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Delivery of data to smartphones and tablets reaches out to a new audience and provides a rich and convenient user experience. The

British Geological Survey (BGS) has an in-house team of specialist mobile app developers. Our apps deliver a range of geoscientific and technical solutions to professionals and the public. We have provided products and expertise to a range of clients, including the European Commission, UK research institutes and international governments.

Data deliveryThe BGS’s flagship mobile application, iGeology, provides geological information and maps to professionals and the public, whenever they need it and wherever they are. Downloaded more than 280 000 times, iGeology allows users to interrogate the geological map of Britain to help them understand the environment and landscape around them.www.bgs.ac.uk/igeology

Augmented realityOur apps enable us to deliver information using new, more interactive techniques. Our iGeology 3D app constructs a 3D model of the landscape and allows users to fly around, exploring the geology in three dimensions above and below the surface. In augmented reality mode, it superimposes geology maps on to the device’s camera view, painting the map onto the user’s view of the landscape. The greater availability of detailed 3D models through increased use of LIDAR and other scanning techniques means that iGeology 3D technology has applications in an expanding range of disciplines, both outdoors and indoors. www.bgs.ac.uk/iGeology/3d.

Citizen scienceIn an age of data ubiquity, mobile technology facilitates a two-way sharing of information through twinned display of published digital maps and live ‘crowdsourced’ collection of data. Our mySoil app enables the general public to get involved in citizen science, sending

For more information please contact:

Enquiries British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG

tel: 0115 936 3143 email: enquiries@bgs.ac.uk

©NERC 2015. All rights reserved

photographs and measurements about the soil where they live to gather new information on soil science. Our myVolcano app enables users to share their photographs and descriptions of volcanic hazards, as well as collecting samples and measurements of volcanic ash fall, informing government, business and airlines on how to deal with the next big eruption that affects the UK.www.bgs.ac.uk/mysoilwww.bgs.ac.uk/myvolcano

PartnershipsApps enable us to engage in the creation of joined-up solutions to environmental problems. The mySoil app is a collaboration with several major research organisations (BGS, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Met Office, EC Joint Research Centre) that combines soil data in a single, integrated and easy-to-use interface. Using mySoil you can view a map of soil parent material – the underlying geological material – and click on an area to get information about soil depth, texture, pH and organic matter content, and explore vegetation habitat data across the UK.www.bgs.ac.uk/mysoil

EngagementOur apps provide new ways for us to communicate with our users and enable us to create an active community whose members can directly interact with each other and with BGS scientists. The community can keep up to date as new observations are recorded and work together to create new community-owned data products.

Responsive web browser applicationsOur apps are available on a range of platforms, but we support other devices through web browser applications that use responsive design. These adapt the interface for optimal display on desktop, tablet and mobile devices. This ensures we reach out to all potential users, offering the best user experience possible. Example: www.ukso.org

Can we help you?If you think we can help you, or you would like more information about our services, please contact us using the details below.