A framework for making available Europe’s treasure of geological basic information: A collaborative effort

Transboundary geological baseline information, such as geological maps, datasets and 3D models following the FAIR data principles, is still scarce at European level. This is due to (1) lack of transboundary harmonisation, (2) lack of FAIRness of existing harmonised data, (3) non-existence of such data and (4) lack of a suitable framework to provide such data.

The Geological Mapping & Modelling Expert Group of EuroGeoSurveys gathers the European Geological Surveys Organisations (GSO) and establishes the data collection and model production framework as mentioned in (4). This is being done as part of the ongoing Coordination & Support Action "Geological Service for Europe"(GSEU) of the EU Horizon Europe Framework Programme.

Ongoing actions include (1) collecting metadata of geological maps, datasets and 3D models of Europe, (2) establishing a conceptual and physical data model capable of accommodating multiscale basic geological data as well as applied geoscientific data in 2.5D, (3) creating improved or new scientific vocabularies for lithology, anthropogenic deposits and lithotectonic units based on linked data and SKOS technology, (4) building a lithotectonic spatial map database using the vocabularies developed in (3), and (5) sharing experience and best practices in 3D geomodelling to federate European GSO around common approaches, as much as possible employing open source tools.

In addition to the technical framework, we are also working on appropriate organisational structures and workflows for the maintenance and future updating of all elements of the framework and its datasets.

Research and innovation needs for the next EU Framework Programme in the field of geological mapping and modelling have recently been addressed in the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) of EuroGeoSurveys. These include additional scientific vocabularies (e.g. for lithogenetic units, structural and geomorphological features), tools for (semi)automatic generalisation of datasets, and a collaborative GIS platform for the user community for efficient data harmonisation. In addition, the design of innovative incentive schemes to stimulate the collection of still missing data and new technologies for subsurface exploration and geomodelling to produce geological maps and 3D models, are important parts of the SRIA.

Working well together as a large group of people with a wide range of skills and experience is essential to provide applications, such as those dealing with resources and risk, with the quantified and reliable geological information they need for their processes.