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Ian Jackson, British Geological Survey (United Kingdom)
John Broome, Geological Survey of Canada (Canada)
Harvey Thorleifson, Minnesota Geological Survey (United States)
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OneGeology (1G) is an initiative of the geological surveys of the world and a flagship of IYPE. 1G was defined by 81 participants from 43 nations and 53 national and international bodies who met in Brighton, UK, between 12 and 16 March 2007. They discussed and unanimously agreed on how to improve the accessibility of geological maps and, in doing so, increase their usefulness to society. Participants asserted that geological mapping is essential to advancing science and education to better provide solutions to the challenges of mitigating hazards, ensuring sustainable energy, minerals and water, and addressing the urgent challenge of our changing climate. Participants agreed that the following recommendations should be communicated to Geological Surveys and Organisations, while they agreed to encourage those not present to embrace these recommendations. 1G is a Geological Survey initiative launched in IYPE, which will make public and Internet-accessible the best available geological map data worldwide, initially at a scale of about 1:1M, to better address the needs of society. 1G will focus on making accessible existing geological map coverage and it is recognised that this will catalyse scientific harmonisation of map data globally. 1G will, as a priority, work to enable access to ∼1:1M geological map data. In addition, 1G will link to, and be interoperable with, applications for broad societal access and wider-resolution mapping. 1G aims to benefit society and also improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Surveys providing the map data. 1G and its participants will seek funding to support its work and goals and also develop strategies to provide mutual assistance to implement 1G and build participant capacity. Participants recognise that map data distributed as part of 1G will remain in the ownership of the originator, and ideally be available at no cost. 1G will be managed by a Steering Group of representatives from Geological Surveys and Organisations, will link to an International Coordinating Committee, and will be cognisant of and proactively interact with the wider geo-spatial community. It will also set up task groups to achieve its goals. The Secretariat established to ensure the sustainability and continuity of the initiative will be based at BGS until December 2008. The priority of 1G is to make available interoperable, Internet-accessible, scientifically-attributed data and to make progress at levels appropriate to participants' capability. Geological Surveys and Organisations are encouraged to work together to develop and implement the required interchange standard to make their data interoperable. The progress of 1G will be presented at the IGC in Oslo, to demonstrate the resulting increase in Internet access to the map data. 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.
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