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In the second half of 2026 SCAN will conduct a geophysical survey in 15 municipalities: Aalsmeer, Almere, Alphen aan den Rijn, Amsterdam, Amstelveen, De Ronde Venen, Diemen, Gooise Meren, Haarlemmermeer, Kaag en Braassem, Landsmeer, Nieuwkoop, Oostzaan, Uithoorn and Zaanstad.

This additional survey maps the subsurface in two dimensions, which is why this type of research is referred to as 2D seismic surveying. The goal is to collect more data about the deep subsurface. This information is needed for the development of geothermal energy as a sustainable heat source, to heat homes and office buildings using natural resources from within the earth.

Previous research by SCAN

This project is a follow-up of the national seismic campaign (2019–2022), the 3D seismic survey in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area (2025), a research well in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel (2023), and a research well on Strandeiland Amsterdam (2025).

Status en planning

• March - June 2026

  Preparatory work

• June 2026

  Survey takes place

• September 2026

  Completion of the survey, removal of ground microphones, and dismantling of the field office

• September 2027

  Completion of data (subject to change)

Where the survey takes place

On this map, the lines along which the geophysical survey will be carried out are indicated in blue and yellow. The survey takes place to a depth of approximately four kilometres.

Throughout the entire region, ground microphones (geophones) are placed in grass, fields, or on pavements during the survey. These small white-orange recording units capture sound waves that reflect off the underlying earth layers. Each geophone has an information sticker on top. Once the survey is completed, they will be removed.

Collaboration 

Geothermal energy is an important source for making district heating systems more sustainable. This is a major challenge, which is why multiple parties have joined forces, including financially. Part of this geophysical survey (the blue survey lines on the map) is funded through a subsidy from the SCAN programme, as well as by the Municipality of Amsterdam and Westpoort Warmte B.V. Another part (the yellow survey lines) is funded by Gaia Energy and EBN, with a subsidy from the Province of North Holland. The SCAN Operations Team will combine both surveys in the execution.