Strategic plan 2017-2020

STRATEGIC PLAN 2017 -2020 NGU IS NORWAY’S CENTRAL INSTITUTION FOR KNOWLEDGE ON BEDROCK, MINERAL RESOURCES, SURFICIAL DEPOSITS AND GROUNDWATER. OUR GEOLOGICAL MAPPING ACTIVITIES GUARANTEE COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS THAT OFFER BENEFITS TO SOCIETY

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GEOLOGY FOR SOCIETY

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NORWAY Tel : 73 90 40 00 www.ngu.no ngu@ngu.no Cover Photo Credit: Bjørn Willemoes-Wissing, NGU Layout: Communications and Community Relations

Contents GEOLOGY FOR SOCIETY / GEOLOGICAL MAPPING OF LAND AND SEA / GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT / MANAGING AND CUSTOMIZING GEODATA / PUBLICÂ RELATIONS, COMMUNICATION AND COOPERATION / ORGANIZATION AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Geological mapping and research can create value and secure financial return. By mapping and facilitating knowledge related to the bedrock and surficial deposits we can reveal the value of the subsurface, foresee the impacts of human activity on the environment and climate change, and determine the risk of landslides and other geohazards.

Geology for Society New industries depend on geoscience knowledge in order to face the challenges of further offshore and coastal development, the increasing urban population and growing complexity of the urban infrastructures, and the shift to a more eco-friendly, greener society. As Norway’s central geoscientific institution, NGU has the high level professional expertise of both onshore and marine areas that is required to see new solutions to societal challenges.

Population growth and urbanization are creating an increased demand for natural resources. From geoscience knowledge, NGU can identify areas for value creation and employment, as well as guide sustainable use and good management of the country’s geological resources.

The sustainable management of Norwegian territories requires a wide range of knowledge. NGU develops new insights on how geological processes affect and shape nature. Through collaboration with others in the scientific community, NGU is developing a compressive understanding of our natural system, both on land and at sea.

Sound solutions to the challenges of climate change require a multidisciplinary approach. NGU procures knowledge about our planet’s pre-historic climate, and the effect of climate change on the natural environment and society.

Society expects to be protected from the consequences of natural hazards and environmental toxins. NGU produces landslide hazard maps, participates in the national nuclear preparedness organization, and is expanding the knowledge base for radon hazards and the spread of toxic contaminants.

The public sector is expected to be efficient and prudent. NGU develops services and products for both private and public users so that they can perform their tasks better and more cost effectively.

NGU’s innovative movement towards digitization and open data will drive growth and development in an increasingly more digitalized industrial economy.

Geological mapping and the understanding of geological processes results in safe and secure communities. NGU acquires and prepares information that serves as a good platform for planning and development.

Foto: Jarand Løkeland, unsplash.com

Geological mapping of land and sea Understanding how Norway was formed and the underlying geological processes involved, requires a thorough understanding of nature and our surroundings. We need geoscience knowledge to identify geological resources, to be able to anticipate the consequences of human activity on the environment and on climate change.

Improved geological mapping and knowledge about geological processes will result in a safer society. NGU customizes the data it collects so that it can be used to expose our society’s vulnerability to geohazards, and to ensure geohazard preparedness.

• NGU will, at world class level, develop and manage knowledge about Norway’s geology and the processes that have shaped Norway’s land and sea areas in time and space.

• NGU will map Norway’s land and maritime regions with increased precision, and integrate the geophysical, geochemical and geological data to create high quality databases and map services.

• NGU will use new technologies to acquire data -- remote sensing on land and at sea -- and will further improve the digital workflow: from the field and data interpretation, to the end product.

• NGU will obtain new knowledge about subsurface geology, and develop 3D models of bedrock and surficial deposits on the land and on the continental shelf.

• NGU will, together with Institute of Marine Research, continue the

NGU collaborates with a number of players to reduce the vulnerability of communities to landslides, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, radon and environmental toxins. Our work ensures a good platform for urban planning and development.

Geological understanding and research-based mapping of our land and ocean regions is the core of NGUs business. NGU has moved towards a digital mapping workflow using advanced equipment for collecting field data. NGU promotes innovation and new thinking by giving room for both basic and applied research.

MAREANO mapping programme, and conduct new marine mapping of coastal and fjord areas in Norway.

• NGU will improve the understanding of landslide processes, and map areas that are susceptible to landslides, rock falls, landslides and quick-clay slides (hazard, consequence and risk).

• NGU will map and examine the processes related to the geohazards in ocean regions, such as earthquakes, submarine landslides, gas hydrates and seabed stability.

• NGU will improve our understanding of the effects of climate change on our physical environment in the past, present, and future.

A shift to a greener and more environmentally friendly future depends on an increased access to a broad range of minerals.

Geological resources and environment Natural resources are a significant source of value creation in Norway. The shift to a greener, more environmentally friendly way of life requires increased access to a broad range of minerals and new materials. The building blocks of this newest stone-age are the rare minerals which are necessary to produce environmentally friendly energy, and which are used in the new, smart technologies that provide solutions in everyday life.

• NGU will continue to map mineral resources using geophysical surveys, regional geochemical data sets and up-to-date knowledge about localities with valuable future mineral resources.

• NGU will assist with mapping geological resources in the deep sea, and with generating geological interpretations of marine areas in collaboration with other research institutions and public agencies.

• NGU will assemble and disseminate knowledge on mineral resources and building materials, and facilitate sustainable use and sound management of mineral raw materials.

