27 August 2015
The Geological Society of London, in partnership with mapping and analytics company Esri UK, have launched a 100 Great Geosites mobile app, following the success of the 2014 project.
The list, announced at the start of Earth Science Week in October 2014, features 100 geological sites which can be visited by the public, and which highlight the UK and Ireland’s unique geological heritage.
‘We’re thrilled to be launching a mobile app in time for Earth Science Week 2015’ says Professor Rob Butler, who led the project as former Chair of the Geological Society’s Geoconservation Committee. ‘Users can now browse the sites whilst out and about in the field, on holiday or just on their daily commute. By making the sites and their locations more accessible, we hope even more people will be able to take advantage of the amazing geological sites all around us.’
The app is available now to download free on both the iTunes and Google Play app stores. Containing images, site descriptions and links to further information, it allows users to search for geosites near their location, and switch between satellite maps or road maps in order to plan their route.
The diverse range of geosites included in the list range from classic geological locations such as Siccar Point in Berwickshire, to museums such as the Rotunda Museum in Scarborough. The list, which was compiled from over 400 public nominations, is divided into 10 categories including Landscape, Educational, Historical and Scientific Importance and Coastal. It also names 10 ‘people’s favourites’, as voted for by over 1,200 members of the public.
“We are delighted to have worked on this exciting project’ says Matt Jones, Technical Research Consultant at Esri UK. ‘Plotting the Geosites on a map and putting that map in a user’s pocket makes the sites more accessible than ever. By leveraging the power of the ArcGIS Platform and AppStudio we were able to create and publish the 100 Great Geosites mobile app for both Android and iOS without writing a single line of code”.
The app is launched in advance of Earth Science Week 2015 (10-18 October), an annual celebration of the UK and Ireland’s geological heritage. With a theme of ‘Geological Time’, the week will feature geowalks in both cities and the countryside, museum tours, talks and exhibitions.
“We have some of the most diverse geology in the world on our doorsteps’ says Professor Butler. ‘From the Outer Hebrides to Cornwall, from rocks showing how the crust formed billions of years ago to young sediments pushed around by ice sheets a few thousand years ago, we are unique in having such a varied geological heritage over a relatively small area.
‘We hope many people will download the 100 Great Geosites app, get involved in Earth Science Week and enjoy some of the geology that surrounds us all.’
CONTACT
Sarah Day, The Geological Society of London
[email protected]
0207 432 0954
Matt Jones, Esri UK
[email protected]
01296 745 503
NOTES
1. The 100 Great Geosites app can be downloaded from the iTunes store or from Google Play, via http://bit.ly/1JhmQWZ
2. Further information about the 100 Great Geosites project, including a link to an interactive map of the sites, can be found at http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/100geosites
3. The Geological Society is currently running a photo competition to produce a calendar featuring the sites, with a deadline of 21st September. For further information, visit http://blog.geolsoc.org.uk/100geositescomp
4. 100 Great Geosites interactive map and mobile app created by mapping and analytics company Esri UK www.esriuk.com, using AppStudio for ArcGIS http://www.esri.com/landing-pages/appstudio
5. The Geological Society of London, founded 1807, is a learned and professional body of over 11,000 Earth scientists with a remit to investigate, interpret, discuss, inform and advise on the nature and processes of the Earth, their practical importance to humanity, and, in the interests of the public, to promote professional excellence. The Society offers advice to Parliament and Government, at individual and corporate levels. Registered Charity No. 210161.