Basic Geology

EGDI Basic Geology

Multiscale space-related datasets and data products in 1D, 2D, and 3D are fundamental components of the geological baseline information delivered by national geological survey organisations. These datasets and products, including descriptions of wells, geological maps, and 3D geomodels, show and explain the geological architecture of Earth's crust at the surface and in the subsurface. Model information comprises lithology, lithostratigraphic units, age (of rocks and events), structural elements (e.g. faults and thrusts), geomorphological features, lithotectonic units, and others. This type of geological baseline information lays the indispensable groundwork for applied geoscientific projects and problem-solving.

For many years, the EuroGeoSurveys (EGS) community has worked in EU co-funded projects to harmonise such datasets across Europe. Results of those projects are hosted in EGDI (e.g., the OneGeologyEurope onshore geological map dataset for many European countries at a scale of 1:1 million, and the GeoERA datasets) alongside other datasets from Europe, such as the International Geological Map of Europe at a scale of 1:5 million (IGME 5000). Nevertheless, data gaps remain significant. In addition, the framework of sound scientific vocabularies, data models and workflows, a necessary precondition for further transnational data harmonisation, is still under development.

3D geomodels are the most challenging, but also the most effective, way to share data and information and to communicate about the architecture of the Earth’s crust. These types of models have long-lasting use in the mining and oil and gas industries and, more recently, in other geoscience applications such as urban geology, risk management, and geothermal energy. The construction of 3D geomodels generally relies on proprietary packages. Current EGS efforts are directed towards bridging the gap between 2D and 3D to produce geomodels easily usable by end applications, e.g., for simulating processes. To achieve this goal, common methodologies and developments are foreseen at the EGS level, supported by open-source solutions.

A shared geological framework for cross-border analysis

Basic Geology provides the harmonised geological framework that underpins many EGDI themes and applications. By aligning geological units, lithology and reference layers across national boundaries, EGDI supports consistent interpretation and communication—from regional studies to pan-European reporting. (europe-geology.eu)

How to work with harmonised geology in EGDI

Visualise the framework in the Geological Map Viewer of Europe to understand lithology and geological units in your area of interest.
Check available layers and service status before connecting them in GIS workflows.
Review metadata to confirm scale, methods, vocabularies and constraints before reuse.

Key projects supporting Basic Geology

Within the EuroGeoSurveys community, ongoing and future efforts related to basic geology are undertaken primarily by the Geological Mapping & Modelling Expert Group, with strong support of the Spatial Information Expert Group in all technical aspects.

Basic Geology layers in the EGDI map viewer. All maps will open in a new tab:

Related projects

IGME 5000

The 1 : 5 Million International Geological Map of Europe and Adjacent Areas

It shows the pre-Quaternary geology of the entire Europe onshore and – first time at this scale – offshore.

OneGeology-Europe

A harmonised datamodel (based on existing international standards) for 1:1 million geological map data.

Other Scientific Themes

Boreholes

EGDI contains data on different sets of boreholes. Currently a WMS services is available.

Earth Observations and Geohazards

The systematic observation of the Earth’s surface and the monitoring of ground deformation allows the precise mapping and assessment of geohazards. Geohazards can have severe impacts on human lives and properties and may lead to serious socio-economic consequences.

Geochemistry

Chemical elements are the Earth’s building blocks. Geochemistry is the study of the distribution and concentration of Earth’s elements.

GeoEnergy

Energy is vital to the functioning of our society. We need energy to heat our homes, to produce food, for transport, and much more. But energy consumption poses two major challenges. First, our huge dependency on fossil fuels. Second, domestic energy production is decreasing.

GeoERA

Establishing the European Geological Surveys Research Area to deliver a Geological Service for Europe (GeoERA).

Geoheritage

Earth’s geological processes are happening around us all the time. The results are often distinctive geological sites (geosites) that can be unique, visually appealing or have scientific value.

Geophysics

Geophysics studies the Earth's interior using physical properties measured at or above its surface and produces mathematical models to predict those properties.

Marine Geology

About two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. In line with this, Europe’s seas total about fifteen million square kilometres, fifty percent more than its land area.

Mineral Resources

We live in a mineral-based world. It has been said that “if you can’t grow it, you have to mine it”. Indeed, virtually everything we use on a daily basis is manufactured from the Earth’s mineral resources. Mineral raw materials provide us with our basic needs – energy, infrastructure, transportation, technology and more.

Urban Geology

Geological and geotechnical information about the subsurface of cities are of paramount importance and of high socio-economic value for their development and the maintenance of critical infrastructure.

Water Resources

Groundwater, present almost every where beneath our feet, is by far (99%) the largest freshwater resource on earth. As rain falls, it recharge and continuously feeds, rivers, lakes, wetlands and coastal waters.