• NGU will map, interpret, and communicate information related to radon-risk, and contribute modern measurement systems in Norway's nuclear preparedness programmes.

• NGU will conduct geochemical mapping to identify and make known environmental contaminants, from both anthropogenic and natural sources.

In the coming years, communities will be benefit from the improved exploitation of groundwater, and technological advances in alternative energy sources. NGU is carrying out the necessary geophysical, geological and geochemical mapping and research of Norway’s geological resources. NGU’s activities will provide the basis for future value creation, and aid in the transition to a greener future.

• NGU will develop and implement new methods for mapping and modelling the subsurface to ensure improved rural and urban planning, and to facilitate cost-effective, reliable and safe infrastructure development.

• NGU wil contribute to mapping and monitoring of groundwater resources. This will secure high-quality water for the public, and optimal use of groundwater for energy purposes.

• NGU will promote geodiversity and ensure the use of geological data in managing natural values and as a basis for experiencing nature.

• NGU will further develop modern, high-quality laboratory services.

NGU’s data and IT-services will be high quality and worth using. Data should be easily accessible, downloadable and free.

Managing and customizing geodata NGU manages and facilitates national geodata as a common asset for industry and public agencies. NGU is an active partner in national and international geodata infrastructure, and is actively working to realize the objectives of the Digital Agenda for Norway (White Paper no. 27, 2015/16). NGU’s data and services will be of high quality, relevance and utility. Data should be easily accessible, and freely downloadable.. New and improved technology makes it faster and easier to collect, manage, interpret, and disseminate data.

The technological infrastructure of NGU will continually identify and satisfy demands related to efficiency, standardization, information security and mobility. NGU will be at the cutting-edge in its use of new technologies, and will promote the focused and active use of information and communication technology (ICT). NGU develops an ICT operating environment and services that are modern, stable, secure and user-friendly.

• NGU will further develop standardized delivery of data for national database and map services as a key part of Digital Norway, and in accordance with national laws and current European Union directives.

• NGU will make geological information easily accessible through open, digital solutions. NGU will be at the international forefront of advanced communication solutions on all digital platforms.

• NGU will develop technological solutions that promote user-friendly and mobile services.

• NGU will increase the utility and accessibility of maps and data, through new customized internet services, which will include past publications and maps.

• NGU will customize data-delivery to different users, adapt data to new technological developments, and develop software and methodologies for 3D modeling, and the standardization, visualization and exchange of 3D data.

NGU ensures that geological knowledge is available and comprehensible to different stakeholders.

Public relations, communication and cooperation NGU will be an attractive partner for industry, research and educational institutions, and public agencies. NGU will strengthen cooperation and improve the quality and societal relevance of NGU's tasks.

• NGU will strengthen dialogue with society, and be visible, reliable and committed to the public in matters affecting NGU’s areas of competence.

• NGU will be an attractive meeting place for relevant professional forums, both nationally and internationally.

• NGU will be an active partner in the EuroGeoSurveys and strengthen cooperation with other R&D communities, at home and abroad, including participation and establishment of knowledge centers.

Through systematic and targeted public relations, NGU will communicate geological knowledge to ensure improved value creation, environment management, and the safety of communities. NGU will ensure that geological knowledge is available and comprehensible to all stakeholders.

Organization and personal development NGU will be an attractive workplace with high professional competance and opportunities for professional and personal development within a good working environment. NGU recruits and cultivates competent and committed employees in its international environment.

Co-determination and a good dialogue with union representatives contribute to a good working environment. Health, safety and environment issues in the workplace are high priority in the organization.

NGU keeps pace with changes in society, adapts to new demands and is ready with flexible solutions. NGU actively strives to ensure gender equality, and equal opportunities, rights and privileges for its entire staff.

NGU leaders are clear and inclusive. NGU is committed to interdisciplinary cooperation at all levels in order to meet the growing demand for high quality research, development and mapping.

NGU follows the State’s ethical guidelines, which are adhered to in all research activities and when cooperating with public and private actors.

• NGU will ensure that all staff continually and systematically pursue professional development.

• NGU will systematically conduct assessments of the work environment, and follow-up on the issues identified.

• NGU will operate cost effectively, providing latitude in the workplace, through good routines, systems and tools.

• NGU will ensure an inclusive working environment and take necessary measures to keep sick-leave low.

• NGU will have appropriate internal assessment practices, and quality assurance systems that ensure good management of goals and results.

NGU’s main goal

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Long-term value creation from geological resources Increased use of geoscience knowledge in spatial planning and development Enhanced knowledge of the country’s construction and geological processes Good communication, management and customization of geological knowledge Increased quality and efficiency through good interaction, internally and externally

The Geological Survey of Norway (NGU) was established in 1858 and is subject to The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries (NFD). As a research-based agency, NGU is the national authority on geoscientific questions.

Advanced knowledge on the physical, chemical and mineralogical properties of bedrock, deposits and groundwater on land and marine areas in Norway is the core of NGU’s business. Through research, mapping and method development, we can gain fundamental knowledge. NGU gives priority to the user’s need for development and customization of databases, maps, services and products.

Our motto is Geology for Society. When it comes to the central social challenges, we plan to be relevant. We present comprehensive information that provides good solutions for the betterment of society.

We will be a prominent geological survey that uses sound data and new technology to map Norway, in order to better understand and communicate information about the geological processes that are relevant for our daily lives, both on land and at sea.

The activities of our entire institution will benefit society, in the short and long term. We will cooperate in the development of a sustainable society by effectively using funding, and contribute to value creation, security and major financial savings.

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