OneGeology is a global initiative to improve the accessibility of geological map data, the interoperability of that data and the transfer and exchange of know-how and experience. Since its inception in 2006 it has been hugely successful and 106 nations are now participating with over 40 of those nations serving their data to a dynamic web map portal. OneGeology used the stimulus of the UN International Year of Planet Earth 2008 to begin the creation of an interoperable digital geological dataset of the planet. The intent was to design and initiate a multi-lateral and multi-national project that mobilised geological surveys to act as the drivers and sustainable data providers of this global dataset. We would synergistically use the vehicle of creating a tangible geological map to accelerate progress of an emerging global geoscience data model and interchange standard. Finally, the project would transfer know-how to developing countries and reduce the length and expense of their learning curve, while at the same time allow them to serve maps and data that could attract interest and investment. OneGeology is a child of its time – an open Internet paradigm, a project whose technical interoperability (sharing) goals are in reality its whole ethos. The project has been allowed to grow and extend as just as fast and as wide as its actors agree to take it, for the most part free from the territoriality and bureaucracy that frequently inhibit such international initiatives.

A basic principle of OneGeology is that it must be open to all geological surveys to participate, regardless of development status. The project has devised protocols and systems to ensure this. OneGeology is thus open to those who currently possess only traditional paper geological maps, and to those operating sophisticated web mapping systems. The end-user does not require specialist software, only access to the Internet via a web browser. Each survey either registers its web service with the OneGeology Portal or works with a partner survey (a “buddy”) to serve that data.The technical and organisational achievements of OneGeology to date are substantial and the global media profile considerable, but the big questions are: What is its next step? How will it sustain? How should OneGeology develop in the future?