BGS Sigma mobile : the BGS digital field mapping system in action

The British Geological Survey (BGS) first explored the concept of digital field data collection in the early 1990’s, with the conclusion that the mobile computing hardware at that time was not suitable. The development was therefore postponed indefinitely. However a stakeholder review of onshore geological mapping, including the means of collecting data, was undertaken in 2001. The review proposed a major change in survey methodology to include “digital field data capture and desk-top compilation” with “a consistent approach across all terrains and scales of survey” (Walton and Lee, 2001). These review outcomes initiated a major new project to update our mapping systems and workflow; the project was called SIGMA (System for Integrated Geoscience Mapping). One outcome of the new workflow is an implemented digital field data collection system designed and built in BGS; it is called BGS·SIGMAmobile. The system has won awards from both ESRI and the AGI (UK Association for Geographic Information). Using examples from current mapping projects, this paper briefly outlines the current capabilities of the BGS system, which is available for free download from the BGS Internet site (as described in more detail below)