Abstract Knowledge management plays an important role in scientific research and provides a basis for technical development in the era of Big Data. Studies of Cenozoic volcanoes in China have been undertaken for more than half a century, generating plentiful relevant literature and data. However, these data have stayed scattered between different authors and libraries, and this hampers management and access. Based on theories, knowledge bases and related technologies, we developed the Knowledge Base of Cenozoic Volcanoes (KBCV) to collect such volcanic data in China. The directory tree of the KBCV is structured based on five levels according to the volcano distribution, magma origin, data type and file format. The KBCV supports querying, searching and browsing. It can provide well-managed Cenozoic volcanic data and technical support for scientific research and public communication. The KBCV is still in its early stages and is imperfect with respect to data completeness and universalization of the system, and efforts are being made to continuously develop and popularize the system.

Abstract This volume is a collection of papers authored by senior managers and heads of Geological Survey organizations (GSOs) from around the world in an attempt to provide a benchmark on how GSOs are responding to national and international needs in a rapidly changing world. GSOs face an uncertain future and need to understand global trends. Whereas population trends are somewhat predictable, societal responses to change are much less so and technological change is fundamentally disruptive and chaotic. As countries adopt sustainable development principles and the public becomes increasingly (but not necessarily reliably) informed about environmental issues using social media, the integration of resource development and environmental stewardship becomes increasingly important. GSOs will continue to provide key information about Earth systems, natural hazards and climate change in this context. This introduction comprises a short review of the global trends affecting GSOs, a snapshot of the state of GSOs, examples of how GSOs are adapting their activities to the modern world, including the growing use of big data, and an examination of international collaboration between GSOs. The time is perhaps ripe to reinforce international collaborations through a global network of GSOs. To achieve this will require leadership and a focus on the big picture of global sustainability.