Geodiversity is defined as the natural range (diversity) of geological features (rocks, minerals, fossils, structures), geomorphological features (landforms and processes), soil and water features that make up the landscape. It forms the non-biological substrate and context for all living things, including human life.

Geodiversity underpins the variety of our physical landscapes through rock type, topography, drainage pattern and soils. It provides the depth dimension to understanding the evolution of our physical environment.

Geodiversity is valued as a natural asset in its own right, and also for its utilitarian value through the ecosystem services it performs in our landscape, including provision of water and minerals, climate regulation, flood protection, soil formation and intangible cultural assets.