The National Geoscience Data Centre (NGDC) contains data gathered or generated by the British Geological Survey (BGS) as part of its national strategic mapping programme, alongside data provided by many external organisations. One of the most significant datasets is the borehole records collection, which includes borehole records deposited with the BGS under legislation relating to the following acts:

• The Mining Industry Act 1926

• The Petroleum Production Act 1934

• Water Resources Act 1991, Water Act 1945 and Water Act (Scotland)

Additionally, a large majority of borehole records are given to the NGDC on a voluntary basis by organizations within the site investigation industry. Though there is no legislation requiring them to do this, there are clear benefits, including:

•  Data security (secure accommodation and back-up);

• Reduced storage costs;

• Easy identification of available data – using the BGS Internet Geoscience Data Index at www.bgs.ac.uk/geoindex ;

• Easy access to data for site-specific enquiries via: enquiries@bgs.ac.uk ;

• Improved geological maps – supporting industry, education, and the general public;

• Better decision-making, based on a more complete information base.

The major benefit to the BGS is access to modern data to help improve the geological synthesis of the country. Until recently all borehole records were deposited in paper form. However, data are now starting to be deposited digitally in AGS format. This trend is encouraged at the NGDC, as it allows more rapid processing and use of the data. Where data are received for use within the cost-recovery, Borehole Ordering Service (www.bgs.ac.uk/boreholes/home.html), borehole logs can now be made available to industry more efficiently. AGS format data can simply be sent to the BGS by e-mail, addressed to AGSdata@bgs.ac.uk (up to 10 MB file size). Alternatively copies of the digital files can be posted directly to the NGDC Data Collection Officer (see below for contact details). The BGS welcomes donations of data from anywhere in Great Britain, and NGDC staff are happy to receive your information in various formats, including analogue, digital and material samples for addition to appropriate National collections. For further advice and information on depositing data, please contact the Data Collection Officer: geodata@bgs.ac.uk Tel. +44 (0)115 936 3021 Fax: +44 (0)115 936 3276

National Geoscience Data Centre (NGDC) British Geological Survey Kingsley Dunham Centre Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG UK