Launch of the OneGeology Portal

01 September 2008, 9:13am

OneGeology is an international initiative of more than 80 geological surveys of the world (83 currently participating as of 1 September 2008), supported by the major global geoscience bodies, and is a flagship project of the 'International Year of Planet Earth'. Its aim is to create dynamic geological map data of the world available via the web. This will create a focus for accessing geological information for everyone. Thanks to the enthusiasm and support of participating nations the initiative has progressed rapidly and geological surveys and the many users of their data are excited about this ground-breaking project.

In 17 short months, OneGeology has proved its capacity to increase the accessibility of geological data, improve its interoperability and consistency, transfer know-how and raise the international profile of geoscience. At a time when trans-national environmental problems, in particular climate change, have never had a higher profile, combining and sharing our experience and assets is essential. Geological Surveys are pooling their expertise, data and knowledge to deliver a web resource that can add value and make a difference globally.

OneGeology held its official launch at the International Geological Congress (IGC) in Oslo, Norway, 6-14 August 2008, where the OneGeology Portal was launched by Simon Winchester, author of the bestselling book ‘The Map that Changed the World’ about the life of the eminent geologist, William Smith.

Geoscience bodies supporting OneGeology include:

International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE),
Commission for the Geological Map of the World (CGMW),
Commission for the Management and Application of Geoscience Information (CGI),
Coordinating Committee for Geoscience Programmes in East and Southeast Asia (representing Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) (CCOP),
EuroGeoSurveys,
Geoscience Information Consortium (GIC),
International Lithosphere Program,
International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS),
International Steering Committee for Global Mapping (ISCGM), and
UNESCO.

Visit the OneGeology web site and portal to experience for yourself the geological information resources available from this global project.

OneGeology web site

OneGeology Portal

Geo: International