SPATIAL GEOSCIENCE DATA AND DERIVED INFORMATION: SOCIETAL IMPACTS AND BENEFITS, AND RELEVANCE TO THE FUTURE OF GEOLOGICAL SURVEYS AND AGENCIES

Low levels of geospatial literacy and geoscientific understanding mean that basic geological map data can be interpreted to a professional standard by remarkably small numbers of people. Nevertheless geological maps continue to underpin the exploration, exploitation and management of natural resources including fossil fuels, minerals and groundwater. Geological maps can, however, be the essential basis for derived geospatial data-sets through which complex science relating to societally relevant issues such as geohazards can be communicated meaningfully to the lay person. Derived geospatial data-sets are a means for geological surveys and agencies to demonstrate societal relevance and create positive social and economic impacts, and are therefore important for their future sustainability. The pathway is traced from complex scientific data to information and knowledge of use in decision-making. Societal benefits and impacts are described and quantified using case studies and independent economic impact analysis data.