Ontario Geological Survey

Who We Are

The Ontario Geological Survey (OGS) is a provincial government organization that

• contributes to Ontario’s quality of life and economic development
• helps implement government public policy by collecting and applying relevant information about Ontario’s geology and geological resources
• helps attract mineral investment

 

Our scientists provide information about the geology of Ontario by describing

• the rocks, sand and gravel deposits left behind by glaciers
• the minerals, groundwater and non-renewable energy sources that are in the rocks

Our Clients

• Any person who needs to understand or use geological or geological resource information.
• The mineral exploration and mining industries and aggregate producers that invest in, explore and develop Ontario’s minerals and aggregates.
• Universities and research institutions that need information for geoscience research projects.
• Municipalities, conservation areas, environmental and other organizations that are doing land-use planning.
• The Ontario government, which develops policies to best serve the public interest, and which promotes Ontario’s mineral resources to investors.

What We Provide

Are you looking for geological data and information?

We provide geological data, information and knowledge through geological mapping, geophysical surveying, data management, applied research and publications.

• Field work: Our geoscience staff examines Ontario’s geology by carrying out field mapping projects.
• Publications: Our editors, cartographers and GIS technicians create publications in both digital and paper format for public distribution.
• Distribution: We sell our geological reports, maps and digital data sets online and at our sales counters.

Are you looking for geological advice and services?

We provide geological advice and services so you can make informed decisions about matters involving Ontario’s geology, minerals, groundwater and non-renewable resources.

• Information broker: Our staff can help you understand what geological data are available and how to use and apply geology to address a wide variety of needs, including

• identifying geological hazards
• identifying mineral exploration opportunities
• land-use planning and development
• understanding the regional geological settings
• search for groundwater
• landforms and relation to the landscape
• geological influence on the environment

• Laboratory work: Our Geoscience Laboratories conduct testing and chemical analysis of rocks, water and soils and provides geological reference standards. The Geo Labs provide these services primarily to the OGS, but also to other government, academic, exploration, mining, environmental, industrial and research organizations.
• Marketing: Through our marketing efforts, we inform the world about the geological information available describing Ontario, including the mineral exploration investment opportunities.
• Geological reference library: Our John B. Gammon Geoscience Library provides a

• source of geological information describing Ontario
• wide range of general geological journals, books and maps