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.

Abstract The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) has been furthering the geoscientific understanding of Canada since its inception in 1842, the equivalent of seven generations ago. The evolution of the activities of the GSC over this period has been driven by evolving geographic, economic and political contexts and needs. Likewise, new technologies and evolving scientific methods and models shaped broadly the successive generations of GSC geoscience activities. The most recent GSC generation presented a mixed portfolio of large framework mapping geoscience programmes, and more targeted, hypothesis-driven geoscience research, and the development of decision support products for a range of government, industry and other stakeholders needs. Entering its eighth generation, the GSC and related organizations are embracing digital technologies for applications such as the evaluation of mineral resource potential, the evaluation of risks and the early warning of earthquakes. In order to do so, the GSC will need to develop new methods and systems in co-operation with other geological survey organizations, and target its data acquisition and research to further advance its ability to respond to the evolving needs of society to navigate geology through space and time, from the past to the present, and from the present to the future.

Abstract Global population growth, urbanization, increasing standards of living in many developing countries, climate change and reformation of (renewable) energy supply are among the most important trends of the twenty-first century, accompanied by a continuous need for conflict mitigation and peacekeeping as well as civil society's right to political participation. Goals for global sustainable development relate directly to the role and key expertise of geological surveys. The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources of Germany (BGR) supports these goals by adapting its agenda and scientific skills to global needs under the paradigm of ‘sustainability, responsibility and safety’. Our understanding of sustainability is the balance between economy, ecology and societal needs. Here, we report on the results of the recent adaption process within the BGR, giving a forecast for the upcoming decade. From now on, we will screen socio-economic developments continuously and adapt our work to the needs in politics, economy and society based on our knowledge and experience acquired over the last decades.

Abstract Geological survey was first set up in Malaysia in 1903 mainly to facilitate tin mining activities that were started in the 1820s. Nevertheless, upon merging with the Department of Mines to form the Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG), and also in order to meet the changing national needs, the new department has become increasingly relevant to a wide range of important national issues that help improve the well-being of society and contribute to the socio-economic development, an aspect that this paper describes. The changing role of the department is well reflected by the department being listed as a member of more than 57 technical committees in the country in the field of land-use planning, groundwater-resources management and mitigation of hazards. As we advance into the future, the department needs to ensure it is capable of rendering a more holistic service covering a wider spectrum of geological and geoscience activities to cater for the ever-increasing demands from society, industries, stakeholders and the government. For that reason, the Geological Survey Act, 1974 is being revised to beef up and provide the necessary jurisdiction in line with the duties, responsibilities and roles played by the JMG.

Abstract A holistic understanding of the oceans as part of the Earth system is imperative for the future management and sustainable utilization of the ocean's natural resources. Increasing pressures on global resources have been accompanied by important advances in acoustic remote sensing technologies, allowing us to map the seabed in unprecedented detail. The MAREANO (Marine areal database for Norwegian waters) programme in Norway, one of the world's largest seabed mapping programmes, is designed to close the knowledge gaps with the use of the new technologies. To date, since the start in 2005, c. 1170 million NOK (Norwegian kroner), equivalent to c. US$115m have been allocated to this programme (2005–20). This paper outlines the development of MAREANO and other large marine mapping and science programme proposals in Norway, and considers which factors influenced whether they were realized or not. In conclusion, funding of MAREANO came as a result of the convergence of political needs, technical capacity and multi-institutional co-operation. We further give an overview of the new and improved seabed mapping technologies, and finally we discuss the Norwegian programmes in connection with similar major international ongoing programmes and new initiatives and take a look at possible advances in future seabed mapping.

Abstract Geological Survey Ireland is a division of a government department and has typical origins as a geological survey founded to map the nation's natural resources. In recent years it has changed focus from more traditional geological mapping activities and methods to carrying out major projects of national societal value using, and developing, the latest technology. Programmes include one of the world's largest seabed surveys INFOMAR, a national groundwater mapping and protection programme, and modern geophysical and geochemical mapping under its Tellus programme. In addition the Survey has developed a successful geoscience research programme and a business cluster, Geoscience Ireland. By focusing on stakeholder engagement, effective communication of the value of geoscience and maintaining scientific rigour, geological surveys can be as relevant today as when they were founded.

