26-1 PaleoMapper: New Software for Simple and Accessible Paleogeographic Map Generation

Session: Geologic Maps, Geophysical Maps, 3-D Geologic Models, Digital Mapping Techniques, Map Derivatives, and Digital Map preparation (Posters)

Presenting Author:

Authors:

Abstract:

Current paleogeographic map-making software (e.g., GPlates) often requires computational knowledge and has a steep learning curve associated with the application. This software comes with many powerful features, such as data construction and manipulation, that complicates basic map generation. Users without coding skills, those that are not knowledgeable about plate tectonic reconstructions, or those that do not need to generate maps frequently, experience a high barrier when attempting to create paleogeographic maps.

PaleoMapper is a simple Python-based map-making application that provides users with a quick way to generate paleogeographic maps and animations. Users can easily upload user-defined data and choose from a variety of map settings in order to generate figures for publications and presentations. In-depth knowledge of computer science and plate tectonic reconstructions is not required to run PaleoMapper. The map settings are highly customizable. PaleoMapper comes loaded with all of the data necessary for map generation, such as a global plate model and coastline and country boundary data, though other files can added from a library of digital geographic data.

The poster session will include map examples, a walkthrough of the interface and features, and a live demo of PaleoMapper. 

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 1, 2026

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