OneGeology: Providing Geoscience Data Globally
Monday, 25 May 2015, 1500 – 1730 hrs

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

OneGeology is an initiative of Geological Survey Organisations around the globe (119 countries involved) that dates back to 2007. Since then OneGeology has been a leader in developing geological online map data using a new international standard – a geological exchange language known as the ‘GeoSciML’. Increased use of this new language allows geological data to be shared and integrated across the planet among organisations. One of primary goals of OneGeology is a transfer of know-how to the developing world, shortening the digital learning curve.

In autumn 2013 OneGeology was transformed into a Consortium with a transparent governance structure, making it more official, its operation more flexible, and its membership more open where in addition to GSO’s, other types of organisation that manage geoscience data can join and contribute. The next stage of the OneGeology initiative is focused on increasing the openness and richness of that data from individual countries to create a multi-thematic global geological data resource on the rocks beneath our feet. This will enhance the geodata application potential in numerous public and industry domains. Authoritative geoscience information will help to mitigate or prevent natural disasters, manage resources (water, minerals and energy) and identify risks to human health on a cross-border, regional and planetary scale.

With this new stage, renewed OneGeology objectives were defined 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 general public. We live in a digital world that enables prompt access to vast amounts of open access data. Understanding our world, the geology beneath our feet and environmental challenges related to geology calls for accessibility of geoscience data and OneGeology Portal (portal.onegeology.org) is the place to find them.

The objectives of the workshop will be to illustrate and discuss the future-evolution of this international platform in terms of:

• scope (assessing the needs and trends of transition from geological map data to geoscience data including 3D models),
• organisation model to ensure sustainability (from project to Consortium (and beyond?)),
• comparison/testing the model with similar/sister models,
• role in supporting standard development , and platform to ensure coordination of continental-scale initiatives (such as INSPIRE, USGIN in US or CCOP in Asia)for adoption of common standards and practices.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Geoscience experts
Users / Stakeholders: mining, oil and gas, groundwater, mineral resources,…
Leaders of national, regional, global and thematic SDIs
Members of international standard organisations and alliances
Funding organisations (Belmont Forum, Research agencies,…)

DETAILED WORKSHOP AGENDA

The workshop will invite contributions from OneGeology team as well as stakeholders and sister initiatives for benchmarking. Agenda:

• Welcome, presentation of the Workshop
• What is OneGeology in 2015?
• What are sustainable models for global platforms?
• A link between regional initiatives (ie INSPIRE, USGIN)
• Trigger for the development and adoption of standards
• Open discussion
• Conclusions