Applied geological maps for planning and development: a review of examples from England and Wales, 1983 to 1996

Abstract

The former Department of the Environment has commissioned 35 applied geological mapping studies dealing with land-use planning in a range of geological and planning environments. These were carried out in England and Wales between 1983 and 1996. Using geological maps as a base these studies have developed two types of applied geological maps: thematic maps dealing with particular topics and summary maps bringing together many of the earth science factors relevant to planners and developers. The recommendations made by Geomorphological Services Limited (GSL) in 1985 in a previous review of these studies are summarized. The output, type and range of information, and its potential users are compared. Each study is assessed, with respect to the GSL recommendations, in terms of its content and usefulness, based in part on how it has been received by users. The main types of summary and thematic maps are described and guidance given on their content and presentation. The importance of maps in providing the key interface between earth scientists and planners is discussed, in particular the significance of map scale, use of colour and accuracy of the geological lines. Good practise is illustrated by reference to examples.

Approaches to inform redevelopment of brownfield sites: An example from the Leeds area of the West Yorkshire coalfield, UK

“…The distribution of artificial ground is also included, comprising material placed on the ground surface, such as colliery spoil, and areas where the ground surface has been artificially lowered through shallow mining activities. An investigation into the benefits of these themed geological maps for planners and developers recommended that such studies are kept up-to-date in order to remain relevant and accurately describe the current ground conditions (Smith and Ellison 1999), especially in areas that have experienced extensive or multiple phases of development. Waters et al (1996) provide guidance to planners and developers, and quote contemporary mineral planning policy, which states that planning permission applications should take into account mineral resources, either by protecting them, or extracting them before development takes place.…”

Methodology for creating national engineering geological maps of the UK

“…Lithology, mineralogy, grain size and texture were determined using the BGS Lexicon of Named Rock Units (Lowe 1993), BGS geological map sheet explanations (mainly at 1:50 000 scale) and geological memoirs and BGS and Geological Society Regional Guides. Geotechnical property and engineering behaviour information were obtained from assessment of the BGS strength dataset (Busby et al 2009), the BGS National Geotechnical Database (Self & Entwisle 2006), BGS engineering geological reports on selected UK groups and formations (Forster et al 1994;Hobbs et al 2002Hobbs et al , 2005 and thematic or applied geological mapping reports (reviewed by Culshaw et al 1988;Smith & Ellison 1999).…”

“…Several medium-scale (1:25 000 and 1:50 000) engineering geological maps were produced by the British Geological Survey (see Culshaw & Price 2011) and a range of others were produced for selected urban development areas; for example, Bradford, Bath, NE Wales and Wigan (Forster et al 1987(Forster et al , 2004Waters et al 1996;Culshaw 2004b) as part of a research programme funded and managed by those government departments responsible for land-use planning (Culshaw et al 1988;Smith & Ellison 1999).…”

From concept towards reality: developing the attributed 3D geological model of the shallow subsurface

“…It was envisaged that a series of map outputs would be produced; these would be of three types: factual maps, derived maps and synthesised (or summary) maps. The full range of applied maps produced for England and Wales was described by Smith and Ellison (1999) but additional studies were also carried out in Scotland (Culshaw et al 1990, McMillan andBrowne 1987). The early map outputs were all in paper form (for example, Deeside, North Wales [Culshaw 2004]).…”