Tellus
The Tellus survey is a national programme to gather geochemical and geophysical data across Ireland – in other words, to examine the chemical and physical properties of our soil, rocks and water.
Tellus is undertaken by Geological Survey Ireland and is funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. All data from Tellus is made available free of charge online.
Tellus involves two types of surveying:
– airborne geophysical surveying using a low-flying aircraft. To find out where the Tellus aircraft is flying you can view the weekly flight plan here.
– ground-based geochemical surveying of soil, stream water and stream sediment. Check out where our ground survey teams are sampling here.
For more information on the Tellus survey contact the Tellus Freephone Information line on 1800 45 55 65.
Ireland completes airborne geophysics survey – mapping the entire country
After 16 years and over 440,000 km of flying the Tellus Programme has undertaken its final flight.
Geological Survey plane collecting geophysical data in Kerry and Clare in 2025
The Tellus survey is undertaking the final phases of a national airborne survey over counties Kerry and Clare this year.
Release of New Tellus Geochemistry Data for the Southeast
Tellus has released new topsoil geochemical data for the G7 & G9 survey blocks, covering the southeast of the country
Tellus County Maps are now available for download
Geophysical maps of different counties of Ireland are now available to be downloaded
Projects
Current ground survey area
Current airborne survey area
Terra Soil
Mineral Prospectivity Mapping (MPM)
Geochemistry & Soil Recovery Facilities
Activities
Find out more about our ground and airborne field operations, education, applications of Tellus data and guidelines and factsheets.
Data & Maps
Tellus collects geochemical and geophysical data that will inform the management of Ireland’s environment and natural resources.
Research
Tellus undertakes research with a range of collaborators in order to maximise the societal and economic benefits of the geochemical and geophysical data. Explore the themes to see how Tellus data is being used to benefit society.
Related News
24 June 2026
Ireland completes airborne geophysics survey – mapping the entire country
13 May 2026
5 Graduate Geologist positions now available at Geological Survey Ireland
Related Publications
17 April 2025
An assessment of the impact of the Geological Survey Ireland Research Funding Programme
09 May 2024
The Geological Heritage of County Cork