Geological maps
Geological maps show the nature, extent and relative stratigraphical age of the different rocks within a district. The small scale maps (1:1 000 000; 1:625 000 etc), provide only summary information on the geology of the whole or part of the UK. More detailed information is shown on the 700 or more 1:50 000 scale maps which cover a district approximately 18 miles by 12 miles.
Larger scale maps at the 1:10 000 scale, covering a small area, are available for much of Britain. Maps at this scale normally provide the greatest level of detail available for most districts. These maps are produced on demand.
Professional users are advised that our most recent mapping is now only updated and available digitally without production of a printed product. For information on our most up to date geological data and how to access it please use either our educational or professional online digital services as the latest digital geological data may differ significantly from the older printed version.
A large selection of the geological maps available for sale are available to view free of charge on the BGS Maps Portal.
For 1:50 000 scale maps our CustomMaps service can be used to create your own printed maps from this data.
For more information on map series, scales and coverage contact BGS Enquiries.
How to find the maps relevant to your area
If you need to identify relevant maps available for your area before placing an order, we have a search facility on the Geoindex.
You can navigate to your area by inserting a postcode, grid reference, place name in the 'Enter location' field. You then need to 'Add Data' and select the relevant item from the 'Products' data layer. This will enable you to identify the correct map title and number before placing an order via the Online Bookshop or viewing it on the portal.
