Illinois State Geological Survey

The Illinois State Geological Survey is one of Illinois’ state scientific surveys and is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. On its official site, ISGS says its role is to support environmental quality, economic development, and public safety by providing accurate, objective earth-science research and information.

Its research spans both basic and applied geology. ISGS staff study topics such as energy and mineral resources, groundwater, geologic mapping, and hazards, while also maintaining major geological records and data resources for the state. The survey describes itself as the official state repository for drilling records, with records for more than 500,000 wells, borings, and test holes in Illinois.

ISGS also points to a history reaching back to 1905, and its publications highlight an even longer tradition of geological work in Illinois. Today, within the Prairie Research Institute, it continues that mission by combining fieldwork, data stewardship, and public-facing science to help communities, researchers, and decision-makers better understand Illinois geology.