The digital scans of these open borehole records can be accessed through the BGS GeoIndex viewer. Despite being held in digital format (usually PDF), the information within these documents is not yet standardised and often requires translating before being able to be used.

BGS believes it is essential that future generations have access to historical borehole data as Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) file format.

The BGS wants the public to help it convert its records into AGS format, to improve the availability and accessibility of borehole information to a wider audience. This in turn will enable users to build better models, save costs on construction projects and reduce the amount of time lost due to unforeseen ground conditions.

Once the borehole records have been converted, the BGS estimates that over 800,000 more downhole geology logs will be available for everyone to use. This data can feed directly into site investigations, conceptual ground models and academic projects, as well as provide the data necessary to perform even greater analyses on our subsurface in future.

The Big Borehole Dig aims to give people around the UK the tools they need to digitise downhole information, create an AGS file and send it back to BGS to store, so that everyone can benefit from it.

By helping the BGs to standardise data, people's contribution will help the UK take steps towards becoming a major subsurface information manager.

To get involved in the Big Borehole Dig people need to download the free Groundhog Desktop software, or alternatively if available access OpenGround (or Holebase SI).