and dynamic coverage of the Planet at the target scale of 1:1 million.

More information:

http://www.onegeology.org/

http://www.bgs.ac.uk/cgi_web/