ONEGEOLOGY – A SUCCESSFUL GLOBAL OPEN ACCESS MODEL FOR UP-TO-DATE GEOSCIENCE DATA USING A DISTRIBUTED DATA SYSTEM

OneGeology is an initiative of the global Geological Survey Organisations (GSO) that dates back to Brighton, UK in 2007. Since then OneGeology has been a leader in enabling access to geological online data using the international interchange standard GeoSciML. Increased use of this standard allows geological data to be shared and integrated across the planet with other users and organisations. One of the key goals of OneGeology was a transfer of valuable know-how to the developing world, hence shortening the digital learning curve. In autumn 2013 OneGeology was transformed into a Consortium with three clearly objectives; 1) to be the provider of geosciences data globally, 2) to ensure exchange of know-how and skills so all can participate, and 3) to use the global profile of 1G to increase awareness of the geosciences and their relevance among professionals and the general public.

The next stage of the OneGeology initiative will be focused on increasing the openness and richness of that data from individual countries to create a multi-thematic global geological data resource about the rocks beneath our feet. When OneGeology started this consisted of implementing and testing 2D OGC standards and GeoSciML across the GSO community. This presentation will celebrate the successes of OneGeology approach to date, it will look forward at some of the challenges including 3D, which the global geoscience community will face in the future and posit an approach we may take to resolving these together.