In 2021, the Scientific Interest Group on Soils (Groupement d'intérêt scientifique sur les sols – Gis Sol), of which BRGM is a member, is organising three events to mark its 20th anniversary: a competition to create digital tools, a survey among users of soil data in France and a discussion day.
Taking samples from the surface layer of a 100-year old technosoil

Taking samples from the surface layer of a 100-year old technosoil that developed on foundry slag (Calais region, N France).

© BRGM

Competition to create digital tools

SOLathon and its 4 challenges is a competition for creating digital tools to improve the dissemination of available soil data and to add to the mass of available data by applying participatory science.

  • Challenge 1: Learn more about the soil near you 
  • Challenge 2: Join the soil observers (participatory science) 
  • Challenge 3: View the soils of France in 3D 
  • Challenge 4: Share soil data in strategy games

Course of the competition

  • Registration period: from 21 June 2021 to 15 November 2021
  • Official launch of the competition: 6 December 2021 on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of GIS Sol
  • Project design: from 7 December 2021 to 2 May 2022
  • Project analysis and audition: May 2022
  • Award ceremony: June 2022

Registration from 21 June to 15 November 2021

Survey among users of soil data in France

To better understand their needs, a survey has been launched among users of soil data in France: types of data, scales of work, topics, etc. The results of the survey will be presented during the 20 Years of Gis Sol Day

Discussion day

"20 Years of Gis Sol" Day on 6 December 2021 will be an occasion to present the activities carried out by Gis Sol since it was established in 2001, in particular the soil information it provides.

It will also be an opportunity to gather users' expectations on soils – a key environmental compartment. Rational management of its uses is increasingly recognised as essential for maintaining agricultural activities (food and non-food), land use planning, biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation and mitigation.

This all-day event will be held in the auditorium of the Tour Séquoia of the Ministry of Ecological Transition at La Défense on 6 December 2021. It will also be possible to attend remotely.

Registration until 15 October 2021

About Gis Sol

Gis Sol compiles and manages an information system on the soils of France to meet the requirements of public authorities and society. It coordinates the geographical soil inventory programme and the monitoring of soil properties and characteristics and, for this purpose, is based on four complementary projects:

  • Soil inventory, management and conservation (IGCS);
  • Soil quality measurement network (RMQS);
  • Soil analysis database (BDAT);
  • National trace metal analysis collection (BDETM).

BRGM has been a member of Gis Sol since the end of 2020.