Paleontology and GIS

Caitlin Dempsey

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Often, GIS is used to look at current trends and to predict future ones. GIS also has a use in understanding the conditions of the past, going as far back as prehistoric times. Listed here are resources that use geopatial technology in the field of paleontology.

MioMap
From the web site: “MioMap integrates Geographic Information System (GIS) with a detailed Miocene database to provide comprehensive spatial and temporal analysis of Miocene mammal taxa for the Western United States.” The site provides interactive maps (using Google Maps) and downloadable data in Excel format.

mio-map

PALEOMAP Project
Maintained by Christopher R. Cortese of the University of Texas at Arlington, this site contains a multitude of maps and 3D animations demonstrating the earth’s history and climatic changes. In addition, ESH-GIS 2.0, ArcView shapefiles of paleoreconstructions are available for purchase.

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About the author
Caitlin Dempsey
Caitlin Dempsey is the editor of Geography Realm and holds a master's degree in Geography from UCLA as well as a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from SJSU.

1 thought on “Paleontology and GIS”

  1. I am also going to use GIS in my palaeontological research and this website might be very usefull for my research work.

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