Abstract EuroGeoSurveys (EGS) is a not-for-profit organization representing 37 national geological surveys and some regional surveys; it has an overall workforce of several thousand experts. EGS members provide official, interoperable, homogeneous, reliable, INSPIRE (infrastructure for spatial information in the European Community)-compliant public data on the subsurface for the benefit of society in terms of circular economy development, sustainable management of the subsurface resources, understanding and combatting climate change and the development of infrastructures and mitigation of geology-related natural hazards. The EGS is committed to establishing a geological service for Europe based on three pillars: (1) joint research with impact on EU policy level, which is being implemented through the GeoERA programme (Establishing the European Geological Surveys Research Area to deliver a Geological Service for Europe); (2) harmonizing and sharing pan-European geological data, through the European Geological Data Infrastructure (EGDI); and (3) sharing knowledge, capacities and infrastructure, through the pan-African support to the EGS-Organization of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) Partnership (PanAfGeo project). The EGS will continue to support the EU in its transition to a low-carbon, climate-neutral, resource-efficient, socially and environmentally resilient economy, in full compliance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Abstract The China Geological Survey (CGS) is affiliated to the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, and is responsible for the unified deployment, organization and implementation of basic, public and strategic geological surveying and mineral exploration, providing basic geological data and information for economic and social development, and responding to public demands. Over the past 20 years, the CGS has been focusing on the national key development strategies and undertaking geological surveys to support the nation's resources and energy security, regional economic development, disaster prevention and mitigation, poverty alleviation, and other related undertakings. Specifically, the CGS has been playing a role in the following areas: assessment of mineral resources, energy resources, urban geology and geo-environment, as well as offering update and application of geodata for public and several other services.

Abstract Lithuania is a comparatively small country (65 000 km 2 ) with prevailing flat, glacial and post glacial relief composed of soft sediments without any rocky formations visible on the surface. There are no underground mines, but rather only pits for sand and gravel and few quarries of dolomite and limestone. Oil is produced from 15 oil fields in the west of the country. All potable water is taken from aquifers, with negligible if any concern. Most people, therefore, know very little about the geology of Lithuania and hardly realize what the Geological Survey is doing. Only in rare cases of hazardous events, like the Kaliningrad earthquake in 2004, or landslides devastating Gediminas Hill in 2016–17, or the largest karst sinkholes, is the name of the Geological Survey visible in the mass media. Nevertheless, the Geological Survey operates with several duties, private sector geological companies are generating business, and geosciences are on the agenda of scientific institutions. The aim of this study is to take a deeper look into the current factors that are determining the role of the Geological Survey of Lithuania at present, and to outline circumstances which could influence the role of the Survey in the future.

Abstract The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) has over 130 years of history in mapping and studying mineral resources and their sustainable use. This has resulted in a globally top-ranking geodatabase and profound knowledge of Finnish geology and mineral resources, and has had a crucial impact on the continuously developing mining and exploration business in Finland. The basic mandate of the GTK has remained the same, but the strategic focus and mode of operation have changed considerably to meet new demands. Today, the GTK plays a vital role in providing geoscientific expertise and specialist services for a wide range of stakeholders and commercial clients in government, the business sector, academia and the wider community, in Finland and internationally. The GTK is actively building new ways to co-operate with universities, research organizations and companies to support future development and to expand its own expertise. This is further supported by the proactive use of cutting-edge technologies, such as the geomaterials research infrastructure, which allows studies from the nanoscale up to kilotons for diverse applications of mineral materials. The GTK plans to further strengthen its role as a key player in the minerals sector innovation ecosystems with a focus on primary minerals, the circular economy, digital solutions and water issues, which are expected to be essential factors for sustainable development through the 2020s and beyond. The GTK's main challenge is to ensure the continuous enhancement and renewal of expertise, to adapt and respond to future opportunities.

Abstract The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) has a long history and over the years there has been a strong focus on traditional survey work such as geological mapping, research and advice to authorities on questions related to geological and natural resources. Many of the services provided are continuing in the years to come but modern, complex society engenders new questions, where decisions must be based on the best available knowledge, and geological surveys are key players to provide this knowledge to governments. In the new millennium, GEUS has entered into a number of long-term environmental monitoring programmes and several political sensitive projects. Key examples described include groundwater monitoring, assessment of the risk of pesticide leaching to the groundwater, disposal of low-radioactive waste, Carbon Capture and Storage the Continental Shelf Project of the Kingdom of Denmark, monitoring of the Greenland Inland Ice, and other activities on the ice shield. It is expected that GEUS will be involved in even more such studies in the coming years and that the modernization of classical studies will continue. The revised strategy of GEUS to be launched in 2020 will be focused on the institutions input to meet the United Nations sustainable goals.